9TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 10 – 19, 2024

#153

Forward Momentum

We met at work through our women’s leadership group, Women Influencing and Impacting Toyota. Additionally, we both have have worked on teams developing badass Toyota trucks.
Opposites can truly attract and we connected over ours. Crystal is a night owl and Kara is a morning person. Crystal is an extrovert and Kara is an introvert. We push each other outside of our comfort zones resulting in both going the extra mile to become ever better.

Sponsored By:

Toyota Motor North America | Research & Development

Kara Yde

Switching roles

I could describe myself as a cook, engineer, wife, traveler, daughter, foodie, aunt, and sister. While my relationships are most prescious to me, I have a passion to continue growing in knowledge, experiences, and new connections.

Occupation:

Senior Program Manager, Product Development Office

Residence:

Milan, MI

Favorite Quote:

There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. A derivative of "there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing." -Alfred Wainwright

Fun Fact:

I used to say that I worked with a bunch of dummies. I spent the first 14 years of my engineering career doing safety and crashworthiness performance development.

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

The Rebelle Rally allows me to combine my love of the outdoors with my love of vehicles. I transferred to the Product Development Office at Toyota Research and Development in 2019. I am on the team leading the development of the all new Toyota Tundra. I excited to experience the capability of the all new 2022 TRD PRO.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

Mother Nature

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

I love to read, but also love being active. That’s where my dedicated podcast consumption comes in. My top 3: The Daily, Criminal, Unlocking Us

Greatest adventure to date?

Completing a half Ironman, twice. I can't wait to replace this with running the Rebelle Rally!

Prior Years Competed:
Awards Achieved:

Crystal Mink

Switching roles

I thrive on a sense of adventure, whether it's exploring new cities, driving vehicles at limit handling, or pushing myself to learn something new. I love being outside in the sunshine, kayaking, biking or hiking.

Occupation:

Senior Engineering Manager, Vehicle Performance Development

Residence:

South Lyon, MI

Favorite Quote:

"Under pressure, You don't rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training" - US Navy Seal

Fun Fact:

My sister, who's one year younger, and I have an identical voice & laugh (and it's a loud one!). We actually can't tell ourselves apart in a recorded voicemail … which then cracks us up!

Why the Rebelle? Why now?

I'm so fortunate that I work for a company that values getting out and driving our products! Toyota started sponsoring an R&D team last year. This year I was selected based on my experience and tie to my work as Senior Manager of Vehicle Performance Development. It's mind blowing that I'll get the chance to really hone my off-road and navigation skills.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

Walking along Lake Michigan

Top three favorite podcasts / books / shows

I’m at avid reader: Nearly any book on leadership, the Bible, books by Kristin Hannah

Greatest adventure to date?

Traveling for 5 weeks in Australia & New Zealand by myself, hang-gliding, sky diving, rappelling, spelunking and meeting folks along the way.

Prior Years Competed:
Awards Achieved:

Vehicle

Toyota Tundra 2022