Life on the Road to Better, as Told by 4 Ford Employees

Behind every great brand are the people who bring it to life. This year, as part of the Integrated Sustainability and Financial Report launch, we asked employees to submit photos showing how their Ford vehicles are moving them forward. Four submissions stood out — each one a genuine reflection of what it means to be on the Road to Better:  

Sara Nelson 

• Located: I work at the new WHQ in Dearborn and live in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. 
• Ford Team: I am part of the Industrial System, Advanced Product Development, Cycle Planning & Programs on the Business Strategy and Operations Team. 
• Years at Ford: 5 
• Title: Business Operations and Strategy Lead 
• Role: I focus on operational excellence — building up our organization's capabilities, leveraging AI, and reducing waste through value stream mapping. 
• About your photo: Since 2011, we have raced our Lightning sailboat on Cass Lake. To continue that tradition sustainably, it was only fitting to launch our “Blue Moon” boat using the all-electric power of a blue F-150 Lightning. 
• First thing that comes to mind about sustainability at Ford: For me, it’s the fact that sustainability is a no-brainer. There’s no trade-off between being eco-friendly and having fun. I get to drive innovative, sustainable vehicles that are thrilling and meet my needs. 
• Favorite thing about working at Ford: What I love most about working at Ford is being part of a team that builds products with real impact. Five years in, my curiosity is still fueled by how much there is to learn as we keep improving what we create for our customers. 

Dan Bleitz 

• Located: I work at the DSC1 building and live in Saline, Michigan. 
• Ford Team: I’m part of the Ford Customization (formerly Vehicle Personalization) team, helping create exciting packages for both production and aftermarket.  
• Years at Ford: 36  
• Title: Ford Customization Chassis Engineering Supervisor 
• Role: I guide the engineering team to deliver new wheels, suspension, brakes, and steering for production and aftermarket (Ford Racing Parts) vehicles.  
• About your photo: Piling into the Ford Explorer, our family created lasting memories at Urquhart's Tree Farm, where we enjoyed the season's first snowfall while selecting and cutting down our Christmas tree.  
• First thing that comes to mind about sustainability at Ford: Fuel efficiency is my first thought. I’ve worked on C-Car vehicles most of my career, so I’ve already appreciated efficiency in vehicle performance. All my adult kids are driving hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles and loving them. 
• Favorite thing about working at Ford: The legacy of our role in the American story, plus our recognition as a global brand. Growing up, I remember all those Ford commercials about “Quality is Job 1,” Global Car, and Ford trucks, and now, to be a part of it for the last three decades is really great.   

Diana Robledo 

• Located: I work at the Global Technology and Business Center in Mexico City, where I also live. 
• Ford Team: I’m part of the E&SC and Corporate Footprint team. 
• Years at Ford: 11  
• Title: ESG data supervisor and VHC Planning Tools Lead 
• Role: I collaborate with two teams. In ESG (Corporate Footprint), I’m in charge of data management for the Integrated Report, and in VHC (E&SC), I am the business owner of the project management tool for vehicle homologation and compliance. 
• About your photo: This photo shows my dog, Pema. She was waiting for us in our Bronco Sport while we got the bike ready to hit the road. 
• First thing that comes to mind about sustainability at Ford: Ford’s initiatives to use recycled and renewable materials in its vehicles — everything from seats to carpet to under-hood components — to make the interiors more sustainable. 
• Favorite thing about working at Ford: What I like the most about Ford is the people I’ve gotten to know. 

Tanner Gigas 

Located: I work at Fairlane Business Park V and live in Northville, Michigan. 

Ford Team: I work on the Ford CRC Team within FCSD. 

Years at Ford: 16  

Title: Sr. Manager Customer Support 

Role: I oversee the Ford Pro CRC Programs. 

About your photo: I love taking my Ranger Raptor to the 500mile+ Offroad Ford Raptor Event in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan called “The Snoball.” 

First thing that comes to mind about sustainability at Ford: Our products, especially the F-150 Lightning. By taking the bestselling vehicle in America for over four decades and making it all-electric, Ford isn't just making a "green car"; it is decarbonizing the most significant segment of the automotive market.  

Favorite thing about working at Ford: Our Dealer Network and the great customer service and community support it provides. 

Four employees. Four stories. One powerful reminder of why the work we do matters. Explore the full picture of where Ford’s been, where we’re headed, and how we’re getting there. Read the 2026 Sustainability Report now.