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DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
6
14
27 95
MESS ME S AGE FROM OM THE HE CEO
5
FORE REWO WO WORD ORD RD BY LE L ON O RIC ICHA HARD RDSO SO ON
6
F REWORD FO RD BY DAVID SE RD SEGU GURA GU
8
CRIT CR ITER ERIA A FOR O INCLUSION
10 0
SPON SP ONSO NSO SOR PA PAGE
11
IN NTR TROD OD DUC UCTION ON N BY VI VINN N IE NN E JOH O NSSON O
12
L TTTER LE RS OF OF GRE REET E IN ET ING G
14 4
FEATTU UR RE ST STOR O Y: EVOL OR EV VOLVI VING NG JOURNEY Y TO TO EMP MPO OW O WER ERME M NT ME N
19
SPEC SP E IAL FEATURE: AN NTTHO H NY FOXX
24
IN NTE T RESTING PERSON ONAL ON ALIT I IES IT
27
FE E AT ATUR TUR URE RE SSTTORY: AUTO MANUFACTUR RE ER RS EM E MBR RA AC CING DIVERSITY & INCLUSIO ON
67 67
EX E XEC ECUT CUT UTI TIVE PROFILE: SYLVESTER HES ESTE T R
70 7 0
CORPORATE SPOTLIGH HT: TOY YOT OA
73 3
FEA FE ATUR UR RE STORY: CLOSING THE GAP -STEM M EDUCATIO ON
82 2
FEAT FE E AT A UR URE E STTOR ORY: ORY: Y: AUTO TO TONOMOUS O ELECTRI RIC C VEHI VE HICL CLES CL ES - THE HE REA AL MARKET DISRUPTTIO ION
88
PROFFES SSI SION IO ON NAL A LY DRI RIVEN
95
BIOG BI O RA APH P ICAL IC CAL & ADV DVER ER RTI T SSE ER’ R S IN ND DE EX
14 44
DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
3
Real Times Media was established out of a passion to provide the African-American community with information that enlightens, empowers and inspires. With a legacy stretching back over 100 years, we possess an unparalleled depth of knowledge and assets that are multi generational, relevant and trustworthy. A true multi media company focused on becoming the leading source of news, entertainment and lifestyle information from the African-American perspective, Real Times Media provides comprehensive print content that helps our communities continue to thrive and grow while chronicling the events and individuals who are making history today. We accomplish this through our various enterprises and interests which include: • The most extensive African-American newspaper collective in the nation, including of the Chicago Defender, the Michigan Chronicle, The New Pittsburgh Courier and the Tri-State Defender (Memphis) • Who’s Who Publishing Company, the creator of the largest portfolio of publications showcasing African-American professionals • A full-service marketing and communications company providing strategy, production and management for ad campaigns, TV/Radio production, interactive, public relations, and event marketing and promotions • RTM Digital Studios, which is focused on the creation, distribution and licensing RI RULJLQDO FRQWHQW IRU ERRN SXEOLVKLQJ DQG ¿OP GRFXPHQWDU\ SURMHFWV XVLQJ LWV extensive archive of historical photographs and other artifacts of the AfricanAmerican experience throughout the past century • A series of live events across the country that pay honor to unsung community, business, and religious leaders Real Times Media is poised to realize a future as rich as the legacy which precedes it. With DQ XQULYDOHG FRQQHFWLRQ WR WUDGLWLRQDOO\ KDUG WR UHDFK DIÀXHQW PLQRULW\ PDUNHWV ZH RIIHU RXU clients a full range of targeted solutions for all of their multicultural marketing needs. Let us do the same for you. For more information, visit us online at www.realtimesmedia.com or call (313) 963-8100.
MESSAGE FROM THE
HIRAM E. JACKSON REAL TIMES MEDIA
elcome mee to th he sixth ed edit i ion of DRIIVEN it EN: A TRIBUTE E TO MULTIICU CULT LTURA AL ACH AL C IE IEV VEME ENT N IN THE AUTOM MOTIVE MOTI VE IND DUSTR UST Y. Th Thee DR RIVEN IV N projectt launc IV nche hed he d in 201 011 as a way to o sh shar aree th ar thee often untol old ol d h storicaal hi al imp mpac actt off Afr fric ican an Ame mericaans ns in th the au uto omotive ind dus u try. Tod oday ay, DR DRIV IV VEN has expand ded de beyo be yond solely ce yo cele lebr brrat atin ingg Af in Afri riccan ri ca Am A erican ach c ievvement with ch hin n the industrry and nd d refocused d its ts content nt to in ncl clu ude mult mu ltilt ti-et i-et ethn h ic feature res. re s Th s. This sixth edi d ti tion, celebrat attes e the contrribu utiions and succce cess ss sto ori riees of various minority gro roup u s with wi with thin in the ind ndus usttry. try. y Whi hile l I am prou le ud of eac ach h of o the he pub u lica c ti tion o s we publi on liish thr h ough Who’s Who Pub ubli bli lish shin sh i g Co o., I am continually awed byy the lev evel e of ex exci cite teme ment ntt th hat th hat this is par arti tiicullar projec j ct brings. DRIVEN is more than a bo ook high hliighti t ng suc ucce cesss stories i in the he auto t motivee industry. y. It is a chron onic on iccle of the mino icl nori rity ri ty expe expe ex peri rien ri en nce in an ind ndus nd ustr us tryy that has sha tr haped ha d th the wo worrld. Never beefor efore ha hass th theree be been a sin ngl glee pub publicatio pu on wh hic ich h to told ld d the th h wh wholle story. From the h in ind dusttry’’s multi lticu culltur lturaall trail ilbl lbl blaz azer ers, s, to to toda day’ y’s ’s co contemporariess, an and d th the he emergin ng lead ders wh ho willl cattapult it into th he next generation, DR RIV VEN EN cap aptu ture ress th thee st stor orie iess and celebrates es the heir i ach chievemeent. The storries you ou wil illl read and the peopl p e you meet meett through thesee pag ages es are inspiration nal al;; th thei eirr ac acco omp mplishments upli up lliifting ng.. Th ng Thee profes esssion siion onal alls profi file leed in in the bookk represent an n int ntri rica cate te and imp te m ressiv ivee taape pestry off su succ cces cc ess in i the industrr y. ind I am ovverj verjoy oyed thaat so many con ntin nt inue to share ourr vision and su upport the DRIVE EN expe peri rien ence. An imm mmea easu surable amou ou un ntt of ap ppr p ecciaation goes ou outt to our partn ner ers at a The Assian ian Pa ia Paci cific ci fic Ame meriicans Chaamb ber off Pa Paci cific fic Asian Americcan ans,, the Nattio iona n l Associaation na n of Min inor nor o ity Aut Auto Dea Au eallers rss, Rainbow Ra PU USH S , the Hispanic ic Automotiv ivee Su iv Supp ppli pp lier li err A li Al lian ance, th he Na Nati tion on nal Associaatiion off Bl Blac ackk Su S pplier erss an and d th t e Mi M ch higan Blackk Chambeer of Commerce. I al also lsso o would lik ikee to ack ckno nowledge ou no urr sponsors— —Fiat Chrysle leer Am merric ica, Ford d Motorr Co C mp m anyy, General Motors, G obal Gl al Aut utom om mot otiv ive, e, LLC C, Hyunda d i Motor Amerricca, Toyyota, IHSS Autom da uttom mot otiv ivee, e, Kia Mot ottor o s Am A erica, Delph phii an ph nd th he Mich ch hig i an Chr hron onic icle le— — forr help lpin ng us to creaate such a histo oriccal allly rellev evan antt expe eexxp rience tha hat at wi will help in showing fu uture gen nerrat a ions the imp mpaacct th hat min nor orit itie it iess haave had on the au ie auto industry. Witho aut ho outt you o r sup pporrt,, DRIV ppor pp VEN N would no n ot have bee ot een n po poss ssible ssib le.. Tha Th nkk you.
DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
5
LEO ON C. RICHARDSON PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHEMICOMAYS & CHEMICO SYSTEMS
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FOREWORD
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DAVID H. SEGURA FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER VISIONIT
FOREWORD
N
ot since the invention of the internal combustion engine has the automotive industry experienced a revolution like the one we are embarking upon now. I believe we are entering a new Golden Age of Innovation, one that will not only see the combustion engine replaced by the electric motor, but a whole new relationship with our cars. The winners in this new race will be those who acknowledge that innovation will be DRIVEN by three important trends: diversity, technology collaboration, and global capabilities. As automakers are adjusting to the shift from predominantly mechanical to software-driven vehicles and the quickening pace of product development, they will rely more prominently on top tier suppliers and collaborative partnerships to drive innovation and technological advancements. OEMs will have to develop new capabilities, systems, processes, and ways of thinking about their products and customers. Workforce and supplier diversity will be crucial as the nation’s demographics continue to change and many major markets have a majority population of multicultural consumers. When I think about the important role minority suppliers play in today’s automotive sector, I am reminded that the Motor City boasts one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the country, due in large part to the U.S. automakers decades ago who gave countless immigrant families a chance at the American dream. My own family heritage is steeped in the auto industry, working in automotive factories over multiple generations. My grandfather worked more than 35 years at GM Cadillac after migrating from Mexico and my father dedicated 30 years of his life to the Ford Motor Company at the Woodhaven Stamping Plant. Their hard work in these plants allowed me to attend top schools, and literally put me on WKH URDG WR VXFFHVV ,URQLFDOO\ P\ ¿UVW MRE DIWHU JUDGXDWLQJ college was with Ford Motor Company, working on next
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DRIVVEN • VOLUME VI
generation technology in vendor management software and helping to shape and entirely new industry in contingent ZRUNIRUFH PDQDJHPHQW 7KLV KDV FUHDWHG PDQ\ HI¿FLHQFLHV and cost savings for Fortune 500 corporations world-wide. After a few years at Ford Motor Company and another year of consulting for a technology company, I started my own minority-owned technology services company, VisionIT. Over time we also evolved into placing technology consultants on assignment, which has now become its own FRPSDQ\ 9LVLRQ352 RQH RI WKH ODUJHVW ,7 VWDI¿QJ ¿UPV in the U.S. Once again, my automotive roots shaped the early success of my business, when we began providing web development in the late 90’s for Ford Motor Company within Ford Component Sales. Today, close to 20 years later, our technology-driven companies continue to support a large segment of the automotive sector across OEMs and Tier One suppliers. Our third business, Prime Workforce, leverages the knowledge of contingent workforce software and implementing these solutions and management oversight for Fortune 500 corporations. And we’re not alone. The automotive industry has remained true to its multi-cultural roots, generating the bulk of spending with minority suppliers. Corporations such as, Chrysler achieved 17 percent of its total spending with diverse suppliers in 2013. GM has spent more than $70 billion with minority suppliers since its program’s inception in 1968. As we work with top automakers, OEMs and top tier suppliers, one thing has become crystal clear – innovation is driving this new marketplace. Today, nine automakers are among the top 50 most innovative companies, compared to RQO\ ¿YH LQ DFFRUGLQJ WR D %RVWRQ &RQVXOWLQJ *URXS DQQXDO VXUYH\ /DVW \HDU IRU WKH ¿UVW WLPH VLQFH %&* EHJDQ conducting the survey, there were more auto manufacturers than consumer companies in the top 50 and more carmakers
than technology companies in the top 20. 7KLV WUHQG LV ODUJHO\ LQÀXHQFHG E\ FRQVXPHU H[SHFWDWLRQV DQG SUHIHUHQFHV ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR FDU EX\LQJ 1HZ %&* research on consumers shows that most car buyers want to purchase a car from a company seen as innovative. A key characteristic of an innovative automaker, according to FDU EX\HUV LV EHLQJ WKH ¿UVW WR LQWURGXFH QHZ WHFKQRORJLHV And manufacturers and top tier suppliers are listening, investing heavily in R&D since the down-turn years of the recession. Volkswagen, for example, spends more on R&D than any other company in the world – outpacing Samsung and Microsoft. The need for technological innovations is triggering business changes. OEMs and Tier One suppliers are looking to collaborate more than ever before, not only within the industry, but also with technology companies. According to PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ 18th Annual Global CEO Survey 2015, one-third of all automotive CEOs plan to form a new alliance or joint venture this year, SULPDULO\ ZLWK VXSSOLHUV FXVWRPHUV DQG ¿UPV IURP RWKHU industries. The reason? Half of CEOs say collaborating is key to getting access to new technologies, 42 percent say to gain new customers, and 41 percent named expanding into new geographic markets.
FOREWORD For example, Mexico is quickly building a reputation for quality and innovative automobile production, and today is the world’s sixth biggest manufacturer of auto parts. Mexican vehicle exports are expected to rise to a record 2.9 million this year, with more than 70 percent of the cars and light trucks headed to the U.S., according to the Mexican Automobile Industry Association. Plants continue to spring up, contributing to a nationwide $20 billion investment by global automakers eager to establish ready access to the U.S. market. VisionIT made an investment in Mexico seven years ago, in anticipation of this growing market and the need for technology in advanced manufacturing. As their minorityowned supplier, we needed to have the global capabilities to expand our partnership with U.S. OEMs and Tier One Suppliers. We also invested in the Philippines to give us further skill sets and capabilities to rapidly deploy software solutions in trending areas including mobile and wearables.
For anyone working in the auto sector, whether at an OEM, a Tier One supplier or a minority business enterprise, this is arguably the most exciting time for the industry. We are truly embarking on a new frontier, where cars will EHFRPH DXWRQRPRXV HQHUJ\ HI¿FLHQW RSHQHG DQG VWDUWHG VisionIT is at the center of this revolution. We recently E\ RXU SHUVRQDO GHYLFHV DQG DEOH WR VDIHO\ DQG HI¿FLHQWO\ launched a new Innovation Center with the goal of get us to our destinations or help us change directions and collaborating with some of the most advanced technology ¿QG QHZ ORFDWLRQV RQ RXU MRXUQH\V companies in devices, wearables, IoT (Internet of Things) platforms and mobile solutions. One of the focus areas of The automakers that determine how to build a collaborative our Innovation Center is in the automotive sector to help model, one that taps into a diverse supplier base with automakers keep up with the pace of innovation and the global scalability to help them shrink development QHZ ³FRQQHFWHG´ SODWIRUP %\ WKLV \HDU DERXW SHUFHQW cycles, evolve their skills of software on the automotive of new cars will be connected – to the cloud, to users’ platform, and harness connectivity and communication, devices, to other cars, or to infrastructure. In the early will establish an advantage over competitors in the near 2000’s Covisint was created by the automotive industry DQG ORQJHU WHUP 0%( ¿UPV DUH LQ DQ LPSRUWDQW SRVLWLRQ LQ ZKLFK RYHU PLOOLRQ ZDV LQYHVWHG WR FUHDWH D %WR% Those who have made the investments not only in their platform as an automotive parts exchange. The Covisint customer relationships but in global and technology today is very aligned to the needs of the market since investments will seize this opportunity, and add the most all of this investment created an advanced IoT platform VLJQL¿FDQW YDOXH HYHU JHQHUDWHG EHWZHHQ WKH DXWRPRWLYH allowing for secure connections to people, devices, LQGXVWU\ DQG 0%( FRPSDQLHV 2XU FROOHFWLYH JRDO PXVW sensors, and components. be to reinvest this value back into our communities to create the next generation of business leaders, engineers As suppliers are increasingly relied upon to help and technologists that will DRIVE the automotive automakers thrive in this new landscape, the ability to tap industry into the future. into minority-owned partners who can also provide global VXSSRUW ZLOO EH D VLJQL¿FDQW IDFWRU LQ WKHLU DELOLW\ WR JURZ Global capabilities are key in the minority business space, particularly when it comes to the auto industry.
David H. Segura
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VOL VO OLUM ME E VI IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
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VINNIE JOHNSON FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PISTON GROUP
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INTRODUCTION 2YHU WLPH ZH KDYH EXLOW D SRZHUIXO IRUFH IRU SRVLWLYH FKDQJH DQG SURJUHVV LQ $PHULFDQ PDQXIDFWXULQJ DQG KHOSHG GR RXU SDUW LQ UHEXLOGLQJ WKH FLW\ WKDW ZH ORYH $V , ORRN WR WKH IXWXUH , EHOLHYH WKH IXQGDPHQWDOV RI VXFFHVV ZLOO UHPDLQ WKH VDPH -XVW OLNH LQ EDVNHWEDOO \RX QHHG WR SOD\ WKH JDPH WKH ULJKW ZD\ %XW \RX PXVW DOVR EH DJLOH RSHQ LQQRYDWLYH DQG ÀH[LEOH 2XU LQGXVWU\ DQG EXVLQHVV LV FKDQJLQJ DW D UDWH QHYHU EHIRUH VHHQ DQG WKH UROH RI WKH PRGHUQ GD\ VXSSOLHU ± PLQRULW\ RU RWKHUZLVH ± LV FKDQJLQJ GUDPDWLFDOO\ :H QRZ RSHUDWH LQ D JOREDO PDUNHWSODFH 2XU FRPSHWLWRUV FRPH IURP HYHU\ FRUQHU RI WKH JOREH DQG 2(0¶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
Vinne Johnson
Letter of
GREETING Greetings Real Times Media Family & Driven Attendees: The Rainbow Push Coalition/CEF congratulates Real Times Media on the 6th edition of Driven, which has become a masterpiece in telling the history and stories of African Americans and people of color in the auto industry – from yesterday’s pioneers to today’s dealers, suppliers and vanguard leaders sustaining and growing in today’s economy. Rainbow PUSH/CEF has been a long time partner of the automotive industry and a relentless advocate in support of an industry of which we all have a stake. For over 40 years, we have worked tirelessly with the industry to ensure that all of the ethnic groups are important to the growth and sustainability now and in the future. Our voice has been at the forefront of the diversity/inclusion discussion and economic reciprocity. Our intent has always been to be seen and recognized as partners on all levels in an industry we helped to build. Our future should allow us to get past infrastructural and systemic inequality and get to a plan of real inclusion that has standards that we mutually agree upon for progress with people of color. Why standards? Standard is our playbook for equity as it underscores our agenda around economics. As populations of color now represent almost 30% of automotive consumers, we must have a mutually beneficial trading relationship which provides real impact for our communities. Rainbow PUSH has been a partner with Driven since its inception and elated to be part of the evolution of Driven Volume 6. Your continued vision to recognize, memorialize our achievements is both inspirational and very necessary for our continued success and future. Together we will see this industry grow into its greatness when there is an even playing field and everyone can play! Keep Hope Alive!
