Lemondrop

Mechanical engineering is still a largely male-dominated field. But Cristina Rodriguez, 35, has been able to break through the gender barrier as a top-rated driver for Ford Motors. She spends her workdays pumping vehicles to unheard-of speeds to make sure they perform perfectly.

Why We Lover Her: Rodriguez began her 12-year career as an intern while pursuing her master's in engineering at the University of Michigan. She is the only female to become a vehicle dynamics development engineer at the company thus far. In 2005, the Puerto Rico native was named the lead suspension development engineer on the Taurus and Taurus X vehicle lines. She's responsible for monitoring responsiveness and steering calibration.

But Rodriguez has also done some awesome stuff off the test track. A cancer survivor, she recently finished a half-Ironman triathlon race and plays several sports, something that runs in her family -- her grandfathers and uncles played Olympic basketball. She also credits her bloodline with giving her the skills for her job: Her father was a chemical engineer, while her mother encouraged her to problem-solve by taking things apart.

Quote: "After doing this for 12 years, I know what a car should feel like, and I don't get questioned anymore."