PELS Podcast Series

Tune in with Marium Rasheed, member of the IEEE PELS WIE Committee, as she hosts the podcast, Power At the Table, in a fireside chat with Silva Hiti, Vice President of Electric Power Conversion at Rivian. 

Abstract:
Have you ever wondered what it takes to go from writing control algorithms in grad school to leading power electronics and motor development for an entire electric-vehicle company? Or how engineers choose between OEMs and startups, stay technically sharp while moving into leadership, and build confidence in industries not originally designed with them in mind?

In this fireside chat, Dr. Silva Hiti, Vice President of Electric Power Conversion at Rivian, shares her journey from growing up in former Yugoslavia to contributing to the pioneering GM EV1 program, shaping technologies in multiple startups, and now leading vertically integrated power electronics and motor development at Rivian. She reflects on navigating ambiguity, making fast strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving EV landscape, and building high-performing engineering teams. Silva also speaks candidly about mentorship, identity, and the realities of being a woman in engineering, as well as how she stays grounded while operating at an executive level.

Attendees will gain insights on making career moves across OEMs and startups, leading teams in high-velocity environments, understanding emerging EV technology trends, and balancing technical passion with business realities. The conversation also offers practical guidance for early-career engineers and women in engineering on confidence, mentorship, and taking opportunities even when you don’t feel 100% ready.

Whether you’re an aspiring technical leader, an EV enthusiast, or a student charting your path in power electronics, this session delivers both a strategic perspective and the human story behind a leader helping shape the future of electric mobility.

Join the IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) for an inspiring conversation with Silva Hiti, Vice President of Electric Power Conversion at Rivian, and a prominent figure in the electric vehicle industry.

The transition to electric mobility is redefining not only vehicle technology but also the essence of engineering leadership. Silva Hiti has been instrumental in shaping the sustainable mobility sector—advancing power electronics, motor drive systems, and electrification technologies that are driving the next generation of transportation. From her early contributions at General Motors to her leadership of innovative teams at Rivian, Silva’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to technical excellence, collaboration, and mentorship.

The fireside chat offers a unique opportunity to learn from her story—a journey that demonstrates how visionary engineering, system-level thinking, and inclusive leadership can transform both technology and teams. Participants will gain invaluable insights into how great engineering leaders balance innovation with empathy, strategy with creativity, and ambition with purpose.

Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with Maria Cortez, Senior Vice President at Advanced Energy Industries. In this episode, Maria shares her remarkable journey in driving transformative growth within engineering and technology. As a seasoned global executive, she discusses the challenges of launching breakthrough technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and leading large teams toward ambitious goals. Tune in to hear Maria’s insights on resilient leadership, strategic foresight, and how she is shaping sustainable, future-ready solutions in the tech world. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a visionary leader at the forefront of innovation.

In this episode, we had a chat with Dr. Huai Wang from Aalborg University, who shares his views on how artificial intelligence will become a very powerful tool for power electronics in reducing design time and accurate decision making. Besides this, he also talks about the growing interest of AI from the industries ensuring reduced time-to-market.

In this podcast, we talk to the young and bright minds of h-bridges from the University of Belgrade, one of the runners up team in IFEC 2020, who share their experiences and embark on the importance of design challenges and competitions for qualitative learning.