Jessie L. Jackson, Sr. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr
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Letter of
GREETING
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Letter of
GREETING January 13, 2016
Greetings Driven Family! On behalf of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) and the MBCC Black Supplier Committee, we celebrate this year’s release of Driven: A Tribute to Multicultural Achievement in the Automotive Industry. We celebrate your achievements and contributions to the automotive community and the community at-large. Inclusion in this publication is a significant milestone. The MBCC operates local chapters in the state of Michigan including Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Great Lakes Bay Area, Lansing, Jackson, Benton Harbor, Pontiac and Southfield. We offer our support and congratulations to Real Times Media Group. Your organization continues to honor multi-ethnic achievement allowing these vanguards to serve as examples and as an inspiration to the next generation. The automotive industry benefits from the acknowledgement of the achievements of minority individuals and organizations. Real Times Media has an integral role in creating a platform that recognizes and celebrates achievement across the automotive industry. The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce wishes your organization and all of your properties continued success into 2016 and beyond. Throughout the state of Michigan, the MBCC is the voice for African-American business. We advocate on behalf of Black-owned firms economically, politically, culturally and as a prominent voice in media locally and nationally. Through our 5 Pillars of Commerce we facilitate our mission and vision to serve Black businesses. We stand arm in arm with Real Times Media in advocating and shining a spotlight on minority achievement.
Entrepreneurially,
Ken L. Harris President/CEO
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Letter of
GREETING Dear Friends: On behalf of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC), I welcome you to DRIVEN’s 6th Annual Multicultural Achievement in the Automotive Industry. Your event highlights three key drivers of minority business success: diversity, inclusion and excellence. We at APACC support not just APA entrepreneurs, but embrace all minority entrepreneurs and the organizations that encourage their growth and development. Since 2000, APACC has committed to serve our members and our communities. As the fastest growing minority in Michigan and other parts of our great nation, we share DRIVEN’s vision in the power of successful businesses built through relationships, mutual mentorship and support. Asian Americans are leading the market in luxury vehicle market. Along with our minority counterparts, it is crucial that other organizations and companies realize the value we add to the economy, especially in the automotive sector. Not only do we connect OEM’s to qualified and competitive suppliers, we also consult to share the data of the Asian American consumer. Our strategy is versatile and can be applied in various industries such as technology, healthcare and educational institutions. APACC is dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned business. In addition, we are committed to the expansion of MBEs in terms of their scale and impact in an effort to expand the nation’s economy. Thank you for your commitment to diversity and keeping “Motor City” revving. Congratulations on another successful year and what I know will be a wonderful evening.
Van Nguyen Executive Director Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC)
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Hyundai is proud to be a supporter of Driven 2016 “A Tribute To Multicultural Achievement In The Automotive Industry�
Our Evolving Journey to Empowerment in the Automotive Industry
Simon Nagata, Executive VP DQG &KLHI $GPLQLVWUDWLYH 2IĂ€FHU Toyota addresses the audience at the Leadership Town Hall Breakfast Discussion
Earl “Butch� Graves, Jr. President and CEO of Black Enterprise Magazine (L) and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder and President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition (R) participate in a Fireside Chat on Corporate Diversity at the Business and Education Awards Luncheon Marc Bland, Vice President Diversity and Inclusion, IHS Automotive addresses the media during the 2015 Rainbow PUSH/CEF Automotive Summit along with (L to R) John Graves, Chairman Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project, Ron Busby Sr., President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and Damon Lester, President of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers.
From the very early days of the auto industry African Americans have been involved in creating the success of the many brands we see in the marketplace today. We all are familiar with the story, because it is intimately interwoven with so many of our family histories. Our grandparents, parents, or extended family migrating from so many southern states. Trekking from Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, or other states searching for a new life “up northâ€?. Those brave souls were driven by a conviction that their future days would be better than ones past. Once they arrived, they found an all too familiar racism, but with deftness and inventiveness they were able to navigate their new circumstance to make a way. Black workers were limited to few jobs, often in the red-hot danger of the foundries or in the caustic, suffocating paint shops. Despite these circumstances we persevered to build stronger families and communities so our children could thrive. With the pride and dignity of straight-up hard work we aspired and achieved to purchase the products of our labor. The Cadillac, Buick, Ford and Lincoln vehicles parked in our driveways were symbols of our successful journey. Remembering RXU VKDUHG KLVWRU\ DQG VDFULĂ€FH GULYHV P\ ZRUN RQ WKH Rainbow Push/Citizens Education Fund (RPC/CEF)
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Automotive Project, the annual Global Automotive Summit and the Automotive Diversity Scorecard. Today, African Americans remain the most loyal customers and are most apt to purchase luxury nameplates. What do we receive in return for our support? People of color purchase 27% of all new vehicles (African American, Hispanic and Asian). Key states in the West, South and Northeast have markets where automakers must be competitive to survive. Many of those states are now, or soon becoming, ethnic majority markets. As times have changed, our perception of ourselves and the language we use should change as well. In the early years of the DXWR LQGXVWU\ KLULQJ %ODFNV ZDVQ¡W FRQVLGHUHG GLYHUVLW\ it was competitive capitalism. Today, after 40-plus years of diversity, we have to advance our agenda. We can no longer consider ourselves as simply recipients of “diversityâ€? or consumers without regard to the implications on our neighborhoods. We are trading partners, seeking EUDQGV WR GHYHORS PXWXDOO\ EHQHĂ€FLDO WUDGH UHODWLRQVKLSV We have invested incredible amounts of our time, energy, Ă€QDQFHV DQG WDOHQW WR FRQVLGHU DQ\WKLQJ OHVV :H KDYH contributed to the prominence the industry enjoys today, EXW ZH¡YH QRW EHHQ DEOH WR SDUWDNH LQ RXU IDLU VKDUH RI LWV rewards.
What do these rewards look like? Well, KHUH¡V P\ WDNH JLYHQ WKH ELOOLRQV RI GROODUV people of color spend with automakers. • We expect employment with the responsibility to direct and allocate UHVRXUFHV ÀQDQFLDO SHRSOH VHUYLFHV and commodities). • We insist automakers appoint people of color to their boards to govern with a wider perspective. • We demand fair representation of ethnic dealers and suppliers • We expect appropriate spending with ethnic media, ethnic agencies and vendors • We require philanthropic resources to stabilize communities of color in partnership with local organizations • We use our buying habits to reward those maintaining sustainable trade relationships Our work to publish the Rainbow Push/ CEF Automotive Diversity Scorecard is an initial step in holding automakers accountable to their business actions. Additionally, we also intend the scorecard to inform our communities on the power of their purchases and how it affects their families, their jobs and their neighborhoods. We released the Automotive Diversity Scorecard during our 16th Annual Global Automotive Summit in Detroit this past 2FWREHU DQG ZH¡G OLNH WR VKDUH WKH UHVXOWV with you.
As the graph below suggests, each automakers is evaluated on their performance in each category based on the information they provide to a diversity survey created by Rainbow Push. Each automaker is DZDUGHG D 5HG <HOORZ RU *UHHQ EDVHG RQ WKHLU GLYHUVLW\ SURÀFLHQF\ LQ each category. For the purposes of the survey: • Green ² 5Hà HFWV EHVW SUDFWLFHV IRU HWKQLF GLYHUVLW\ XVLQJ 53& CEF criteria. Company disclosed goals initiatives and investments ZLWK VRPH DFFRXQWDELOLW\ %DVHG RQ VXUYH\ DQG RWKHU FRQÀGHQWLDO information provided to RPC/CEF) • Yellow – Some indication of diversity evident (goals, initiatives, DFFRXQWDELOLW\ 1RW DOO LQYHVWPHQW OHYHOV NH\ ÀJXUHV DQG RWKHU scorecard factors were disclosed on the survey or to RPC/CEF • Red – Diversity initiatives and investments non-existent, not disclosed or did not provide enough relevant information for scoring; did not submit a completed survey
2015 Rainbow Push/CEF Automotive Diversity Scorecard t
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Glenda Gill, Executive Director of the Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project and Hip Hop legend Doug E. Fresh kick off the reception and afterglow at the 2015 Rainbow PUSH/CEF Global Automotive Summ
We ask that you review the information in the Rainbow Push/CEF Automotive Diversity Scorecard and also visit www.automotiveproject.org for more information on what the Rainbow Push Automotive project is doing to create more opportunity for people of color in the automotive industry. By sharing the information with your family and friends we can begin a conversation that leads to greater transparency from our automotive business partners and greater empowerment within our community. Glenda Gill is the Executive Director of the Rainbow Push Automotive Project
Photos courtesy of Robert Deane, Avima Design
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Anika Jackson, Vice President of Jackson Asset Management, and Gregory Jackson, CEO of Prestige Automotive group celebrate Anika being selected for the Emerging Leader Award
kia.com
Kia Proudly Supports DRIVEN.
2016 Sorento SX Limited shown with optional features. Some features may vary.
Keeping America on the Move Anthony Foxx
Secretary of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation By Donald James
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n April 29, 2013, President Barack Obama announced that he would nominate Anthony Foxx to succeed Ray LaHood as the new United States Secretary of Transportation. In doing so, President 2EDPD VDLG WKH IROORZLQJ ´, NQRZ $QWKRQ\¡V H[SHULHQFH will make him an outstanding Transportation Secretary. +H¡V JRW WKH UHVSHFW RI KLV SHHUV PD\RUV DQG JRYHUQRUV all across the country. As a consequence, I think that KH¡V JRLQJ WR EH H[WUDRUGLQDULO\ HIIHFWLYH Âľ ,W VRRQ EHFDPH HYLGHQW WKDW WKH 8 6 6HQDWH DOVR IHOW )R[[ ZRXOG EH ´H[WUDRUGLQDULO\ HIIHFWLYHÂľ EHFDXVH WZR PRQWKV ODWHU LQ D UDUH YRWH RI WRWDO DJUHHPHQW WKH 6HQDWH FRQĂ€UPHG KLP 2Q -XO\ )R[[ ZDV VZRUQ in as the 17th United States Secretary of Transportation. He is the third African American to hold the federal post. $V 6HFUHWDU\ )R[[ RYHUVHHV HPSOR\HHV DQG D $70 million budget. He is responsible for ensuring that the transportation systems of America - air, maritime and VXUIDFH DUH VDIH DQG HIĂ€FLHQW ,Q D ODWH 1RYHPEHU H[FOXVLYH LQWHUYLHZ ZLWK '5,9(1 )R[[ WDONHG DERXW KLV EDFNJURXQG LQLWLDWLYHV DQG SULRULWLHV DV 6HFUHWDU\ ´, WRRN RIĂ€FH DW D WLPH ZKHQ ZH WKH country) had been almost a decade without a long-term WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ ELOO Âľ VDLG )R[[ ´7KHUHIRUH ,¡YH SXVKHG UHDOO\ KDUG IRU &RQJUHVV WR SDVV D ORQJ WHUP KLJKZD\ ELOO Âľ 2Q 'HFHPEHU &RQJUHVV SDVVHG D ORQJ WHUP ELOO which was subsequently signed by President Obama. )R[[ ZDV H[WUHPHO\ DFWLYH LQ SXVKLQJ &RQJUHVV WR SDVV this long awaited and much needed bipartisan bill. “After 36 extensions, hundreds of Congressional meet-
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LQJV WZR EXV WRXUV YLVLWV WR VWDWHV DQG VR PXFK XQcertainty, it has been a long and bumpy ride to a longWHUP WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ ELOO ¾ )R[[ VDLG ´,W¡V QRW SHUIHFW DQG WKHUH LV VWLOO PRUH OHIW WR GR EXW LW UHà HFWV D ELSDUWLVDQ FRPSURPLVH , DOZD\V NQHZ ZDV SRVVLEOH ¾ )R[[ KDV EHHQ EROG DQG DJJUHVVLYH LQ KLV DSSURDFK WR HQVXULQJ WKDW $PHULFD VWD\V RQ WKH PRYH ,Q 2FWREHU KH DQQRXQFHG WKDW PLOOLRQ LQ 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ ,QYHVWPHQW *HQHUDWLQJ (FRQRPLF 5HFRYHU\ 7,*(5 JUDQWV ZRXOG KHOS IXQG WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ SURMects nationwide. 2WKHU )R[[ DQG '27 LQLWLDWLYHV LQFOXGH ´*URZ $PHULFD ¾ D VL[ \HDU ELOOLRQ VXUIDFH WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ LQYHVWPHQW WR PRGHUQL]H WKH QDWLRQ¡V LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DQG WKH 9HWHUDQ Transportation Career Center, which is a unique partnerVKLS ZLWK VHYHUDO RWKHU IHGHUDO DJHQFLHV WR KHOS PLOLWDU\ YHWHUDQV WUDQVLWLRQ LQWR WUDLQLQJ DQG MRE RSSRUWXQLWLHV LQ the transportation industry. )R[[ LV WKH FUHDWLYH VRXUFH IRU '27¡V %XLOG $PHULFD 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ ,QYHVWPHQW &HQWHU %$7,& ZKLFK LV DFFRUGLQJ WR '27¡V ZHEVLWH WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI D VLQJOH point of contact and coordination for states, municipaliWLHV DQG SURMHFW VSRQVRUV ORRNLQJ WR XWLOL]H IHGHUDO WUDQVportation expertise, apply for federal transportation credit SURJUDPV DQG H[SORUH ZD\V WR DFFHVV SULYDWH FDSLWDO LQ SXEOLF SULYDWH SDUWQHUVKLSV )R[[ VDLG RQH RI WKH ELJJHVW FKDOOHQJHV WKDW WKH 'HSDUWment of Transportation still faces is the rapid growth in $PHULFD¡V SRSXODWLRQ DQG ZKDW LW ZLOO PHDQ WR WKH FRXQWU\¡V WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ V\VWHPV DQG UHODWHG LQIUDVWUXFWXUHV
´:H DUH JRLQJ WR KDYH PLOOLRQ PRUH SHRSOH LQ WKLV FRXQWU\ RYHU WKH QH[W \HDUV µ KH VDLG ´7KHUH ZLOO EH SHUFHQW PRUH WUXFNV RQ WKH URDGV DQG SHUFHQW PRUH VWUHVV RQ RXU IUHLJKW systems. To meet these challenges, we need to build the infrastructures that will allow us to attack WKH VW &HQWXU\ LQ D EROG DQG HIIHFWLYH ZD\ µ (YHQ EHIRUH EHFRPLQJ WKH 6HFUHWDU\ RI 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ )R[[ ZDV D YLVLRQDU\ RI KRZ WR EROGO\ DQG HIIHFWLYHO\ EXLOG WUDQVLW V\VWHPV WR LPSDFW FLWLHV DQG UHJLRQV $V WKH 'HPRFUDWLF PD\RU RI &KDUORWWH 1RUWK &DUROLQD )R[[ ZKR ZDV the youngest mayor in city history when elected at ZDV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU PDQ\ LQQRYDWLYH WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ LQYHVWPHQWV DQG SURMHFWV ´, PDGH HIÀFLHQW DQG LQQRYDWLYH WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ LQYHVWPHQWV WKH FHQWHUSLHFH RI &KDUORWWH·V MRE FUHDWLRQ DQG HFRQRPLF UHFRYHU\ µ VDLG WKH &KDUORWWH QDWLYH ZKR DOVR VHUYHG DV D WZR WHUP &RXQFLOman, where he chaired the powerful TransporWDWLRQ &RPPLWWHH ´7KHVH LQYHVWPHQWV LQFOXGHG extending the LYNX light rails system, expanding &KDUORWWH 'RXJODV ,QWHUQDWLRQDO $LUSRUW EUHDNing ground on the Charlotte Regional Intermodal )DFLOLW\ FRPSOHWLQJ RXU , %HOWZD\ DQG PDQ\ RWKHU SURMHFWV µ To date, more than 19 million local and regional ULGHUV KDYH XVHG &KDUORWWH·V /<1; OLJKW UDLO V\Vtem since 2007, which include riders on the East/ :HVW %OYG 6WUHHW &DU WKDW WUDQVSRUWV SDVVHQJHUV IURP XQGHUVHUYHG DUHDV RI WKH FLW\ &RQQHFWLQJ WKH XQGHUVHUYHG SRSXODWLRQ RI &KDUORWWH ZDV H[tremely important to Foxx. )RU $QWKRQ\ )R[[ SXEOLF VHUYLFH MXVW UXQV LQ KLV blood. His mother and grandparents were public school teachers. “They were front-line public serYDQWV µ )R[[ SURXGO\ VDLG ´*URZLQJ XS , OHDUQHG YLFDULRXVO\ IURP WKHP 7KH\ JDYH RI WKHPVHOYHV ZKLFK ZDV DQ LQGHOLEOH OHVVRQ IRU PH WR JLYH RI P\VHOI µ )R[[ ZHQW RQ WR HDUQ D EDFKHORU·V GHJUHH LQ KLVWRU\ IURP 'DYLGVRQ &ROOHJH EHIRUH HQWHULQJ 1HZ <RUN 8QLYHUVLW\·V 6FKRRO RI /DZ ZKHUH KH UHFHLYHG KLV -' GHJUHH :KLOH DW 1<8·V ODZ VFKRRO he was a Root-Tilden Scholar, which garnered KLP WKH XQLYHUVLW\·V PRVW SUHVWLJLRXV SXEOLF VHUYLFH VFKRODUVKLS )ROORZLQJ ODZ VFKRRO )R[[ KHOG VHYHUDO SRVLWLRQV LQ WKH OHJDO ÀHOG LQFOXVLYH RI D WULDO ODZ\HU IRU WKH 8 6 'HSDUWPHQW RI -XVWLFH·V &LYLO 5LJKWV 'LYLVLRQ He also was staff counsel to the U.S. House of 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH &RPPLWWHH RQ WKH -XGLFLDU\ While Secretary Foxx is constantly on the go in his national role, he cherishes the quality time spent with his wife, Samara, an attorney and their two children, Hilary and Zachary. “Because of 6DPDUD DQG RXU NLGV HYHU\GD\ ,·P EHFRPLQJ D EHWWHU DQG EHWWHU SHUVRQ µ )R[[ VDLG HPSKDWLFDOO\ ´7KH\ DUH WKH WUXH LQVSLUDWLRQ IRU ZKDW , GR µ
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You aren’t a number and your dream car isn’t a unit. At the nation’s minority-owned auto dealerships, we understand your next purchase is big—in every way. It’s the start of a new adventure. And the next mile marker on your great life journey. To you, our valued customer, our pledge is simple: We will dazzle you with world-class service. And delight you with old-fashioned courtesy.
