Engineering Her Own Path: Heidi Koedam’s Journey from Industry to Inspiration

When Heidi Koedam reflects on her career, one word comes to mind: untraditional. And for her, that’s not just a description – it’s a badge of honor.

“If you know me outside of work,” she says with a smile, “you know I don’t follow a typical path. Not that I like to be difficult, but sometimes you have to make your own way.”

That mindset has guided Heidi through a career that bridges mechanical engineering, education, and workforce development. Now a senior project manager at the U-M Electric Vehicle Center, she brings all those experiences together to shape the future of EV talent in Michigan and beyond.

From Torque to Teaching Moments

Heidi began her career in a familiar place for engineers: Dana Incorporated. After earning her mechanical engineering degree from the University of Michigan, she jumped into co-ops and internships that led to a full-time position at the auto parts supplier. But it wasn’t long before a side opportunity changed her trajectory.

Dana sponsored a FIRST Robotics team, and Heidi signed up to be a mentor. What began as an extracurricular project soon became a calling.

“At the beginning, these high school students looked at building a robot like climbing an insurmountable mountain,” she recalls. “But then, little by little, they chipped away. They started to believe in themselves. Watching the lightbulbs go off, seeing that confidence grow, that was just magic for me.”

That magic sparked something deeper. Heidi returned to school for a master’s in education, convinced that teaching might be her true calling. And though life events briefly paused that pursuit – marriage, the birth of her first daughter, and supporting her husband’s career – her passion for empowering learners never dimmed.

She eventually returned to Dana in a new capacity, overseeing talent development and university relations. There, she helped shape technical training programs, intellectual property strategy, and a corporate-wide approach to lifelong learning. Her dual fluency in engineering and education proved invaluable.

Finding a Home in Workforce Transformation

After several different roles at Dana, including product development and working with school districts on STEM education, Heidi landed back at the University of Michigan. That return brought her full circle, allowing her to merge her two passions: engineering and education.

At the Electric Vehicle Center, Heidi supports Workforce Development by designing programs that prepare students, workers, and educators for the rapidly evolving world of EVs. She sees workforce development not as an afterthought, but as a strategic pillar.

“EVs aren’t just about technology,” she says. “They’re about people – and making sure people have the skills and access to thrive in this transition.”

She works closely with community colleges, industry partners, and K–12 educators to build the talent pipeline necessary to support the EV transition. Whether she’s coordinating listening sessions, helping design upskilling programs, or planning collaborative projects with industry partners, Heidi brings empathy and systems thinking to every conversation.

Her approach blends big-picture strategy with on-the-ground relationship building. She’s equally comfortable navigating policy roundtables and leading breakout sessions with educators. It’s all part of what she sees as a long game – building lasting partnerships, shifting mindsets, and opening doors.

A Personal Charge

As a mother of two daughters, Heidi sees her work through a deeply personal lens. She wants her children to grow up in a world where clean transportation is the norm, not the exception. And she wants them – and others – to see that you can succeed by forging your own path.

“It’s okay to pivot,” she says. “It’s okay to be multi-passionate. The through line for me has always been curiosity and a desire to help others grow.”

When she’s not working, Heidi recharges by spending time outdoors in her garden, exploring Michigan’s ski trails with her family, or baking a chocolate dessert. That same spirit of curiosity and creativity carries through all she does.

Heidi Koedam may not follow the usual road. But with her background in engineering, education, and empathy, she’s exactly the kind of leader needed to drive the EV workforce forward.