Born: 1913 (Denver, Colorado)
Died: 1986 (Pontiac, Michigan)
Biography:
Virginia Sink (September 14, 1913 – November 20, 1986) was an American chemical engineer and the first woman automotive engineer at Chrysler.
Early Life and Education:
Mary Virginia Sink was born in Denver on September 14, 1913, to Iva and George Sink, who worked in printing. She attended North High School in Denver and was part of the Girls’ Athletics Society. Sink went on to graduate as a chemical engineer from the University of Colorado in 1936. Originally, she had intended to become a teacher, but due to financial constraints, she pursued a career in engineering instead. She gained admission to the chemical engineering program at the university and finished top three in her class. Sink’s determination and passion for the field propelled her towards a groundbreaking career.
Career at Chrysler:
After graduating in 1938, Sink joined Chrysler and became the first woman to earn a master’s degree in engineering from the Chrysler Institute of Engineering. Alongside her studies, she also worked as an engineer and later became a teacher at the institute. Sink played a vital role in hiring 500 women during the Second World War, serving as the Supervisor of Laboratory Personnel. Her talents and dedication quickly propelled her through the ranks at Chrysler, and by 1950, she was appointed as a Group Leader in the Chemical Research Department.
Sink’s contributions extended beyond her immediate role, as she became actively involved in various professional organizations. In 1952, she gained chartered member status in the Society of Women Engineers in the Detroit Section. Sink was also a member of the American Chemical Society, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the National Association of Corrosion Engineers. She notably served as the president of the Soroptomist Federation of America.
Throughout her career, Sink made significant contributions to environmental efforts. From 1957 to 1962, she worked on the LA smog project. Her expertise led her to co-develop Chrysler’s Cleaner Air Package, which aimed to reduce emissions. Sink’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable automotive industry earned her recognition as a pioneer in environmental engineering.
Retirement and Honors:
Sink retired from Chrysler as the Manager of Emission Certification in the Materials Engineering department in 1979. Throughout her life, she received numerous honors and accolades for her groundbreaking work. In 1950, Sink became Detroit’s Woman of Achievement, an acknowledgment of her significant contributions to the automotive industry. She was also the first woman to be granted honorary membership in Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honorary society. In 1956, Charm Magazine featured Sink as a Symbol of Detroit’s Working Women, highlighting her achievements and influence in the field.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, the University of Colorado awarded Sink the George Norlin Award in 1980. Her dedication to her work and pioneering contributions made a lasting impact on the automotive industry and inspired future generations of female engineers.
Virginia Sink passed away on November 20, 1986, in Pontiac, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer and role model for women in engineering.
Awards:
– Honorary membership of Tau Beta Pi
– Detroit’s Woman of Achievement (1950)
– George Norlin Award from the University of Colorado (1980)