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PERSONALITIES ORIGIN NAL
INDIVIDUAL
CAP PTIVAT TING ORIGINAL
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CAPTIVATING The individuals featured in this section are not just outstandin ng in th he their everyday careers, they inspire many beyond their resppecttive ind dustries. What makes them interesting is not just their job titles, bu ut their passsion for their communities and the people who look toward them m as role models. Their personalities make them shine, but it is their dedication and hard work that make them genuine.
Photo courtesy of Ignition Media Goup
DENNIS ARCHER, JR. PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER IGNITION MEDIA GROUP
ENTREPRENEUR AND MARKETING EXEC ENCOURAGES CORPORATE DIVERSITY By Keesha J. Atkins
In 2004, Archer and other partners founded Archer Corporate Services. The Detroit-based company is RQH RI WKH QDWLRQÂśV OHDGLQJ PDUNHWLQJ IXOÂżOOPHQW VHUYLFH ÂżUPV, boasting nearly 4-million square IHHW RI IXOÂżOOPHQW FDSDFLW\ in North America and Canada. Their clients include corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and Michelin. ACS has also served General Motors for more than a decade; providing WUDGH IXOÂżOOPHQW customer care and print management services for the automaker. Today the company prints and distributes all of the marketing collateral for GM’s car dealerships in North America. $&6 LV D &HUWLÂżHG 0LQRULW\ %XVLQHVV Enterprise through the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) and National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). As member of the General Motors Diversity Supplier &RXQFLO IRU ÂżYH \HDUV $UFKHU QRWHV WKDW GLYHUVLW\ LV NH\ to the growth and success of corporations. “Diversity programs in Fortune 500 companies were originally created because it was the right thing to do. Today, it’s just smart business.â€? He maintains that every level of a FRPSDQ\ÂśV EXVLQHVV VKRXOG UHĂ€HFW WKH FRQVXPHUV WKH\ serve. “Companies should have an
emphasis on diversity to reach their audience. People of color should be seen in dealerships, advertising and within the workforce.� In addition to his work in marketing and media, Archer is a leader in the community as well. He serves as Vice Board Chair of the Detroit Regional Chamber, an organization focused on bolstering Southeast Michigan’s economy through education, collaboration and economic development. In August, the group announced that Archer will chair their 2016 Mackinac Policy Conference. During the three-day retreat, hundreds of Michigan’s top business professionals, corporate CEOs, civic leaders and entrepreneurs gather to discuss the future of the regional economy. Last year’s conference attracted approximately 1,500 attendees. Some of Archer’s other philanthropic endeavors include serving on the boards of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Dennis W. Archer Foundation, the i.am.angel Foundation, Wish Upon a Teen and Walnut Lake Preschool.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
ttorney, marketer and entrepreneur Dennis Archer Jr. is deeply invested in strengthening the city’s community and economy. The Detroit native is founding principal of Hamilton Woodlynne Publishing, which publishes Ambassador and Impact magazines. He is also president and CEO of Ignition Media Group (IGNITION), a marketing agency that provides services to clients such as Art Van, Viacom, Chemico, Michigan Funders and Bacardi North America.
With multiple businesses in his vast portfolio, Archer is a passionate about giving back and teaching African American youth about the entrepreneurial opportunities available to them. He wants to teach young people that the traditional path from high school to college to entry-level job isn’t their only option. It’s important, he said, to provide them with exposure to different careers and areas of business. Ultimately, the people with the most drive will succeed. “The self-starters, innovators and risktakers are the ones who thrive.� Archer has two sons – Trey and Chase. He and his wife, Judge Robbie Archer, have undoubtedly instilled that work ethic in them.
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Photo courtesy of Prana Marketing and Media Relations
JESSIE ARMSTEAD ANTONIO PIERCE CO-OWNERS ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS CADILLAC, HAMILTON HONDA, AND ALL PRO NISSAN OF DEARBORN
CREATORS OF “SUPER BOWL WINNING” DEALERSHIPS By Donald James
These days, Armstead and Pierce are very much involved with a different type of professional team, as both retired players co-own multiple automobile dealerships. In partnership with Mike Saporito, an automotive veteran who never played in the NFL, Armstead and Pierce own eight automobile dealerships, three of which are currently operational; five more will open in 2016. The operational dealerships are Hamilton Honda in Hamilton, New Jersey; Englewood Cliffs Cadillac in Englewood Cliff, New Jersey; and All Pro Nissan of Dearborn in metro Detroit.
Now, Armstead and Pierce have brought their “Super Bowl” winning ways to their dealerships. “In business, just like in sports, you want people around you who are strong and doing things that will make the team better,” said Armstead, a Dallas, Texas native, who played college football at the University of Miami. “It’s important that all employees feel that they are making the team stronger, and they have a sense of pride in the dealerships.” Giving back to the community is also a vital element of a champion, according to Armstead and Antonio. “What made us successful athletes, and make us great businessmen, are that we understand the importance of giving back to empower communities that are less fortunate,” said Antonio, who was raised in Compton, California and played college football at the University of Arizona. “It’s important to us that we just don’t ask people to buy our cars without fully being invested in giving back to local communities and charitable organizations.”
“I was fortunate that when I played in the NFL, I was able to play with older guys who were business smart and savvy enough to think about business opportunities outside the game of football; Jessie was one of those guys,” said Pierce, a five-time Pro Bowl player who suited up for the Washington Redskins and New York Giants. “He and I formed a bond and friendship in football that have carried over to the business world.”
We are not just owners of car dealerships who write and send checks to charitable organizations; we write the checks and show up and get involved.” In addition to their business and community commitments, both men are active in other ways. Pierce is an NFL analyst for ESPN, while Armstead is a consultant with the New York Giants. Both are married and consider family a very important element of their success story.
“I met Antonio when I played for Washington in 2002,” said Armstead, a nine-time Pro Bowl player who played for the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers. “I talked with him about business opportunities in the car business. At first he didn’t understand what I was telling him about the business opportunities. However, he listened to me after seeing some things in business with his own eyes.”
“Our family is everything to us,” said Pierce and Armstead, both of whom are married and have children. “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our families.”
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INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
essie Armstead and Antonio Pierce are both former NFL linebackers who really know what fierce competition is all about. Both men enjoyed football careers that were built on team work, dedication to hard work, passion, and sacrifice, which ultimately garnered them a 2007 Super Bowl Championship (XLII) with the New York Giants.
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Photo courtesy of Rogers Foster
FAYE CABALLERO PRESIDENT AND CEO DIVERSITY ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS, LLC,
TOP AUTO EXEC EMPOWERS WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN BUSINESS By Keesha J. Atkins
“To tell you the truth, I just cannot stand being retired. I’m so used to being an entrepreneur.” That entrepreneurial spirit comes from her mother, who was the first woman superintendent in the largest school district in the Philippines. Her father also had a successful career as an attorney. Their financial stability took a hit though, after a business venture failed and the family relocated. Caballero needed to help earn money. “I didn’t have time to do the things other kids did like play sports or take piano lessons.” Instead, she made money delivering eggs to neighbors. When growing demand prompted her to recruit friends to help make deliveries, she received 20% of their profits. That stint as a budding CEO was a precursor to her future as an influential executive in the Detroit area. Caballero immigrated to the U.S. in 1973, after earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Travelling alone, she had only $8.30 and two friends in the entire state of Michigan. For five years she worked as an emergency room and neurological nurse. Later, she joined the automotive industry as an occupational health nurse for Ford. Her career path shifted in the mid 1990s when, after nearly 20 years as a nurse supervisor at the plant, she began advocating for tort reform in Washington, DC. That experience sparked her transition from skilled healthcare professional to automotive industry authority. In 2000 Caballero purchased a small molder, Black River Plastics, in Port Huron, MI, with $3 million in sales and grew the business exponentially. The business closed in 2009 during the height of the financial crisis.
specializes in manufacturing, engineering, design and program management in the automotive, military and consumer goods industries. DES has a joint venture partnership with tier-one supplier Mayco International. “95% of JV partnerships fail,” Caballero says. “But ours should be the benchmark.” Strong leadership and a genuine focus on mentoring minority employees have contributed to the partnership’s success. Currently, 90% of DES managers and 60% of all DES employees are women or minorities. The company invests in its employees by picking up the tab for workshops and professional development opportunities. At its core, DES is a company committed to facilitating professional growth and excellence while maintaining a familial atmosphere. “Building on past success and experience in owning businesses related to the automotive, consumer goods and defense industries, DES provides the opportunity to work with exceptional people with drive, ideas and focus. The truest drive comes from doing what we love,” she said.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
n hour-long conversation with Faye Caballero reveals that she’s passionate, focused and busy. Very busy.
This exceptional leadership and dedication has not gone unnoticed. A defining moment for Caballero came when she was named by the Crain’s Automotive News as one of the Top 100 Leading Women in the Automotive Industry. Though she has received numerous awards, she said that her children and grandchildren are her greatest accomplishments. “They grew up to become responsible, god-fearing citizens. That’s what I call success.” With all of her achievements, Caballero still isn’t planning to slow down. Her next project is tackling the piano lessons that she missed all those years ago as a young CEO in the Phillippines.
Today she is the President and CEO of Diversity Enterprise Solutions, LLC (DES). The Sterling Heights based certified woman minority owned business
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Photo courtesy of Tafari
ROBBYN K. ENNIS MEDIA DIRECTOR CARAT USA
A MULTICULTURAL STRATEGIST AT ITS BEST By Donald James
“My job is to simply make sure that Chevrolet, as a brand, is reaching diverse consumers, as well as other emerging markets,” said Ennis, who has been in the position since 2012. “What I really love is when a great idea on paper comes to life that impactfully targets, reaches and communicates with a broad untapped audience.” According to Ennis, she leads a team of four, but works in conjunction with a larger Chevrolet team of about 50 employees, all dedicated to planning and executing media strategies that facilitate advertising and marketing campaigns. These strategies, said Ennis, are to ensure that Chevrolet and General Motors reach, impact, and influence diverse audiences to become loyal brand consumers. In 2014, Ennis was honored for her contributions to automotive advertising, when she received the industry’s Telly Awards’ Bronze honors. Prior to Carat USA, Ennis served as vice president and media director for Identity Worldwide in Birmingham, Mich., where she spearheaded multicultural and diverse media plans for Chrysler brands. She also held director positions with Southfield-based GlobalHue, where she oversaw the media plans of multiple Fortune 500 companies. She was part of the company’s awardwinning team that earned Mediaweek’s “Multicultural Campaign of the Year” for the 2010 U.S. Census multicultural campaign that encouraged minorities to vote.
Ennis held multiple media supervisory positions with General Motors Planworks/Starcom Mediavest Group, before beginning her professional career as a national sales coordinator for Clear Channel’s WJLB/WMXDFM in Detroit. Interestingly, Ennis once thought of becoming a teacher. However, after seeing the movie “Boomerang” in the early 1990s, she was intrigued with the “creative electricity” that flowed through ad agencies to fuel “cool ideas” for clients. Thus, she attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, with a minor in journalism and a concentration in marketing. Ennis credits both her mother and father for setting the standard of excellence for her (Ennis) to follow. According to Ennis, her mother was a single mom, but moved herself and two children (Robbyn and twin brother) to Ann Arbor while she earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
t doesn’t take long to hear the fervor in Robbyn K. Ennis’ voice when she speaks about her professional career in advertising, marketing, media and sales. She currently serves as media director for Carat USA, the world’s No. 1 media agency network, where she oversees all strategic multicultural media planning and implementation in the United States for Chevrolet brands.
“My mother was definitely my inspiration because she was able to do something that most people in her situation could not do,” said Ennis, a single mother raising one son (Gabriel). “My mother worked fulltime while attending U of M and raising us. She ultimately went on to become a lawyer.” “My father taught me the meaning of hard work and a strong work ethic. He worked as a Detroit Police Officer for 31 years. He and my mother are both hard acts to follow.” Motivated to empower inner city children, Ennis is a regional board member and volunteer of the “Read to a Child” program. “Every Friday I read to and mentor children at Loving Elementary School in Detroit,” she said. “It’s one of the brightest parts of my week, because I’m making a difference in children’s’ lives.”
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Photo courtesy of Rogers Foster
FRED FELICIANO VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS THE MICHIGAN MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (MMSDC)
DETROIT NATIVE HELPS MINORITY BUSINESSES By Keesha J. Atkins
Feliciano began his career in the Communications field, working for community organizations and eventually becoming the Director of Community Relations for the Detroit Tigers. That experience with community relations and relationship building turned out to be great preparation for his time as President of the Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA) —an organization that supports Hispanic businesses in the Detroit area. During his tenure as president, the organization’s membership grew by 300 percent. Almost 15 years later, Feliciano is currently the Vice President of External Affairs for the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), a non-profit organization that certifies minority business enterprises (MBEs) and helps them facilitate business contracts with corporations. “I love what I do. My role is to connect the dots,” he said. In addition to connecting MBEs and corporations, Feliciano and the MMSDC developed a program that provides the funding needed for cash-strapped MBEs to stay afloat. “The main impediment to business growth is capital,” Feliciano said. “And conventional financial institutions see minority-owned businesses as a risk.” For that reason, the organization partnered with MBE Capital Partners in 2014 to launch the Minority Business Access Fund. As of today, more than half of the $100 million fund has been loaned
to certified minority-owned businesses in Michigan. MMSDC-sponsored business matchmakers, meet the buyer events and seminars ensure that business owners have plenty of professional development opportunities as well. Feliciano also consults with the Detroit Minority Business Development Agency to help businesses expand and diversify their portfolios through joint ventures and advanced certifications. As automotive industry continues to grow and reestablish itself, he ensures that Detroit MBDA members are able to be a part of that growth. Like many who grew up in Detroit, the auto industry was a way of life for his family. His parents—who he says ate, breathed and slept the automotive industry—worked for General Motors and Ford. When those plants closed and businesses disappeared, Feliciano watched their urban middle class neighborhood fade away. Now he is using his leadership and expertise to breathe new economic life into the entire Southeast Michigan region. He was recently appointed by Mayor Michael Duggan to the Detroit Economic Growth Agency. Other notable achievements include being recognized by the Michigan Chronicle as a “Young History Maker” in 2006 and being named by Corp Magazine as one of Michigan’s Hispanic Rising Stars in 2004.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
s a leader in business development and community relations, Southeast Detroit native Fred Feliciano is both excited about and committed to the city’s economic resurgence. “You can’t deny what’s happening. Detroit has been the ingenuity machine in this country for decades. We went through a hard period, but resilience is in our DNA.”
