See Ford Through our Advocates' Eyes: Team Members to Highlight Driving Ford+ Event

Autumn Black

www.linkedin.com/in/theautumnblack
Other: @autumn_ellece (TikTok)

Autumn is a host and content creator at Ford, where she creates engaging content on the Ford University platform to contribute to dealer training. Just last year, she served as Miss Missouri USA and competed in Miss USA, bringing her passion for communication and connecting with people to a national platform. When not creating content, you can find her enjoying local coffee shops and restaurants with friends and family.

“As a Ford employee, I love that I'm empowered to bring my full, creative self to work. Collaborating with the best and brightest minds in the industry has allowed me to grow personally and professionally and makes every day exciting and fulfilling.”

What is your favorite Ford vehicle and why?
My favorite Ford vehicle is definitely the Mustang Mach-E! Okay, I might be a little biased since I own one, but the 0-60 time and all the amazing entertainment features never get old! I even made a fun TikTok video showcasing some of the features during my lunch break, and people loved it! It's exciting to see how much others appreciate the innovation and fun that Ford is bringing. (Watch the ride Autumn took with CEO Jim Farley that led her on her own electric vehicle journey.)

Why do you think events like Driving Ford+ are important? 
Events like Driving Ford+ are important because they allow us employees to get behind the wheel and experience our amazing products from a customer’s perspective! It's a great way to get inspired and bring fresh ideas back to our work, ensuring we're always delivering the best for our customers.

Luree Brown

www.linkedin.com/in/luree-brown-19a46524a/

Luree Brown is an experience owner in Customer Experience and has been at Ford for 9 1/2 years. Outside of work, Luree plays women’s tackle football for the Detroit Prowl and serves as an executive board member for the nonprofit Impact100 Metro Detroit. 

“One of the reasons why I love posting about some of the exciting things that Ford is doing is because it gives a preview to my family and friends on the scoop at Ford! New things are happening, and I love sharing small snippets, watching the excitement build!”

What has been your favorite Ford event you’ve ever attended and why?
My favorite event was the 2023 Ford Pro Unpacked event, because I got to try out the “Ultimate Towing Machine,” the all-new 2023 Super Duty with all the towing technology. THIS EVENT BLEW ME AWAY!

Why do you think events like Driving Ford+ are important? 
It generates awareness about the latest products, features, software, and experiences, while exposing employees to how quality and cost directly affects the customer. It is an inspiring event and makes me proud to work for Ford. 

Emily Grabb

www.linkedin.com/in/emilygrabb

Emily Grabb is a product manager at Ford Pro Tech and has been with the company for four years. She previously was an Enterprise Technology Ford College Graduate. In her personal life, Emily enjoys playing kickball and volleyball, and reading with her two cats. 

“I love creating content and sharing news about Ford! I get to be creative and experience amazing events like vehicle launches, drive-alongs, and the Ford Heritage Fleet, giving me a firsthand look at the company's history and innovation.”

What has been your favorite Ford event you’ve ever attended and why?
My favorite Ford event was the Michigan Central Station Open Live! Getting an early tour of MCS and attending the concert was unforgettable. Being part of such a historic event with incredible talent was an amazing experience.

What are you most looking forward to at Driving Ford+?
Getting to experience our products in action!

Xavier Jasso

www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-jasso
Other: @xavier.the.creator (TikTok, Instagram)

Xavier is the manager of the #FordInfluencers program, Ford’s official employee advocacy program, and supports multiple areas of the business through his role on the Internal Communications team as employee advocacy lead. In his personal life, Xavier manages a photography and videography company with his wife.

“I’ve always considered myself an artist and content creator, and working with Ford has allowed me to use that creator-first mind to connect with others who share a passion for Ford and their awesome vehicles.” 

What is one of your favorite pieces of Ford content you’ve created?
Probably this goofy #GetYourGallopOn video I made as a way to celebrate the reveal of the 7th Generation Mustang! I’ve made a lot of content since then … but this one remains a fave (I kept laughing while filming)!

What do you hope to learn more about at Driving Ford+? 
I’m definitely excited to see the newest features and software included in our 2025 model vehicles — these are the things that really differentiate us from the competition!