Though Feliciano is very passionate about Detroit’s economic rebirth, his family clearly has his heart. Today he and his wife Ingrid have three children—one of which is the family’s third generation working with the auto industry as a designer at Chrysler. Feliciano’s tireless efforts will certainly make Detroit’s future brighter for them and so many others.
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Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
MEETA HUGGINS CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER AND DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FORD MOTOR COMPANY CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
LEADING A GLOBAL STRATEGY OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION By Donald James
In her leadership role, Huggins’ responsibilities impact employees and consumers in North America, South America, Asia Pacific and Europe. “Diversity is inherent to our enterprise,” said Huggins. “Inclusion is essential to making diversity a competitive advantage to Ford. Valuing differences within our team enhances our creativity and ability to provide the innovative products our consumers desire, while ensuring a better company and future for generations to come.” While Huggins has been in her current position since August, 2015, her tenure with Ford began in July, 1997 as a human resources associate at the company’s Windsor, Ontario, Canada facility. Over the ensuing years, she has held other professional positions for Ford in Canada, inclusive of health and safety associate, labor relations associate, senior labor relations associate, and human resources manager. In 2012, she was a key member of Ford’s Canada National Bargaining team. In the United States – particularly in Southeast Michigan - Huggins has held such positions as labor relations manager and human resources manager before accepting her current position.
It was while attending McMaster University and taking courses in labor relations that Huggins began to see vast opportunities in the automotive industry. Thus, upon earning her MBA in 1997, she began her career at Ford in Canada. “I love the professional development that I’ve been able to have at Ford,” said Huggins. “For me to grow in so many facets of the company in both Canada and United States has been a real experience. Without the great experiences that I’ve had at Ford for 18 years, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Another significant part of Huggins’ life is her family. She and husband Richard are raising two daughters: Mayah and Saanea. “In a complex world, my two daughters ground me,” Huggins said. “I’m their role model, but they are also mine. My family inspires me every day to be a better person.” For Huggins, it’s important to build a legacy. “My legacy is to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” she said. “I want my children to say that I was a great mom, and I want the people at work to say I was great to work with.”
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
s Ford Motor Company’s chief diversity officer and director of diversity and inclusion, Meeta Huggins greatly understands the importance of connecting people with diverse backgrounds, strengths and perspectives. She is adept at developing and implementing global strategies/platforms that promote diversity and inclusion, which is vital to the success of Ford’s business initiatives and its national/international consumers.
Interestingly, Huggins has a classic quote that propels her both professionally and personally. “The one and most simplistic quote that I love is from Dr. Suess, which is, ‘A person’s a person, no matter how small.’ That’s how I live my life, how I teach my children, how I treat all people, and how I approach my job at Ford Motor Company.”
Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Huggins, a first generation Canadian, had thoughts of perhaps one day establishing a career in the banking/finance sector. In preparation, she attended McMaster University in Hamilton, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce, which was immediately followed with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Windsor in Windsor.
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Photo courtesy of General Motors
REGINALD HUMPHREY SENIOR MANAGER, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY GENERAL MOTORS
CREATING POSSIBILITIES THROUGH PRAYER, PERSPIRATION AND PREPARATION By Keesha J. Atkins
Humphrey —a self-described buyer, coach and mentor—started as a Production Supervisor at General Motors’ Moraine Assembly Center near Dayton, OH. In 1998, his positive energy during an interview helped him land a promotion in Detroit. Since relocating, he has worked in multiple areas including order fulfillment, purchasing and logistics. Today, Humphrey is the Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity at GM. He contends that the automaker needs suppliers as diverse as its customers. In this role, he ensures that over 200 certified diverse suppliers are included in GM’s supply chain. “I have an entrepreneurial spirit and I see myself in these suppliers. My job is to get them to their promised land.” In addition to his work at GM, Humphrey uses his supplier diversity expertise as a board member for several organizations including the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council and the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC). He is passionate about supplier councils and insists that they aren’t just about events and networking. “Supplier diversity is a unique network of professionals that drive economic parity, social relevance and business value.” Each council is dedicated to improving members’ access to capital, leadership development and inclusion. “I love my job because I help people realize their dream,” Humphrey said.
He also helps prepare African American boys for their futures in the boardroom. Men of P.O.W.E.R, a ministry at New Providence Baptist Church in Detroit, provides mentors to 12-18 year old boys. “It allows me to reach back and help boys that look like me.” Similarly, he is a board member for The Real Life 101 Scholarship and Mentoring Organization —a group that provides college scholarships and mentoring for selected inner city, African American males who are graduating from high school. Humphrey’s inspiration comes from witnessing his parents’ pursuit of earning their college degrees while working blue collar jobs and then transitioning into successful white collar professionals. Though his high school grades were less than stellar, he was determined never to disappoint his parents and thrived as an undergraduate at Alabama A&M University. “That HBCU accepted an average student and made him great,” he said. After receiving a B.S. in Finance, he later obtained a Master’s from Central Michigan University.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
eginald Humphrey doesn’t take any credit for his successful 20 year career. “This is God’s journey. I’m not that smart,” he said. With a great education, solid work ethic and a divine plan; he has transitioned from a General Motors plant manufacturer to a key player in the company’s corporate diversity initiatives.
Some of his recent accolades include the 2015 NMSDC Minority Supplier Development Leader of the Year Award, the 2015 GLWBC Corporate Champion of the Year Award and the 2015 Global Community Service Award. Even with a busy career and volunteer schedule, it’s important for Humphrey to keep balance in his life. He and his wife have two daughters, ages 9 and 12. “My spiritual life and my family come first, and then work.”
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Photo courtesy of Rogers Foster
ARTHUR F. MCCLELLAN JR. HEAD OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AND NORTH AMERICAN LEAD - SUPPLIER RECRUITMENT & SELECTION VALEO
LEADING IN THE COMMUNITY AND THRIVING IN BUSINESS By Keesha J. Atkins very seriously,” he said. McClellan was named one of the Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence and was recognized by DiversityPlus magazine as a champion of supplier diversity. But his greatest accomplishment, he said, is being a father. Married for 21 years, he and his wife are the proud parents of two sons and two grandsons.
McClellan is currently the Head of Supplier Diversity and the North American Lead for Supplier Development at Valeo, an international automotive supplier. In this role, he leads Valeo’s diversity initiatives by implementing strategies to recruit and include minority, women and veteranowned businesses in the company’s supply chain.
As a business development expert with two sons in their twenties, McClellan readily offers four key points of advice to millennials who are budding entrepreneurs. “Find your passion. Then find what you do best and monetize it. Make networking a priority because people do business with who they like and who they know. And finally, surround yourself with mentors and a strong team.”
In keeping with the goal of supplier inclusion, he also served on the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) and the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MHCC). While access to capital is still a big issue for small businesses, McClellan said he is pleased to see that Detroit is helping home-grown businesses get the support they need to thrive. “There’s a different vibe in Detroit. It’s very refreshing to see the growth.” McClellan’s expertise has undoubtedly contributed to that growth. Prior to joining Valeo, he was Managing Partner at Diversity In Promotions (DIP), an organization focused on diversity and business development consulting. He also worked as Director of Business Development for The Rickman Enterprise Group.
He admits though, that identifying your passion isn’t always easy. Unable to pinpoint a specific major as an undergraduate, McClellan received General Studies degree from the University of Michigan. It wasn’t until graduate school that he identified his niche, receiving a Master’s in Urban Planning and a Master’s in Business Administration.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
hen asked to reflect on his career, helping others is a reccurring theme for Arthur McClellan. Whether it’s ensuring supplier diversity in the automotive industry, supporting minority-owned small businesses or leading a city council, he is committed to being an agent of positive change in his community.
McClellan said he is thankful for the path that got him where he is today. “I received a great education. I’ve met some great people. And it all started in Pontiac— that small town 20 minutes from Detroit.” Though the next chapter in his life has yet to be written, he is certain that it will include politics. “I’m not sold on a title. I just want to stay involved and make a differnce in a positive way.”
In addition to being a business leader, McClellan is a community leader as well. From 2003-2009, he served as city councilman for his hometown of Pontiac and was President of the council for four years. “It’s a very humbling experience to be elected to serve. I took that
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Photo courtesy of Rogers Foster
VAN NGUYEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (APACC) TROY, MICHIGAN
PERFECTING THE ART OF EMPOWERMENT By Donald James
According to Nguyen, there are approximately 4,700 local, regional and national APACC business members. Their origins include individuals from such countries as Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Japan, China, Taiwan, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Korea, The Philippines, U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Guam, Samoa, Macao, Hong Kong, Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Northern Mariana Islands, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. Nguyen estimates that 80 percent of APACC’s constituency stems from the automotive industry in such sectors as manufacturing, service, IT, and Tier I supply businesses. The other 20 percent, according to Nguyen, is a conglomeration of educational and health care institutions, as well as non-automotive IT entities, retail and other businesses.
director in November, 2013, said that she often works 60- hour weeks to provide the non-profit organization with solid leadership. “I call myself the ‘Jill of all trades,’ said Nguyen with a laugh. “I wear multiple hats which go far beyond just running the organization. I’m responsible for the day-to-day things like human resources (HR), public relations (PR), fundraising, creating business plans, networking, creating and hosting events, and much more.”
youngest executive director of a minority Chamber of Commerce in Michigan,” said Nguyen, who Crain’s Detroit Business magazine has placed on its list of outstanding “40 Under 40” regional leaders. “I’m now the second youngest executive director of all chambers in the state.” Interestingly, when Nguyen received her master’s degree in humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2007, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. She had also earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Baylor University in 2005. Nevertheless, she began her professional career with ClickMotive (now Dealer Track) in Dallas, where she managed microsites for more than 200 automobile dealerships around the country. After moving to metro Detroit, she helped grow 3CSI (now Digital Roots), where she facilitated social media strategies and platforms which included a pilot program for General Motors. She later served as an account director for Ogilvy & Mather, where she managed social marketing campaigns for Ford Motor Company. Her next stop was APACC.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
or Van Nguyen, executive director of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) in Troy, Michigan, the organization’s mission is always crystal clear. As a result, Nguyen is dedicated to facilitating and promoting the economic advancement of Asian Pacific American businesses, while helping them to build connections with American-based businesses through relationships, mentorships and support.
In addition to her leadership role at APACC, Nguyen volunteers with numerous educational, community, and other charitable organizations. She serves on the boards of Corp! Magazine, Shakespeare in Detroit, and Gleaners Community Food Bank. Additionally, she is a member of the dean’s advisory board at Madonna University’s School of Business, vice president of American Business Women’s Association, and group facilitator for Michigan Youth Leadership (My Lead). Empowering others is paramount in Nguyen’s life. “My upbringing is quite different than the lifestyle I have now,” Nguyen said. “I understand and have experienced life struggles. The fact that I am now able to empower individuals by donating my time and finances is incredibly rewarding.”
Nguyen’s accomplishments of growing APACC are impressive, especially for someone so young. “I’m the
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Photo courtesy of Rogers Foster
JESSE ORTEGA CHIEF ENGINEER - MALIBU GENERAL MOTORS
A TEAM LEADER WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE By Keesha J. Atkins
A genuine passion for new technology and innovation has fueled Ortega’s 35 year career in the auto industry. “I love my job. I like that it’s difficult and can only be accomplished through teamwork,” he said. In addition to the day-to-day challenge of building and creating new things, he also loves the people and international travel that comes with the job. He’s visited places like Paris, China, Korea— seemingly a world away from his childhood home in Central California. Ortega’s family immigrated to Stockton, CA from San Luis Potosi, Mexico when he was 6 years old. At a new school in a new country; he struggled to speak English, but excelled in Math. Experiencing great technological milestones like Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon ignited his love of math and science and later prompted him to receive a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
Saturn Corporation as one of their first engineers, ultimately becoming a chief engineer for the Saturn VUE. After 16 years with Saturn, Ortega returned to GM and has lead teams responsible for full size trucks and midsize passenger vehicles. His greatest accomplishment —and the most challenging period in his career—was being a part of the GM’s resurgence after going bankrupt in 2009. The company sold its’ Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab brands; cutting thousands of jobs in the process. “It was hard to keep people focused on the job while they’re scared of lay-offs,” he said. “But the engineer has to be the optimist.” His faith and family kept him going during those times. “My Mom joked that if I can survive on beans and tortillas, then I can get through anything.” And he did.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
s a brother to 10 siblings and a father to nine children, Jesse Ortega is the ultimate expert on working with big groups. That expertise comes in handy at his job as Chief Engineer of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. He gladly gives credit to each of his colleagues for their collective effort. “I’m the front person for thousands who worked on the car. A lot of people put time into it and I’m just representing that team. This is team ball, no one works alone.”
After over three decades in the auto industry, Ortega said he doesn’t plan to retire in the next five years. “As long as they keep challenging me, I’ll keep working.” Once he does decide to retire he plans to spend more time hiking, snowshoeing and travelling with Barb – his wife of 35 years. Together they plan to devote a lot of time attending their grandchildren’s activities.
In 1981, Ortega began his tenure at General Motors and worked in multiple divisions within the company including Product Engineer, Product Manager and Director responsible for interior, electrical, and chassis systems. He later transitioned to the
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Photo courtesy of Kia Motors America
CANDELARIA POWELL MULTICULTURAL MARKETING MANAGER KIA MOTORS AMERICA
SUCCESS & HAPPINESS ARE ONE IN THE SAME By Princess Hayes
Powell began working at Kia Motors America as a Retail Advertising Manager eight years DJR $IWHU ZRUNLQJ LQ WKDW SRVLWLRQ IRU ¿YH years she accepted the position of Multicultural Marketing Manager. This position was created and offered to Powell because she would be the best person to develop marketing strategies and ideas to reach out to the minority community. ³(YHU\WKLQJ ZHœUH GRLQJ ZHœUH GRLQJ IRU WKH ¿UVW time. I’m thrilled to move our brand forward in the multicultural space. Its a great feeling to be a part of it� says Powell. She and her team are behind all of the great Kia commercials targeting Hispanics and African Americans. As Multicultural Marketing Manager, Powell works with creative agencies to develop targeted communications for the African American and Hispanic markets. This includes broadcast, print, radio and integration elements. She also does public relations by conducting interviews with the Hispanic media at major auto shows and works with the media agencies on the upfront media plans and creative recommendations.
Although Powell loves working in the automotive industry, as a Latin woman working in the industry, Powell has had to overcome many barriers; “I’ve always had to show how good I am at my job and have done my best to prove my worthâ€? she said. Powell is a very family oriented person and separating her personal from her professional life to spend time with her family is a priority to her. From helping her children with homework to putting them to bed, Powell likes to be present in every aspect of her children’s lives. “Having a supportive husband and three wonderful children WR FRPH KRPH WR ÂżOOV P\ OLIH ZLWK VR PXFK happinessâ€? says Powell. As she approaches eight years of service to Kia, Powell says, “I am a fortunate person who loves what I do and I look forward to coming to work everyday. Figuring out ways to connect with the multicultural audience as well as achieving new initiatives is really exciting. I’m very thankful for such a great and supportive team.â€?
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
Inspired by her mother who always told her to “prepare yourself for a better futureâ€? Candelaria Powell did just that. Born in Mexico, Powell and her family moved to Southern California when she was 5 years old. Powell was determined to go to college. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in marketing from California State University-Long %HDFK PDNLQJ KHU WKH ÂżUVW RI HLJKW FKLOGUHQ LQ her family to attend college. Although it wasn’t easy for Powell, she worked full-time to put herself through school and made it happen!
Powell recently trained for 18 weeks in order to compete in the full Long Beach Marathon in California. At the age of 48, training for a marathon isn’t a walk in the park. She views this as one of her many great accomplishments. “I like to set examples for my children and tell them often they can do anything they want with dedication and hard work� Powell said.
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Photo courtesy of Rogers Foster
VANESSA PETERSON WILLIAMS VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL AND GLOBAL PRIVACY OFFICER IHS, INC.
LAYING DOWN THE LAW By Donald James
“My chief responsibilities are to globally oversee the entire business line for IHS Automotive,” she said. “I love being an attorney here because I have the ability to engage with the business team and be a business partner where I’m allowed to provide business perspectives.” Williams has served in her current position since July, 2013, when IHS purchased R.L. Polk & Co. She began her tenure at R.L. Polk & Co. in 2006 as associate general counsel. Over the ensuing seven years, she was promoted to hold such positions as deputy general counsel; vice president & deputy general counsel; and vice president, deputy general counsel & chief compliance officer. Prior to R.L. Polk, Williams was a senior attorney at Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association. Her first professional law position in Michigan was as an associate with Plunkett & Cooney, P.C. While Williams definitely loves her 20-plus years in the field of corporate law, she almost took another career route. Growing up in Tuskegee, Alabama, Williams wanted to become a journalist. While she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Alabama, she had a “career heat check” at Alabama, after taking a constitutional law class. With encouragement from the instructor, Williams decided to become an attorney.
of William and Mary – Marshall Wythe Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia. However, in her first year, she had second thoughts about becoming a lawyer. “After an internship with the ACLU in Alabama, who was involved in a lawsuit against the Alabama Department of Social Services regarding the placement of foster care children, I knew what I wanted to do.” recalled Williams. “At that point I decided that I could use the law to make a difference in the world. I knew that I wanted to finish law school and become a lawyer.” After completing law school in 1995, Williams and her husband, Ronard, an automotive engineer, moved to Detroit. In her quest to augment her law degree, Williams returned to school, where in 2008, she earned an MBA, with an emphasis in international law, from Wayne State University. In addition to her executive workload at IHS, Williams is active in the community. She is a member of the Ypsilanti Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, where she and other members empower their own children, as well as children in metro Detroit. She is also a member of the organization’s Midwest Regional Team. Williams currently chairs the American Bar Association’s Commission on Youth-at-Risk.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
anessa Peterson Williams, vice president, chief legal counsel and global privacy officer for IHS, Inc., loves her job. In her executive role at IHS, considered the premier company and provider of global market, industry and technical expertise, Williams oversees corporate law issues, which involve litigation management, licensing of software and data products to automotive entities, data privacy protection, and the interpretation and application of international law.
Williams’ advice to young people pondering future careers. “Be true to your passion,” said Williams, who along with her husband, are raising son, Rubin and daughter, Mackenzie. “Seek out good relationships so that you don’t just have mentors in life, but also have people who support you, encourage you, say good things about you and will recommend you for opportunities of advancement.”
Following Alabama, Williams enrolled at The College
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Photo courtesy of Gregory Reed
GREGORY J. REED ATTORNEY FOUNDER, CRUISIN’ THE D’
REVVING UP AND CRUISIN’ THE D’ By Donald James included St. Regis Hotel, The Ford Piquette Ave. Plant, Bert’s Market Place, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The event, said Reed, “attracts major clubs and is a national community event anchored in Detroit which has participating relationships with Detroit schools.”
The four-day event held each August is a free automobile/ motorcycle cruise and showcase. “CruisIN’ The D’ is a mega event that welcomes cruisers and visitors to Detroit from around the nation and beyond,” said Reed. “The event’s mission is to promote Detroit as the automotive Mecca, while increasing tourism and commerce within the city limits.”
Reed is no stranger to having visions come to fruition. He drafted the proposal that established Detroit’s Entertainment Commission, which promotes entertainment as an economic stimulus and employment base for the city. As an attorney, Reed practices under the auspices of his Detroit-based Gregory J. Reed & Associates, which specializes in protecting intellectual properties, entertainment law, and corporate/tax laws.
The first two events attracted hundreds of thousands from across the city, state, nation, and as far away as The Netherlands and Australia. For Reed, CruisIN’ The D’ is a fitting event for Detroit to host, especially since the Motor City was largely shutout of the annual Woodward Dream Cruise, which officially stopped at 8 Mile Rd., just north of the city. “People were always talking about how the Woodward Dream Cruise was not inclusive of the Motor City,” said Reed. “Yet, no one was doing anything about it. So Detroit’s non-inclusion was a part of the ingredient for starting CruisIN’ The D’.” Since the two events now run concurrently, Reed has arranged for cruisers to interface with each other. Yet, CruisIN’ The D’ has established its own unique identity, where a multiplicity of rare, classic, custom and contemporary cars, trucks, street rods, muscle cars, sports cars, as well as motorcycles can be seen cruising designated streets in Detroit.
Reed, an award-winning author, has represented or worked with such civil rights icons as Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Betty Shabazz, and Coretta Scott King. In 1991, Reed was the only African American sports agent to represent a top-ten NBA draft pick when he took on Saginaw, Michigan native and former Temple University star Mark Macon who signed with the Denver Nuggets. Reed has also represented singing legends such as Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, The Four Tops, Kid Rock, and more.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
veryone should know that Detroit is the undisputed automobile capital of the world. However, just in case some folks around the globe have forgotten about the Motor City’s automotive prowess, attorney Gregory J. Reed created an annual summer reminder called, CruisIN’ The D’.
While Reed’s plate is always full, he and CruisIN’ The D’s executive director, Nikki Howard-Combs are preparing for the Third Annual event (Aug. 18 -21, 2016). “This is always a cruise with a cause,” said Reed, who added that the event supports such charitable organizations like Autism Speaks in Michigan. “CruisIN’The D’ greatly impacts Detroit’s economy, employment, tourism, while enhancing the quality of our community. It also teaches our youth about the business elements associated with the event.”
Spectators get an up close and personal look at the “treasures on wheels” at Palmer Park, the major staging hub that features entertainment, food vendors, and family fun. Other staging areas in the city have
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Photo courtesy of Rogers Foster
KEVIN M. WILLIAMS HEAD OF MULTICULTURAL MARKETING BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
MAKING MULTICULTURAL MARKETING HIS PRIORITY By Donald James
“Our goal first and foremost is to effectively engage diverse consumers that have an interest in luxury and high performing vehicles in a culturally relevant manner,” said Williams from BMW of North America’s corporate headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. “These audiences include African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, women and the LGBTQ community. While Williams has been employed with the company for a little over one year, he was very familiar with the BMW brand before coming aboard. As executive vice president and managing director of Matlock Advertising & PR, Williams oversaw marketing strategies designed for BMW and MINI Cooper. He also significantly increased the agency billings as it related to BMW, and was instrumental in the acquisition of the MINI USA account. Williams’ career in marketing stands on solid ground. His resume includes marketing endeavors with GlobalHue, which at the time was the largest multicultural agency in the United States. He was instrumental in planning and implementing marketing strategies for the company’s Bermuda tourism accounts and secured a $30 million commitment from Verizon Wireless to launch “How Sweet the Sound Tour,” a national faith-based gospel music experience.
opportunity presented itself to come over to BMW, it was a no brainer because of the history I had with the brand,” Williams said. “I had already been engaged with designing initiatives targeting African American luxury auto buyers. I also had a history and a good cultural understanding of the company and its brands.” As youth growing up in Chicago, Williams was intrigued with products and their labels, and sought better understanding as to why consumers would choose one brand over another. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Champaign, where he majored in marketing and minored in business, Williams began his professional marketing career at Eastern Airlines, before moving to Coca-Cola. At Coke, Williams was instrumental in branding the Olympic Games Properties, as well as an unique initiative that linked Sprite and the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was also instrumental in signing high profile NBA stars to support the initiative, which included Kobe Bryant, Grant Hill, Alonzo Mourning, and several others.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
evin M. Williams is extremely busy these days, as the head of multicultural marketing for BMW of North America, LLC. Under the company’s United States’ banner, Williams facilitates multicultural marketing strategies and initiatives designed for reach engage diverse consumers for its BMW, MINI Cooper, and BMW Motorrad brands.
I’ve done a variety of things that I’m pretty proud of throughout my career, and things that have made a difference in various communities across the nation,” said Williams, who is currently involved with several youth mentoring programs that impact African American males. “At the end of the day, I’m just a guy from the Southside of Chicago who’s trying to do his part to help people experience products that are important to them; but at the same time reaching out to help empower communities.”
Williams also created and executed marketing strategies and initiatives while employed with Merge Consumer Marketing and SWAY Marketing Group before making his move to BMW. “When the
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Photo courtesy of Rogers Foster
PETER WONG PRESIDENT AND CEO ROY SMITH COMPANY DETROIT, MICHIGAN AND LAREDO, TEXAS
AN EXECUTIVE’S EXECUTIVE By Donald James
Founded in 1924, Wong describes RSC as a value added distributor that provides such industrial products/ services as bulk gas systems, packaged gases, technical welding services, equipment, and supplies. Customers include, but are not limited to FCA, General Motors and Ford Motor Company. Additionally, RSC serves Tier I companies such as Johnson Controls, Eaton, Federal Mogul, and Lear. The company also has customers in the defense and utilities industry. In addition to Detroit, RSC has a facility in Laredo, Texas serving their customers in Mexico. “We have survived,” he said with a laugh. “We are a small, family-owned company, although there’s no family members working here now. Yet, it’s still the type of culture that Mr. Roy Smith created when he started the company in 1924. So we continue the culture of working together and providing more and better solutions for our customers which go beyond just selling gas and welding equipment.” A native of Hong Kong, Wong came to the United States in the 1970s to study electrical engineering at Wisconsin State University. He eventually moved to Michigan where he graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Wong worked as a CPA for a Big 8 accounting firm before joining RSC in 1979, the first of two employment stints with the company. He left RSC after eight years to pursue other professional opportunities as a CPA, which included Art Van Furniture. In 1999, the grandson of RSC’s founder asked Wong to come back,
which ultimately led Wong to take over as president/ CEO. In addition to his executive responsibilities at Roy Smith Company, Wong sits on the advisory board of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC). “I and three other business leaders founded APACC in 2000 for the purpose of helping Asian Pacific American businesses build relationships with American-based companies,” said Wong. Wong is also an active member of other business associations and committees, which include the Advisory Council of CAPA (Coalition of Asian Pacific American) and MMSDC (Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council). Over his professional career, Wong has received awards for his accomplishments as an executive, inclusive of Michigan’s Governor Volunteer Award and Corp! Magazine’s Diversity Business Leader Award.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
eter Wong, president and CEO of Roy Smith Company (RSC), is a strong believer in the “Win, Win, Win” theory of doing business, which means the customers win, the suppliers win, and RSC wins. This three-prong philosophy has allowed RSC to grow exponentially since 1999 when Wong became its president and CEO.
For Wong, integrity is important in both personal and professional endeavors. “I like reading Chinese fiction, especially martial arts stories where there’s always a hero; someone who’s trustworthy, helps friends and keeps his word,” said Wong, who along with his wife, Shirley of 39 years, have three adult children. “That’s who I am; someone who keeps his word, whatever it is.” DTE Energy is a customer of RSC and has worked with Wong over the years. “…The technical competency and professionalism of Mr. Peter Wong and his staff have been the key to his company’s continued growth and success at DTE Energy,” said Norm S. Littles, former director of supplier diversity at DTE “I commend Mr. Wong for his company’s accomplishments…”
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Photo courtesy of Erwin Raphael
ERWIN RAPHAEL DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER WESTERN REGION - HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
NEW THINKING. NEW POSSIBILITIES. By Terry Shropshire
The general manager for the Western region for Hyundai explained that his zeal for achieving, emanated from his entire family, an extraordinarily successful clan inspiring one another to greater levels of accomplishments. For example, there was his mother, who was forced to quit high school while growing up in the tiny Caribbean island of Dominica to help her mother raise the rest of the family, and then later raise her own family. But what she did next is what is inspiring: “One day she sat down at the dinner table and said ‘you (seven) boys are my trophies. But in no way am I going to be the only Raphael without a high school diploma. So I’m going back to school,” Raphael recalls. “Fast forward, and she gets her high school diploma. She also put seven boys through college. So later she comes back and says ‘I’m not going to be the only one without a college degree.’ Would you believe that at age 65, she graduated with a college degree?” Or his father: “I have yet to meet another man with the work ethic of my dad. I’ve tried. There was never a feeling of entitlement in our household. We weren’t allowed to feel entitled. It was the combination of the work ethic of my dad, the passion of my mom and being in a household of highly competitive boys. We were competitive with everything. We were competitive as a family with everyone else.”
And then, there were his brothers, who performed a very unique but very powerful ritual every summer that contributed to his success as much as anything else: “Each brother was responsible for the next one. Every summer, my older brother would teach me the entire following year’s worth of math and science – just so I could be the smartest kid in the class. I went through the entire math book,” he recalls. Today, Raphael, a graduate from The Ohio State University in chemistry and math, runs the Western region of the United States for Hyundai – the 12 western-most states including Hawaii and Alaska. He and his team are responsible for the company’s marketing, advertising, sales, service, consumer affairs and even for the region. And despite the fact that Raphael is the very embodiment of success he continues to strive for even more. He has mentored countless people along his illustrious journey in the auto industry, and is committed to continuing the practice.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
hen asked where he derived his determination to succeed, Erwin Raphael answered with a simple single sentence, “I come from an amazing family,” he said resolutely.
The former Army serviceman particularly loves giving back to men and women in the military. “I get to double dip for people who put their lives at risk for our country and preserve our way of life,” he said. “So I feel like I’m giving back to a bigger family [beyond] my extended family. There is probably nothing more gratifying than watching the subset of that population apply that knowledge and watch them succeed. It’s like scoring a touchdown every time I see it.”
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Photo courtesy of Montez Miller
LEROY D. RICHIE SR. MANAGER, EMPLOYEE RELATIONS ASSEMBLY, STAMPING & MEDICAL OPERATIONS FCA US LLC
UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN ELEMENT Byy Pat atre reic icee A. A Mas asse sseyy
Richi Ri ch hie ie mov ved too De Dettrroi roi oit it to t attend Marygr grov gr ove Coolleg ov llleg eggee an nd Mich ch hig igan an Sta an tate tee Unive veerrssity where he rec eccei eived a law deegree la ee and nd a mas a te ter of bus u iness admi miinniistraatiion manna ma nageemeent deg gre ree. e Having i been eeen wi w th h the Chrysleer faami mily forr 16 yeears, Rich Ri Rich chie i has heelld mu ie mult ltip i le pos osit ittio ions nss wit ithi hiin tth he co omp mpany’s H man Hu man Re Reso s urce cees deepa par art r tmeentt f rom ro om hu huma maan re resour soouurrce busi bu sinne si nesss parr tn t neer er to se senior manag ger of HR HR. Recceen HR. nttlly, y, he was app he ppoi poi oinnted d the posit ittiio on of o Sr. r Man anag ager eerr of La Labor a UHODDWL UH W RQV :KHQ Q UHHÀ ÀHHFW FWLQJ RQQ ZK\ KH FKRVHH WWR R ZRUN N LQ N LQ labo la b r re relations Ri Rich c ie ie says, “with my legall ed educ ucat a io on I WKRX WK RXXJK JKWW /D /DER ERU U 5HHOD U ODWL WLRQV Z ZRXOG ZRXO ZR XXOOG EH D JRR RG ¿W ¿WW 7XU XU QVV RXW XW I wa wass riigh ghtt. It It’ss beeen an a awe weso s me me exp xper xp erieenc ncee..” $OOWKKRX R JK WKLLV V FDUHHU HU LV D HU D JU D J JUHDWW ¿W IRU 5LF JUHD LFKKLH¶ H¶¶V V SHUV SHHUV U RQ RQDO DOLW\ \ \ and skil and an i l se il set he h ack k nowl nowled no edge ges th hat a the here ree hav a e be be e n chal ch allle alle lengess alo longg thee way. “N long Nav avig ig gat atin i g an org in rgan an nizzat a ionn t e si th size zee of FCA’s FC s Hu H maan Re Reso esoouurrce cess pr preesen ntss soom me chal alle al leeng leng ngeess. Und nder erst er sttan stan ndi ding nngg how ow the he org gan anizzat atio tio i n G ¿QQHV GH HV VXF XFFH FHVV HVVV FDQ Q EH GL GLLI¿ I¿FFXOW FXOW O <RX RX FRRPED EDWW WK WKDW DW E\ DW \ lear le arni ning ni ng your ou ur cr c afft, t, estab stab st ablishing abli lii reelaati tionnsh ship ip ps with all ll bbuusi sinness ne s sta take k ho ke old deerrs an nd de deli l veri rinng resu essults t to your cus cu ustom mer ers. s. It iss importaant to meet s. et challen nge g s head d on an and nd wo work rk thr h rough them. Thhaat is i what sharpe peens n you ur skill se ski sk sett an and n en nab a llees yo ou to t gro row w as a pro roffess ssio sio ona nall.. Neve Ne veer be be afr f ai aidd of o cha hallenge gees,” s,” he s, h say a s. In hiss cur ur ent possit urre itio ionn of io of sen en nior mana naggerr of emp ploye yee reela lati tionns as tion assemb mbly y, st s am mpin piing & med dical ope p raati tions
Rich Ri chiee, iss qui u ck to no note otee tha h t itt tak a es es a cerr ta t in n set et RI VNLLOOOV WR VXF RI X FH FHHHG HG LQ HG Q WKH WKK + +5 5 ¿HO HOG ³< HOG <RX <R <RX X QH Q HG H i terp in perrsona nal sskkiilll na lls ls, pr prob o leem solv so vin i g skil skkiillls ls and the h DE ELO LOLW LW\\ WR LQÀXH XHQF XH QFH DQ DQQG SH SHUV HUV UVXDGH RWK UVX GH WKHU HUUV WR GR WKKHH UL ULJK JKW W thing. Of couurrssse, e, this e, hhiis doe do oes es not ot hap ppe pen un u leess you o hav a e integr grrit ity t y an nd credib iib bbil illit it y within in n the he org gan a iz izat atio ionn.” io Thosse interp rp per e sona sonaal sk so ski kil ills ills l aree ing ng ngra g ain ned ed in hiim andd prrop prop o el him m to actu tu ualiz izzin ng hiis pa p sssiio on. n. “I am pas a si sion onnaatte onat about ab b help pingg ot othe h rss to im i prrovve the the qu th ual a ity t y of of the heir irr lif ife fe an nd ullti tima ima mate tely ach cch hie ieve v the ve heir ir dream(s (s)). ). I am dr d iv ven e by my nee e d ttoo ena naabl blee am mbi biti biti tioou tiou us peeop opl ple le to acchi hiev eve th thei eiir persson o aall besst. t. I th hin ink n k th his is has a been re reco c gn niz ized edd by th he leead ader ersh er ship hiipp wit ithi hinn my organ hi rg ganiz an niz izattio ion an nd ha h s transl slat ated d into t oppportuni niittiies niti e to leead d at in incr crrea easi ssiing gly y hig gheer le levelss with hin i the hee Human an n Resourc ou urcces e org r an aniz i atio attion ions.”” io Richie is aallso big ig on vo volu lunttee e rriing andd commu om mm nity ty service. His is worrk wi is witth th org r an aniz izat attio ions ion ns lik i e Deetr t oi oitt Urba Ur b n Leag g ue, ue, Bo ue Boy Sccoou utss of Am Amer merricca De D tr t roi oit Ar A eaa Coun Co unse ns l,, and nd Uni niiteed Wa Way fo for So Sout out uthe theas aste tteern Mic i hi higa g n ga have ha ve afffor orddeed him him the the oop th ppo port rtt un unit y to o serr ve ve the he Det etro r it ro comm mmu mm mun unit nityy an a d ma make ke an im mpa pactt in th pact the livvvees of other th herrs. s. “W Worrkkiinng g wit ith co ith com mun nitt y ba b sed sed orrga se gani nizza zatiionns GH¿ GH GH¿Q ¿QQLW LWHO H \ \ SU S RY YLG LGHV HVV PH H ZL ZLWKK D JUH UHDW DWW SOD ODW DWI WIRUU P WIRU P WR JLY LYH back and ba n shhaare re wit ithh otthheers the thiinng gs th hatt I hav ave lear arne nedd wh whil hille navi viggati tinng ng my pe pers rson onnall andd pro r fe fess s io ss ional n al na life.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
oor n in n Buf ufffa f lo, NY fa N Y int ntoo a la large rg ge close-knit fam amily am L Rooy D. Le D Ric ichi hie iss ver er y faami mily ly oriented. “I am m insp in spir sp i ed byy my y paarren ents ts for ts or sur ure. e My heart and n cco omp mpas assi sion on forr other errs, I acq cqui uireed fr f om m my mother. Myy drrive iv ve an andd ne need d to succceeed (w (win i ) I accquir ireed d from m my my GDG GD G , GH G G , G ¿Q ¿ WO WO\\ DWWULE \ EXWH XWH P\ P\ SHU HUVR UVR V QD QDO DQ QG G SU S RRIIHV SU HVVL VLRQ QDO suuccesss to thheem. m How owev ver er, I’dd be remis isss iiff I didnnt ackn ac k owle owled ow ledg dge th dge that hat at there aree a host of oth ther er peo opl ple in i P\ OLI P\ LIH WK LIH WKDW DWW KDDY YH H DOOVRR PDGGH VLJQL¿FDQW FRQ RQQWULE EXXWWLR LRQV QV QV t my suuccccesss. to s”
³6XFFHVV IRU PH LV GH¿ ¿QHG QHG EEE\ QH \ ZKDDW , , GR GGR R DQG G ZKKHHWK WKHU KHUU or not it haas had a posi siittiive imp m acct on som omeeone om eonnee’ss liffee..” “I tak a e pr prid idee in persoonallly me ment ntor o ing in ng Af Afri rica caan Am Amer Amer eric ican ic anss an with wi thin in n the h FCA organ aniz izat atio io on. My My car areer at FC CA A has ex xpo p se sed me m to many nyy Africcan Ame m rica caannss wit ith th a va vari rieetty off iss ssue ues; ue s som o e pr prof ofes of esssi sion onnal and som ome pe personnal a . Itt’’s very ve y graattiify f in i g to to me wh when som meeoonee you o hav a e gi givenn give ad dvi vise see to ap ppr p oa oacches ches you to ssaay ay ‘tha hank nks’ ss’’. Man any times yoou don’’t ev you ven e remem membe berr what you saiid, but ut too th that at peers r on it ma m dee a dif iffe f reence in their life. Annd th hat at’s ’s all th hat mat a teers rs!” !””