Garrett Johnson

www.linkedin.com/in/globalgarrett
Other: @mavenvisual (TikTok)

From Hollywood’s TV industry to product management at Ford Pro FinSimple, Garrett Johnson brings a creative edge to his role as an employee content creator, using storytelling and production insights in his content. He’s also passionate about emerging tech and AI, artistic painting, off-road Bronco adventures, family, and cheering on the Detroit Lions. 

“Creating content at Ford is a constant source of excitement and reward. From covering events and new vehicles to sharing customer stories, the opportunity to connect with diverse audiences drives me to continually produce engaging content.” 

What has been your favorite Ford event you’ve ever attended and why?
A Dark Horse Mustang ride-along with Ford Performance Driver Frankie Muniz. After having lunch with Frankie and a few other employees, we opened up the new Dark Horse Mustang on the track. Exhilarating and course record-breaking, mixed with a down-to-earth Frankie Muniz was a real treat!

Why do you think events like Driving Ford+ are important? 
Driving Ford+ places employees at the forefront of customer impact by demonstrating how quality improvements directly affect them — it gives us a deeper understanding of our customers’ needs. 

Zach Schallenberger

www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyschallenberger
Other: @schallenballa (Instagram); @zapps_n (TikTok)

Zachary Schallenberger is a software engineer at Ford Pro. He has been at the company for three years and recently graduated from the Enterprise Technology Ford College Graduate program. In his free time, he likes producing electronic music, exploring the outdoors, and driving his car!

“I love getting to be a content creator and working at Ford because of the opportunities it provides me! I love getting to check out a sneak peek of vehicles that haven’t been released yet or getting behind the wheel of a Ford performance vehicle (like at Driving Ford+)!”

What has been your favorite Ford event you’ve ever attended and why?
Driving Ford+ 2024 … getting to drift in a Mustang Dark Horse, jump in a Raptor R, drag race in a Lightning, and autocross a Mach-E GT, what’s not to like???

Why do you think events like Driving Ford+ are important? 
I think it’s important that employees get a chance to drive, ride, and test our vehicles! Being an advocate for our brand is incredibly important and events like Driving Ford+ allow us to get a chance to experience our very best products firsthand!”

Peter Schultz

www.linkedin.com/in/peter-schultz-208137a5/

Other: @spartanschultz (TikTok, Instagram)

Peter Schultz is a program management engineer in Model e and has been at Ford since 2012. After working as a summer intern and Ford College Graduate in Transmission and Driveline Engineering, he spent several years as an automatic transmission calibrator before switching to EV product planning and program management in 2022. In his current role in Model e, he was a key part of the team that created and delivered the world’s first rally-inspired electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E Rally. He’s a car guy, fitness enthusiast, world traveler, and soon-to-be dad.

“As a kid reading car magazines, I was always so excited to hear the latest product news or get a sneak preview of what’s to come. As a Ford employee, I can get exclusive access for those same product reveals and company events — younger me would be so geeked!”

What has been your favorite Ford event you’ve ever attended and why?
As a part of the Mach-E Rally team, I was invited to attend the official media event at DirtFish Rally School in Washington in 2025. Seeing our team’s creative vision and hard work come to life was a real “proud dad” moment for me, and riding shotgun with a WRC driver thrashing the Mach-E Rally around the course was an experience I’ll never forget!

What are you most looking forward to at Driving Ford+?
Getting behind the wheel of the latest generation of our products and getting a sneak peek at what’s ahead.

Joe Skowronek

www.linkedin.com/in/joe-skowronek

Joe Skowronek is a senior technical recruiter within EVDD (EV’s Digital and Design). He has been with the company for four years and is one of the top Ford News sharers on the recruitment team. In his personal time, Joe enjoys playing guitar and computer programming.  

“I love working at Ford because I have lived in Detroit my entire life and have been around automotive. I always thought I was destined to work here as I am a third-generation employee at Ford.”

What’s one of your favorite Ford projects you’re working on/previously worked on and why? 
I really enjoyed supporting the Vehicle Controls and Software Organization because I have worked in that area my entire 12-year career and have been very fascinated with embedded software within the vehicle.

What are you most looking forward to at Driving Ford+?
I am looking forward to seeing the latest software features on the new lineup.