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Photo courtesy of MMSDC
MICHELLE SOURIE ROBINSON PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MICHIGAN MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (MMSDC)
PASSION, WORK AND FAITH: HOW MICHELLE SOURIE ROBINSON DEFINES SUCCESS By Minehaha Forman
As head of the MMSDC, Robinson’s work will further drive the nonprofit’s mission to drive economic growth in minority communities by facilitating more than $20 billion annually in business contracts between corporations and certified minority business enterprises (MBEs). Prior to joining the MMSDC in January, Robinson spent thirteen years at Home Depot where she created their first supplier diversity department and supported strategy as director of supplier diversity. More recently, Robinson founded Give & Receive, an innovative nonprofit that connects businesses and individuals with charitable funding sources. Robinson also serves on numerous boards, including the National Minority Supplier Development Council, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, to name a few. An Oklahoma native, Robinson decided on her career path at an early age and has never strayed from her dream of being impactful in the business world. “I decided at my 7th grade career fair that I was going to be an attorney,” Robinson recalls. “I remember where I was sitting in the room. A lawyer spoke and I was mesmerized. I figured out what grades I had to get and what classes I needed to pay attention to.”
Despite her upward mobility through corporate ranks, Robinson’s idea of success doesn’t involve figures on a paycheck. Her advice is to seek what energizes you rather than money or fame. “Maybe you’re a fabulous musician, or an amazing educator,” she said. “For me, it was learning how business works; it still intrigues me and catapults me from my bed every day.” Robinson has always been propelled by her faith; something she says defines her actions on a daily basis. “You can’t separate your work from your faith,” she says. “My mother always said, ‘Preach often and when necessary, use words.’” For Robinson, leveling the corporate playing field for women and minorities isn’t just a social initiative; it’s an economic one. “Different thoughts, opinions, backgrounds, and styles make business better,” she said. “If everyone has the same background, the same pedigree, you don’t get the cutting edge innovative decisions that take products and services to the next level.”
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
s the new president and CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), Michelle Sourie Robinson brings to Detroit a level of energy and passion that is not often matched.
Although there are a growing number of allies bringing awareness to disparities in minority communities, Robinson says it still would be hard to find anyone in the corporate ranks who has not witnessed or experienced discrimination based on race or gender. “ The sad part is most people don’t feel they have influence to correct it so they are silent. But silence never worked for me.”
After graduating from the University of Kansas School of Law at age 23, Robinson became the youngest and first African American corporation counsel for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “I literally still had braces on my teeth,” she said.
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Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
SHAWN H. WILSON MANAGER, MULTICULTURAL AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORD MOTOR COMPANY FUND
MINING A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES By Damon Autry
Before coming to Detroit, Wilson carved out a niche in Atlanta over a sixteen-year period as both DQ HQWUHSUHQHXU RI D FRQVXOWLQJ ¿UP KH ODXQFKHG DQG WKH KHDG RI D QRQSUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQ VWDUWHG E\ 5 % VWDU 8VKHU :LWK KLV FRQVXOWLQJ ¿UP 6:, Consulting, Inc., an organization that aimed to align celebrities with causes near and dear to them, Wilson quickly learned that there was a new generation of high net worth individuals who wanted to do more than just write a check — they wanted to be involved in all aspects of their community endeavors. Wilson partnered with Usher for ten years as WKH SUHVLGHQW DQG &(2 RI WKH VLQJHUœV QRQSUR¿W organization, Usher’s New Look Foundation. There, :LOVRQ KHOSHG GHYHORS SURJUDPPLQJ WKDW FHUWL¿HG more than 21,000 youth as global leaders. In addition to traveling throughout the U.S., New Look Foundation’s innovative programs have reached kids in Nairobi, London and Shanghai. Those skills he honed in Atlanta prepared him for his role as the Multicultural and Community Engagement Manager for the Ford Motor Company Fund — the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor &RPSDQ\ ,Q WKLV SRVLWLRQ :LOVRQ ¿QGV JURXSV WKDW ¿W ZLWKLQ )RUGœV WKUHH IXQGLQJ EXFNHWV education, safe driving and community need.
“We’re looking for ways to foster solutions in the community. Maybe I’m not the one with the answers to what the solutions are in the community, but maybe I’m the one who can provide the resources, through the Ford Fund, for someone who does.â€? One great example of this idea is Men of Courage. Launched in 2015, its mission is to change the perception of black men in America through intergenerational storytelling. The program — which has expanded to cities across the country —allows black men from all backgrounds to share their stories as professionals, husbands, fathers and leaders. The Ford Fund is also reaching young people through the Ford STEAM Lab. Piloted in October 2014, this initiative addresses the fact that in 2022 there will EH RYHU PLOOLRQ MREV LQ 67(0 DQG QR RQH WR ÂżOO them. With Ford’s goal of leading as an automotive mobility company, the Ford STEAM Lab helps feed the pipeline and spark students’ interests in careers in STEM and tech entrepreneurship. Over 250 VWXGHQWV LQ PHWUR 'HWURLW SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ WKH ÂżUVW WZR years. Today, the program has been developed into a digital/online blended learning curriculum that will be taught in middle schools and high schools across the country.
INTERESTING PERSONALITIES
hawn H. Wilson arrived in Detroit in 2014 with energy and passion, with drive and determination and with an introspective mindset geared toward leveraging his understanding DQG DSSUHFLDWLRQ RI WKH QXDQFHV RI QRQSURÂżW organizations and social entrepreneurship.
Wilson enjoys what he does and says it’s rooted in his passion for the work. “Always follow your passion,� he says to young people. “Don’t follow the money, don’t follow the title. If you follow your passion, you’ll always end up in the best position possible.�
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A simple equation for predictive insight. In June of 2013, IHS acquired R. L. Polk & Co., a global leader in automotive information and solutions. With the addition of Polk, IHS Automotive now provides expertise and insight from product inception…across design and production…to the sales and marketing efforts used to maximize potential in the marketplace. No other source provides a more comprehensive picture of the automotive industry—enabling game-changing decisions to be made with speed and confidence. www.ihs.com
Auto Manufacturers Embracing Diversity & Inclusion Manufacturers expect continued growth in the U.S. among the fastest growing ethnic consumer.
Vice President r i n of Div Diversity it & Inclusion, lusion, us IHS H Automotive Automotiv
Marc Bland
BY Y
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CARMEN CARTER
arc Bland, who currently serves as vice president of diversity and inclusion for IHS Automotive, is an accomplished and passionate African American executive. Marc is known across the auto industry for his ability to help companies interpret and utilize the vast IHS database of industry information. IHS is a world leader in insight and actionable analytics across key industries, including: Aerospace & Defense, Chemical, Energy, Maritime & Trade, Technology and Automotive. The 2013 integration of Polk into IHS Automotive solidified IHS as a leader in data and solutions across the global automotive industry. One key area of focus for IHS Automotive is the diversity and inclusion practice that Bland leads. This area harnesses all the power of IHS Automotive to produce industry-leading ethnic, gender, LGBT and military household, new and used vehicle registration data for all brands competing in the U.S. Two key themes we hear often in the automotive industry are “growth” and “return on investment” — or ROI. According to Bland, if automakers are seeking growth, then aligning themselves with African American, Asian and Hispanic consumers is one way to accomplish this goal. “The auto industry has moved away from the recession and is growing overall, posting an increase of 5 percent year-over-year, comparing the first three quarters of 2015 to the same period in 2014, but this pales in comparison to the growth being produced by ethnic consumers, which is 100 percent higher at 10 percent year-over-year,” according to Bland. In the same timeframe,
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Asian American (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Asian Indian, etc.) new vehicle consumers outperformed the market by 20 percent with 6 percent growth. African American new vehicle consumers also grew their new vehicle consumption 9 percent which represents 80 percent more growth than the overall industry. Leading the automotive industry in year-over-year new vehicle growth at 13 percent are the Hispanic consumers (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Spanish, etc.). Hispanic U.S. new vehicle growth was 160 percent greater than the overall industry growth of 5 percent (see chart below) when comparing the first three quarters of 2014 to the same timeframe in 2015. African American, Asian and Hispanic consumers share a common factor: they are all currently considered part of the minority population in the United States, which is a key factor in new light vehicle sales. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the current minority community is projected to become the majority population in the U.S. in 2043. As a result, Bland routinely poses the following question to clients in the automotive industry -“What are you doing today to ensure you will be properly aligned with the new majority?” To help the entire auto industry prepare for the future majority, Bland offers the following best practices: Leveraging the phrase, “You can’t improve what you don’t measure,” Bland recommends for every automotive (and even nonautomotive) company to establish a team of appointed executives to own and lead the company’s diversity efforts. The team should have an outside marketing, commercialization and product focus, along with an inside partnership, hiring, retention and communication
focus. For auto companies, these teams are driven based on solid ethnic new or used vehicle data. Bland also highly encourages team members to build and maintain relationships with the executive leadership of the company – up to and including the Chairman and CEO, and across all facets of the business. Another senior executive in the auto industry has said, “Diversity within an organization should be part of the standard operating equipment, not an aftermarket accessory.” Bland suggests that companies consider rejecting the theory that ‘one size fits all’ and dismiss the term “total market” when used as an exclusionary device to neglect the key contributions of ethnic agency or ethnic media partners. It is key to hire and maintain a partnership with an ethnic agency and ethnic media partners who provide, digital, print, TV, radio and overall strategic expertise related to their respective area of focus. The main priority within these minority agencies is to help the buyer thoroughly understand your brand. Another goal is to entice and excite the targeted consumer. This will ultimately lead to the purchase of your product or service. It also is important for companies to recognize that ethnic consumers speak various languages and can have different cultural traits/experiences that can lead to different buying triggers. To support this point, the Top 15 Brand table below is based on actual new vehicle volumes for the overall industry and each of the
three largest ethnic consumer groups. The only consistency across the three groups is the fact that Toyota is the volume leader. Toyota’s success is attributed to the company’s consistency in embracing the ethnic consumer and testament to the fact that they have four Vice Presidents focused on Diversity – more than any other automotive company. Bland also advises to avoid the tendency to become complacent and the perception that…”We’re doing well enough” with one or more of the fast growing ethnic segments. Although minority consumers represent 27 percent of the new vehicle market in the U.S., there are 15 automotive brands in the U.S. in which ethnic consumers represent 28-38 percent of new vehicle registrations. These 15 brands generated gross revenues topping $42 billion based on a conservative $25,000 average purchase price per new vehicle purchased by ethnic consumers in the first nine months of 2015. As an automotive diversity leader, Bland states that the share of brand leadership highlights two things about these 15 brands: 1. They have built a strong alliance with African American, Asian and Hispanic new vehicle consumers in the U.S. 2. Each respective brand has an equally strong reliance upon the fast-growing ethnic consumer with one third of their respective vehicle sales coming from these three communities.
The ethnic share of brand leader in the U.S. is Nissan North America, which happens to have the only non-Caucasian and non-Asian Chairman/CEO in Jose Munoz. Supporting Munoz and Nissan’s effort is another highly respected Hispanic executive, Fred M. Diaz. Toyota ranks third in ethnic share of brand with 35 percent of its respective new vehicles in the U.S. being purchased by African Americans, Asians and Hispanic customers (see table below for additional details). African American, Asian and Hispanic populations in the U.S are growing rapidly and their consumption of new vehicles is driving the growth in the automotive industry. There have been many Caucasian and Asian CEOs leading U.S. automotive manufacturer and brands over the years. And in 2014, as mentioned above, Munoz became the first Hispanic automotive brand Chairman in the U.S and Barra became the auto industry’s first female CEO. In an effort to further diversify this great industry, and continue to address a growing diverse consumer base for new vehicles, Bland would like to pose a challenge: which OEM will be the first to afford an African American the opportunity to serve as Chairman or CEO? With consumer and revenue growth being the drivers, the sooner the entire automotive industry understands and embraces the concept of diversity and inclusion through proactive empowerment and reach, the better positioned for the future majority the auto industry will be. Bland has been with the IHS and legacy organization since 1999 and routinely works with IHS Automotive clients on their diversity strategies and efforts. He is married with four children, two of which attend universities in Wisconsin and Indiana. He is proud that both of his daughters actively participate in diversity and inclusion efforts on their respective college campuses. Bland is also proud of the mentorship program “First Impressions” that he established to help young men understand how they present themselves (proper dress, firm handshakes, good eye contact and simple things like opening doors for women, etc.) will help them realize their full potential and make a lasting impression in their communities.
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EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVEPROFILE PROFILE GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE SALUTES
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Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
Charles Brown
James H. Colon
Vice President - Accounting Finance & Secretary Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc.
Vice President – African American Business Strategy Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
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harles Brown was named vice president in June 1997, is responsible for all areas of Accounting and Finance. In June 2003, he was appointed Secretary. Prior to joining TEMA, Brown worked at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) as general manager of Accounting. Before beginning his career with Toyota in 1987, Brown held a variety of ¿QDQFLDO SRVLWLRQV ZLWK *HQHUDO 0RWRUV LQFOXGLQJ plant l acco ountant, intern nal aud udit itor-domes d tic ic an andd over ov erse seas a , tr as trea easu sure rer’ r s st staf afff bu budg dget et ana naly lyst st and sen enio iorr ¿QDQFL ¿QDQ QFLLDOO DQD QDO\ O\VW VW
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im Colon is vice president of African American Business Strategy at Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., responsible for creating, gathering and managing information and promotion initiatives for Toyota brand vehicles in addition to product and sales training. Since beginning his career with Toyota in 1980, Colon has held various roles at Toyota. Most recently, he served as vice president of sales for the Toyota division, resp spon onsi sibl b e fo or sales supp pport of Toy yota’s re r gionall RI¿F RI ¿FHV HV SXEOOLF FRP PSD SDQL QLHHV DQG SUL U YD YDWH WH GLV LVWU WULE LEXW X RUV
Brow Br ownn gr grad grad dua uate t d fr from om Pri rinc ncet eton on Uni nive vers rsiit ity with a bbaach chel eloor or ’ss deg or’s egre reee in re i eco cono nomi mics icss. He H lat ater er earned an a Masterr of Buusi s neess Adm dmin in nis i tr tratio on fr from om m Stanf nfor orrd Universiity ty.
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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
Wilbert W. James Jr.
Keith M. Jones
President Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc.
Manager, Diversity & Inclusion Toyota Social Innovation
W
ilbert James is president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) located in Georgetown. TMMK is home to the Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Venza vehicles directly employing nearly 7,000 team members. Prior to this role, he served as senior vice president at Toyota’s vehicle assembly plant in Princeton, Ind.; where he was responsible for manufacturing and quality. James’ career at Toyota began in 1987 encompassing seeve v ral roles at TMM M K. He was vicee president of manufacturing and general manager of assembly and production d admin inis istrrat a ion. n Affte terr ne n arly a 20-year careeer att TMM MMK K, Jaames K, ame joiineed TABC BC C in Lo ong Beaach ch, Calif. as se s ni nioor vicee pr preessid iden nt off operatio op ons ns. s He He was later ater at e pro romo omo m teed to to pre resi siident dent de nt. Jaame Jame mess re recce ceiv eived ived a Baache iv helo he lo lor or of Sci cien ien ence ce degree in ce Mech Me chan a ic icaal Eng ngin inee eeri riing ng Tec echn echn hnol olloggy an andd an ass ssoc ociate degr gree ee in ap pplied l scie sc ieenc nces es from Oldd D Doomini iniion on Univ Un iver ersi s ty y. +H VHU +H HUYH Y V RRQQ WKH %RD RDUG UG RI I $I $ ¿OLDWHV IRU WKH 1DWLRQDO Societty of Bla lack ck k Eng ngin in nee eers rs and as th thee pr p esid den nt of o the Kentuckyy Cha hamb mber err of Co Comm mmer mm e ce er ce.. Ja Jame mess al me also so is a m mber off th me thee Bo B ar a d of Reg e ents for Kentu tucky Stat atee Univ Un iversity iv y and nd Academic Up UpRi R see.
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native of Ferriday, Louisiana, Keith Jones joined Toyota in 2005, leading diversity and inclusion initiatives for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky in Georgetown, Kentucky. Today, he is Manager of Corporate Diversity and Inclusion for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. on assignment supporting Toyota’s manufacturing plant near Tupelo, Mississippi. He is responsible for developing and managing corporate strategy, policy and programs to further diversify Toyota’s workforce, workplace and community outreach efforts. Prior to joining Toyota, Jones chartered and led corporate diversity initiatives at Volkswagen of America, the Kellogg Company and Shell Oil Company. Jones has been a strong supporter of the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP). Jones holds a Master of Business Administration IURP &DOLIRUQLD 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ %DNHUV¿HOG DQG a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He holds the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half) in the United States Navy Reserve and serves as Commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group headquartered in Williamsburg, VA.
DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
Ed Lewis National Manager Public Policy Communications Toyota
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Tony Moka General Manager Product Quality Assurance Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA)
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ony Moka is a general manager in Product Quality Assurance of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA). Mr. 0RND LV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU DVVXULQJ WKH TXDOLW\ RI DOO PHWDO and chemical materials used in all Toyota North America manufacturing operations. In addition, he is responsible for the Quality Lab operations that support critical component and vehicle evaluations for Toyota and Lexus passenger vehicles built in North America. Mr. Moka began his career with Toyota in 1991, as a sp spec e ia iali list st in Qual alit ityy En ngineerrin ingg at Toy oyot o a Motorr Manu Ma nufa fact ctur urin ing, g, Ken e tu tuccky, y, Incc. ((T y, TMM MMK) K) locat ated d in *HRRUJHHWR *H WRZQ ZQ .H .HQW HQW QWXFN\ FN\ 0U 0U 0RND 0RNDD KDV EHHQ Q LQQ YDU D LR RXV XV TXDO TX DOLW LW\\ PDQD PDQDDJHPHHQW SRV R LW L LRRQV QV VLQ LQFH FHH 0U U 0RN R D K V KD V PD PDQDDJH PDQD JHG JHG G PDQ\\ VSH SHFLLDO JORED OREDDO TXXDOLW\ LP LPSSURY RYHP HP PHQW HQW SURM SU RMHHFW HFWV DQG LPS PSOH OHPH OH PHQW QWHG PDQ QW DQ\\ TX TXDO DOLW DO OLWW\ V\ V\VW VWHP HP PV V ZL ZLWKKLQ LQ Toyo To yota ota ta.. Befo Befo f re joi oini ini n nngg Toy o otta,, Mr. r. Mokka wo work rked for Tier 1 supp su pplliers li to the to he aut utom utom mot otiv i e inndu d sttry y in Ch C ic icag icag agoo fo for 5 for \HDU \H DUV V DV ERWWK D D P D P PDDQXID I FW FWXU X LQJ DDQ DQG T DQG G TX TXDO DOL OLW\ \ HQJLQHHU \ L Mr. Mo Mr Moka ka ear arrnne ned a ba bach ach c el elor orrs ooff Sciience nce ce degre eg greee in indu in duussttri tri rial al engin al ngin ng inee eeri eringg from ro om Ro Rooos osev evel eltt Univerrsi s ty in Chi Ch hic icago icag ag go an nd a Ma Ma ter Mast er of Scie Scie Sc ienc nce deeggrreee fro rom Illi rom Illi Il lino nois no iss Inst In stit ittut ute te of of Tec echhnolog ogyy in Chi hica caagoo. A a YMC As MCA A ad adul ultt ac achi hiev ever er and an Ur Urbbaan Le Urba Leag Leag a ue Afr fric ican an Amerric Am ican n Leade deershi rsshipp Developmen ent Proggra ram m grad aduatee, Mr. Moka Mr Moka Mo ka engages in several comm mmun unityy de develo lopmen entt a ti ac tivitiess. Mr. Moka currently resides in Cincinnati with his wife and two children.
CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
Sandra Phillips
Patricia Salas Pineda
*HQHUDO &RXQVHO &KLHI /HJDO 2IĂ€FHU Toyota Motor North America
Group Vice President, Hispanic Business Strategy Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMA)
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andra Phillips is vice president and assistant general counsel of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS). Her responsibilities include legal operations and technology and complex litigation. She is active in the TMS African American Collaborative and TORQUE, a professional women’s alliance group.
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atricia Pineda is group vice president at Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMA) with primary responsibility for Hispanic Business Strategy. Previously she had responsibility for national philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation. Pineda joined TMA in September 2004 as group vice president of Corporate Communications and General Counsel.
Prior to joining TMS in 2012, Phillips was a partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius L.L.P. Earlier, she was senior vice president and associate general counsel for 3Âż]HU ,QF DQGG VHU 3Âż HUYH Y G RQ R WKH FKLHI H[HHFX FXWLYH RIÂżFHUÂśV seenior management team.
Prior to joining TMA, Pineda spent 20 years att New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMM MI) I) I), the corporate joint venture between Toyo y ta Mot otoor Corporation and Ge Gene nera rall Motorss Corpo p ration whe herre she served as viice preesi side dent nt, huuma man an re reso sour urce ces, s Government andd Leg gal Aff ffai aiirs and cor airs o pora ratee sec ecre retary.
Phillips is a founding mem Ph mbe berr off the Uni nive vers rsit ity off Teexa xass Center for Women in L Laaw. The The Cent Th Centerr is tth he prem em mie ier ed duc ucationa nal instituttio na on de devo v ted to o the h suc uccce cess ss of thee ent ntir ire ssppectr ire ecctr t um m of woome m n in law aw..
Pineda rec Pine eccei e ved a Baach chel elor or of Ar A tss deg gree from Mil ills ls Cooll l eg ge an nd a jju uri ris do doct ctor or degree fr from om thee Universit ityy o Callif of ifornia at Berkelley.
Shee is a tho Sh oug u ht lea eade deer on on div i ersiity t in th thee pr p ofession andd is devotted an e to meent ntor orin ori ing wome women wo men an a d mi mino nori no rity ri ty y prof pr ofesssi sion onnals. alss.. Ph al Phil illi lips p is thee 2008 ps 2008 rec ecip ipie ipie i nt off th he Defe De fens nsee R Reese search h Ins nsti titute Div i ersity ity Pio ione neer er Awa ward rd. d. In n March ch 2013 Allston & Bird as a “Woman of Dist Di stin tin inction� n honor n� onnor o ed her er.
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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
Jennifer “Jae� Pi’ilani Requiro
Wei Shi
National Manager of Diversity & Inclusion Toyota Financial Services
Group Vice President – Treasury, Business Intelligence, Analytics & Finance Toyota Financial Services
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HQQLIHU Âł-DH´ 3LÂśLODQL 5HTXLUR LV WKH QDWLRQDO manager of Diversity and Inclusion at Toyota Financial Services. Her responsibilities focus on diversity and inclusion education, executive accountability, mentoring programs and employee resource groups. Jae also develops North American strategies to enhance Toyota’s reputation including the lead role for communication strategy in support of One Toyota diversity and inclusion. Her outstandingg work has placed her in demand at nume mero r us conferences, woork rkshhop opss and educat ationa nall foru fo rums mss and oth ther er lea e di ding ng cor orpo porrati tion ns wi with th a parrti ticcuula ticu ularr fo ocu cuss on emp mplo loye yee re reso soour urce ce gro roup upss an nd ge gene nera raa ional rati dive di vers ve rsit itty. y In In May a 201 014, 4 Jae 4, ae was awa w rded rd ded a “Ca Cal aliforn rn niaa M lticcul Mu ultu tura rall Le ra Lead aad der ersh ship sh ipâ€?â€? Aw Awar ardd fr ar from om m thee Nationall Diivers D rsit rs ityy Cooun it u ci cill. l. JJae earn ned ed a bacche h lo lor’ r s de degr g ee in so gr socciolloggy wi with th a VSSHFLDOL]DWL WLRQ WL R LQ VWUDWL WLÂżFDW WL WLÂżF ÂżFFDW DWLR LRQ UDFH DQG QG HWK W QLFL QLFL FLW\ LW\ IUR URP P UC CLA. She he alsso se servved ed on th thee bbooar ardd ooff Kau aullan lana Ka la Hale Kula O’ Na Pu Pua O’ Ka ‘A Ain na, a a sch c ool ool fo ocu use sedd onn thhee spe pecciiaall her peci erittag ge an a d trad ad dit itio ioons nnss of th the he Ha Hawa waii iian ii iian n peop pe ople lee. She he has bee eenn em empl plloye ploy oyyed ed at To Toyo yota ta for ta or 16 year yeear arss. s.
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ei Shi is group vice president of treasury, EXVLQHVV LQWHOOLJHQFH DQDO\WLFV DQG ¿QDQFH for Toyota Financial Services (TFS). In this role, he leads functions responsible for data science, analytics, performance measurement, planning, budgeting, funding, derivatives, asset-liability and FDSLWDO PDQDJHPHQW OLTXLGLW\ ULVN PDQDJHPHQW FDVK PDQDJHPHQW YDOXDWLRQ WUHDVXU\ DQG ¿QDQFH V\VWHPV and treasury operations. Shi’ss ca care reerr at TF T S bega gan in n 2006 as corpo p rate managerr of tre reas asuury. y Un Unde d r hi de hiss leadersh ship ip,, th thee TF TFS S treaasu sury ry DQQG G ¿Q ¿QDQQFH WHD H P KD KDVV UUHHSHDW HDWWHGO\ \ ZRQ RQ LQWHUUQD QDWLRQQDO reco re cogn gnit nit itio ion for io ion fo or perf rfor rf o maance, or e, sta tab abi biliityy, sp bili spee eedd-to to-m o-ma -m mar arke kett, andd ri an risk sk man anagemen en nt. Au Auto tomootiive New ewss reeccogni oggni nize zzeed Shii as Sh as one ne of th thee Au Auto t mo moti tive ve Indus u ttrry’ us y’ss Al Alll-St l-Sttars ars in in 2013 20 13. 3. He rec eceive eiveed a Baacch helloorr of Sc Scie i ncce de degr egr g ee in Electrical Engi En gineeriing ing fr from om Fudan da Uni n ver veers rsit ity ty in Sha hanggha hang hai, hai Chin Ch ina. a. Hee has als lso earn rned ed tw wo advan wo dva ce dv cedd degrees – a masster ma ster er’s ’ss ddeegr gree ee in el electr ecctr t iccal al anndd com ompute terr en ngi ginneeeerrin ingg ffrrom m Car arne n gi ne gie Me M ll llon on Uni nive verrssit vers ityy in Pitts itts t buurg gh, 3HQQ 3H QQQV\ V\OYDQ OYDQLLDD DQ OY DQGG G D GR G D G FW GR FWRU RUDW DWH WH GH GHJU JUHH HH LQ ¿QDQ D FH IUR URP P thee Un th U iv iver ersi sity ity of Cali Cali Ca lifo fo orrn nia ia,, Be Berk rkel e ey. ey y.
CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
Albert A. Smith, Jr.
Adrienne Trimble
Group Vice President – Service Operations & Corporate Planning Toyota Financial Services
General Manager, Diversity & Inclusion Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA)
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l Smith is group vice president, service operations and corporate planning for Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS). In this role, he has overall responsibility for TFS’ Customer Service, Asset Protection, Central Recovery and Fraud Departments. Smith leads a team of over 1,800 TFS associates who support a portfolio of PLOOLRQ FXVWRPHUV RI 7R\RWDœV ¿QDQFLQJ OHDVLQJ and insurance-related products. He also oversees the TFS Corporate Strategy, Communications, and Corporate Social Responsibility departments. Since beginning his career with Toyotaa in 1990, Sm S ith h s held various ha us key e lea e dership po posi siti tion tion onss at Toy yotta Fina Fi n ncial Services and Toyotaa Moto Moto or Sa Sale lees. s. Hee ser erves as erv a exeecu cuti t ve adv dvvis isor of Toyo isor yota taa’ss Affrri rican ican an Americcan Am an Col olla labo boraati bo tivee, ch chai aireed th aire thee Bo B ys ys Sco out u s of Amer Am ericca’ er a s Thun Thunde Th d rb de bir ird rd Diissttri tri riicct, and served as a sponsor boar bo ardd me ar memb emb mber b r of FFA Foounda unnda datiion. Add ddit itio ionally, Smith iss a mem mber of of Kappa ap ppa pa Alp phhaa Psii Fraate tern rniit rn ity, Inc ity, nc.,, and WKKH /R /RV V $Q $QQJHOH $QJH OHV &RXQ XQFL FLLO RQ RQ :RU RQ RUO UOG $IIDLUV G He recceeiive ved a bach ved bachelor’s degre reee in bus usin ines esss admi ad m nisttra rati tiion/ co ompu mp puter science from California State Uni Un niv ive sity iver ty, y, Lo Long ng Bea each ch.. ch
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drienne Trimble is general manager of diversity and inclusion at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA), located in Erlanger, Kentucky. TEMA supports Toyota’s engineering and manufacturing operations in North America. She is responsible for developing and managing corporatee strategy, policy and programs to further diversiify fy TEMA’s workforce, workplace and community an nd business outreach efffo fort r s. Since 2000, Tr Trim imbl blee ha hass he held held d sev everall man anag agem men entt posi siti tion onss at TEM MA, A, inclu ncludi ding dev evel elopme ment nt of the comp co m any’ y s re recr crui cr uitm tmen en nt st stra rate tegy gy in Human Resourcees. ost re os rece cent ntl nt tly ly, sh shee ma m na nage gedd Puurc ge rchhasiing g’s suppllie ierr Mos d veersity department whe di h re she h was res espo ponssib ible lee for buiildi bu ding ngg TEM EMA’ A s su supp p lier div pp ver ersi sity ty pro rogr g am m, wiith th ann em mph p assis is on sour sour urci cing ng anndd devel elop opm op ment off mino miinority i b si bu sine nesss ent nter erpr er pris pr i es is es. Shee cu Sh urren rrren ntl tlyy sseerrv vves es on th es the he Soouth Central Ohio Mino noority nori ritty y Sup uppl p ie pl ier er Deve veelo velo lopm p ent Council, and the pm Sout uthw hwes estt Mi Mino nori rity Supplie lierr Deve v lo l pm p ent Council, %LOOLRQ 'ROO OODU 5RX RXQG QGGWD WDEO EOH DQQG ZRUNV Z ZL ZLWK WKH :RPHQœV Business Bu i Ent nterpr pris i e Na N ti tional Couuncil cil.. A graduate RI :LOEHUIRUFH 8QLYHUVLW\ \ 7ULPE ULLPEOOH OH ZDV D UHFRJQL]HG E\ 5DLQERZ RZ Z 386 86+ + &R &RDO DOLW L LRRQ ZL ZLWK WK WKH :RP PHQ H ,Q Lead Le ader dersh shhip ip Award for her eff ffor orts ts to ad advance economiic development fo dev de forr di dive verrsee su supp ppli lier ers. s. Shhe is an active memb me mber e of Al Alphaa Kapp ppa Al Alph phaa Sorority, Inc.
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t’s no coincidence that the region best known for automotive manufacturing is also a rising star in the technology industry. A study released by Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association in March showed the number of Detroit-area tech jobs grew 15 percent in 2013, making it one of the fastest growing regions in the nation for technology related work. Home of the Big Three carmakers, auto-related jobs make up more than 40 percent of all tech jobs in the Metro Detroit area, according to the most recent Automation Alley report. “Given the convergence of smart vehicles and the use of IT and big data, [the Big Three] are now look-
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ing to compete for the kinds of people who go to Google or Microsoft,” said economist Jim Jacobs, President of Macomb Community College and board member at the Center for Automotive Research. The shift towards a technology driven workplaces is D UHÁHFWLRQ RI ZKDW LV KDSSHQLQJ WR DXWR PDQXIDFturing on a larger scale: Every step from design to WKH VKRZURRP ÁRRU LV ZLUHG PRVW FUDVK WHVWV DUH QRZ simulated using 3D models and many auto parts are crafted out of 3D printers. Thus, a new challenge has arisen: with a growing number of jobs that demand a high STEM (science technology electronics and math) competency,
there is a glaring skill shortage in the domestic workforce. “We’re having a talent epidemic,â€? said Reagan Flowers, President and CEO of CSTEM Teacher and 6WXGHQW 6XSSRUW 6HUYLFHV ,QF D QRQ SURĂ€W RUJDQLzation dedicated to reducing student achievement gaps in Communication and STEM education. While STEM competency is lagging in schools nationwide, there is a grave disparity between urban black and latino students and their peers in suburban school districts. Girls in both areas are often culturally edged out of STEM learning as well. As jobs become more technical, more and more girls and monitories risk being cut off from career opportunities, and companies have limited access to diverse workforces. The learning gap starts as early as 3rd grade according to Jeron Campbell, CEO and founder of ACES, a YROXQWHHU GULYHQ QRQSURĂ€W WKDW IRFXVHV RQ LPSURYLQJ ACT scores and tutoring for college bound students in Detroit. By the time students enter high school, the achievement disparity is stunning, not just in STEM learning but literacy as well, he said. To put it in perspective, Campbell draws from state statistics. “If you look at Northville High, they had 548 juniors that averaged a 25 on the ACT in last year,â€? he said. “Compare that to the highest ranking Detroit school, Renaissance: with 241 students they only averaged a 21. The state average is 19.8.â€? Campbell noted another sobering number: While the nearby suburban Troy School District had 40 national merit scholars in 2014, Detroit Public Schools (DPS) had none. “When you talk to an employer, they’re always saying the same thing. They say, ‘We want the best people,’â€? Campbell said. “There are undertones there. We already know the Detroit kids are largely not going to qualify and they are vastly minority students. That’s the systemic difference.â€? Over the past decades, automakers like General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have invested millions LQWR VFKRODUVKLSV VFKRRO SURJUDPV DQG QRQSURĂ€W initiatives to promote STEM education in schools nationwide. Programs like the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP), EarthForce GREEN, Math Counts, Camp Invention, FIRST Robotics and the SAE Foundation’s A World in Motion initiative all EHQHĂ€W IURP FDUPDNHU¡V LQYHVWPHQWV But funding lines from automotive companies have VLJQLĂ€FDQWO\ IDOOHQ VLQFH WKH *UHDW 5HFHVVLRQ KLW LQ 2008, according to Jason Lee, Executive Director RI '$3&(3 D GHFDGHV ROG QRQSURĂ€W GHGLFDWHG WR connecting historically underrepresented youth to hands-on educational opportunities in STEM. “Philanthropy from automotive has not come back to levels it was prior to the downturn,â€? Lee said, adding that he doesn’t see a return to old funding models. ´$V SURĂ€WV FRPH EDFN , WKLQN IXQGLQJ IURP DXWRPRtive will be more targeted. After the recession the auto industry has retooled their philanthropy.â€?
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The drop in auto-related monies could be seen as a loss or an opportunity to re-evaluate impact, Flowers said. Diversity in STEM is a concern many organizations and businesses are addressing but so far, the efforts have been piecemeal—schools attempting to HQKDQFH 67(0 FXUULFXOXP QRQSURĂ€WV ZRUNLQJ WR Ă€OO gaps in education training and universities, charitable foundations and businesses have to some degree been working in silos, she said. Flowers said CSTEM programs impacted 200,000 students across the U.S. last year. While that number is LPSUHVVLYH )ORZHUV LQ FRQFHUQHG WKDW VXFK Ă€JXUHV pale when held up to the bigger picture. “You’ve got to reach millions to get the kind of outcomes we can see and feel,â€? she said. “When are we going to talk about coming together collectively in STEM?â€? While experts quickly identify the myriad problems with achievement in school systems, the solutions are harder to identify. Flowers says that more collabRUDWLRQ EHWZHHQ VFKRROV QRQSURĂ€WV SROLF\PDNHUV and corporations like the Big Three would help close the gaps in education progress. “When you have a company like GM investing 2.8 million in stem education, we have to connect the dots and ask the important questions. Once those dollars move, how
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sustainable are their investments? Funding is more than writing a check,â€? she said. 6WLOO DXWR UHODWHG LQĂ XHQFH LV SUHYDOHQW LQ HIIRUWV WR engage students from diverse backgrounds in STEM learning, Lee says. The program is recognized nationally for its work in getting girls interested in STEM as half of the program’s participants are young women. “DAPCEP has a symbiotic relationship with the automotive industry,â€? he said, noting that stuGHQWV ZKR EHQHĂ€WWHG IURP '$3&(3 SURJUDPPLQJ have gone on to work for automotive companies. “They not only support programming monetarily, but they also contribute to the design of curriculum, and offer facility tours.â€? Programs like CSTEM and DAPCEP are unique in that they’re re-envisioning how STEM education is delivered. “STEM is a fundamental part of everyday living. That’s why our programs are hands-on and draw on real-world examples,â€? Lee said. The organization has partnered with K-12 systems, universities, cultural institutions, corporations, churches, and more to create what they call the “STEM Ecosystem.â€? ([SHUWV DGYLVH WKDW EH\RQG Ă€QDQFLDO GRQDWLRQV YROunteer work and tutoring in schools can have just as big an impact. At ACES, Campbell says nearly all of the support he gets is through volunteer commit-
PHQWV VRPHWKLQJ WKDW KH VD\V LV LQYDOXDEOH He says role models like the ones featured in the '5,9(1 SXEOLFDWLRQ FDQ EH LPSDFWIXO LQÁXHQFHV for students. “It’s important that people go back to these schools and volunteer, if they can. Some say that it’s only helping a few kids but it’s better to help a few than none,” Campbell said. To date 5,000 students have been through ACES and all of them worked with volunteers. Campbell says ACES volunteers are provided with structured activities, and their job is to “get those light bulbs to pop off.” It’s hard to have a conversation about the achievement gap without discussing school reform, Campbell said. He is concerned about how Title On ne funding is appropriated and the role off charter schools among other issues. “I really want to m make a difference, I’m just tired of seeing the e same results,” he said. “The system is not going g to change itself. Unfortunately, some people look at education like a cash cow.” The good news is that the jobs are out there. While th he auto industry becomes more e technologically advanced with more MREV WKDQ SHRSOH TXDOLÀHG for them, Flowers sa aid it’s an chance to blaze c clear career pathways. “W We have to take advantage e of the ÀHOGV ZKHUH WKHUH DUH jobs,” she said. ““I see missed opportunitty in minority communitties.”
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Are Autonomous Electric Vehicles the REAL Market Disruption? By Devin Lindsay
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PPROXIM ROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS ago, o, the optimism op for electric vehicles was as high. A dramatic increase in gasoline asoline pric prices, combined with falling alling home values, fears concerning employment mployment and the overall economy, cau used an immediate shift in consumer vvehicle purchasing behavior in an effort to attain any form of savings at the gasoline pump. Automakers scrambled to get vehicles to market in order to meet this new American hunger for fuel-efficient vehicles, a desire that had not been seen for more than 30
years. Electric vehicles (EVs) took root, focused on eliminating dependency on high-priced gasoline. Early adopters were expected to lead the industry to a better position on the fuel efficiency scale and a brighter environmental future. Early adopters were thought to have grown up with a videogame controller in hand, witth a unique desire for the latest tecchnology and an ability to spend mooney for new environmentally-consccious products. When applying this exxpectation to the Technology Adopttion Life Cycle model, those attributes apply more to another group at th he far left of the scale, the Innovators. Th The problem is, the number of conssumers in this group is even smaller, and automakers and related suppliers needed n volume to justify more research aand development and to reach some return on investment, noot less. Today, autoonomous vehicles get th he same type of attention as E EVs and whispers of immediate m market adoption are beginning to be heard. EVs and fuel economyy are becoming “old news”. While elecctric vehicle nameplates and overalll volumes are still experiencing somee year-over-year growth, IHS Automottive forecasts for 2016 EV volume still pale in
comparison to the number of pickup trucks expected to be sold in the United States next year. That said, if EVs are waning in popularity, many think self-driving cars must be the future for urban mobility, coming soon to a dealership, a store, or maybe a website near you. Yet, will the transition be that easy? Are consumers ready for the shift? Will they be forced to adopt the technology just to be on the road, or will the demand for autonomous cars force the market to change to meet their new needs and wants? The answer may be found somewhere in between. Together, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles are not mutually exclusive, and may form an approach necessary to defeat the incumbent champion, the internal combustion engine (ICE). Also, the concept of car-sharing causes consumers to ponder the question, “Do I really need this car?” The next obvious question could be, “Do I really need a car at all?”, and that probably has never been considered by many consumers living in areas without a robust mass transit system. If you need “wheels” for that first job, first date or first game, getting your hands on a set of car keys is something done as a rite of passage into adulthood.
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IS THIS A MATCH MADE IN SILICON VALLEY? Mass-adoption of electric vehicles could be truly disruptive. ‘Disruptive’, for the purpose of this article, is defined as a causing a dramatic change in vehicle mobility, vehicle maintenance, the vehicle fleets, associated manufacturers/suppliers, and infrastructure. Arguments can be made that it can be a revolutionary technology as well. EVs require drivers to change their interaction with a car and to a certain extent, how they interact with their environment (e.g. charging time and locations). This leap may not be problematic for Innovators and Early Adopters who seek new challenges. However, to really attract the highvolume portion of the market, namely, the Early Majority and Late Majority, other benefits beyond the desire to own a car with the most advanced drive system and environmental benefits will need to be offered. Autonomous vehicles are beyond evolutionary; they are based on revolutionary technology that becomes disruptive, with the ability to change how we interact socially, how future cities will be built or rebuilt, and challenge how we define vehicle ownership. While autonomous vehicles may or may not require a driver, they will need a significant amount of
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battery voltage to support the related electronics, advanced cooling systems, increased computing power and a host of other components to ensure precise operation and safety — not only for passengers, but for the surrounding environment. This presents a tremendous opportunity for EVs, as they already contain the required battery voltage, and attract Innovators to Early Adopters - all without the “old” internal combustion engine and its bulk, noise, vibration and emission issues. So what are we waiting for? Several automakers have EVs available now and Google has suggested that it has more than 1.3 million self-driven miles under its tires. Why the delay? Many challenges that are still in effect for the electric vehicle alone, but the challenges may be ten-fold for an autonomous vehicle, and the amount of disruption in other areas of our lives also will be significant. For example, electric vehicles are already beginning to have an impact on infrastructure budgets. While one might view a decrease in Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) on U.S. roads, as a positive trend in terms of oil dependency and its impact on the environment, EVs are bypassing the local gas stations and with them, the associated gasoline tax. As a result,
various states are trying to create ways to replace the lack of that income. For autonomous vehicles, there will be an enormous amount of investment needed to create and improve an infrastructure, capable of communicating with the vehicle as it travels through traffic lights, near buildings and in highway lanes, just to name a few. Also, as vehicles open more connections to the outside world, cybersecurity becomes critical to an industry that hasn’t needed it up to now. Data privacy issues migrate from the mobile phone in your pocket to the mobile computer in your driveway. Also liability issues still need to be understood – when an accident occurs, who is at fault in a driverless world. Auto insurance companies must adapt in a world that increasingly emphasizes anticipatory crash avoidance technologies. Automotive jobs and skillsets will migrate from manufacturing to electronics. New shared and/or autonomous mobility choices can expedite redevelopment in urban areas where many minority communities often reside, but this new model can also reduce the cost of personal transportation and make these communities more mobile and independent. Once connected, shared and autonomous transportation enablers are available in these densely populated urban environments, other barriers to personal mobility that can prohibit car ownership today can be reduced — from obtaining a driver’s license to buying, owning and maintaining a vehicle. The smartphone and a shared fleet can replace a major household expense for many people. Uber and other car-sharing programs are also part of the discussion. The debate is ongoing on the profitability of their business model - but a viable autonomous vehicle landscape makes car-sharing logical for large segments of the population living in densely populated areas, or where mass transportation is lacking. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation
2013 statistics, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, California, Hawaii, Florida, and Maryland are states with more than 80 percent urban VMT. What six of the eight states have in common is that they are also Section 177 states, which have adopted the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This designation requires most automakers to earn a specific amount of credits primarily through the selling of electric or fuel cell vehicles in the state. In addition, nearly all of the states above feature cities that make this dubious ranking as the “most congested,” according to the 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard, published jointly by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and INRIX. The study measures the cost of the congestion in time, fuel consumption and other attributes. Therefore, it is only fitting that these states are looking for ways to lower vehicle emissions through the ZEV mandate, and will likely be markets that consider alternative transportation modes like car-sharing to alleviate congested roads. ARE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES REALLY AUTONOMOUS? Just as there are various levels of electrification from mild-hybridization (gas/electric combo) to complete battery electric (no gasoline), there are various levels between the vehicles we drive today and self-driving vehicles. IHS Automotive splits this in terms of Automated and Autonomous driving. Automated driving is not “future technology” – rather, it is here now. In fact, some of these technologies have been in vehicles for quite some time. While cruise control is an obvious example, anti-lock brakes (ABS) became standard or optional equipment on many models in the 1990s. In more recent years, traction control and electronic stability control were added to increase vehicle safety, while decreasing the amount of human interaction and error. Automated driving is quickly making
its way into traditional ICE vehicles, simply following the dominance of the internal combustion engine in the market. Automated and autonomous vehicle technologies don’t require a specific powertrain; rather they improve the efficiency of any type. So while there is plenty of life left in the ICE, and the relatively cheap and powerful energy density of gasoline and its embedded infrastructure is yet to be defeated, powertrain is on equal ground from the automated driving perspective. With the anticipation of a 48-volt architecture coming to more vehicles to handle the demand from all of the vehicle electronics, more automated driving features on the lower end of the scale (L3 and below) can be added in the near future. However, all of this will be at an increased cost and drivers will need to learn the advantages of system. Currently, the question remains: are consumers willing to pay for the various features? THE POWER OF LEGISLATION As we have seen with other automated vehicle technologies like ABS, electronic stability control, and by 2018, backup cameras, the benefits to society will likely prompt the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to pass legislation that will support market
penetration. Combined with the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which require automakers to reach a 54.5 miles-pergallon (mpg) fleet average by 2025, and the ZEV mandate, government agencies will play a key role assisting figuratively and literally, in paving the path and pushing more hybrid, battery electric, automated and autonomous vehicles into the market. ADAS is a key technology in improving crash-test performance and can also be used to improve vehicle fuel economy. For example, instead of vehicle navigation routes being selected solely by the fastest route, the vehicle could direct the driver to use the most fuel efficient route that takes into consideration the number of stop lights, current traffic speed, grade of terrain, and other variables. As automakers seek ways to reach increasingly stringent emission standards, technologies around the vehicle and not just under the hood—including connected and automated technologies—are under consideration as off-cycle credits to improve a fleet’s fuel economy. SO WILL “THE GAME” CHANGE? Not necessarily based on what we expect will be ready for the road by the end of the next decade, according to research
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and development efforts. Consumers across the Technology Adoption Curve have shown interest in new technology, but not everyone is choosing to, or is capable of, buying a fully-equipped new car. For some, it will provide them a unique ownership experience, but for others, they may be forced to move with the trend as we saw in the migration from analog to digital television. In the automotive industry, Tesla has shown that electric vehicles do not have to be intermediate-sized, relatively low-priced, with a long 0-60 mph performance time. Instead, they have exceeded expectations with a luxury, premium priced sedan that includes a 0-60 mph performance that matches supercharged V8s. But the Model S
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also received an “autopilot” update, equipping the vehicle with the ability to automatically manage traffic conditions. As we have seen with EVs, reaching the Innovators and Early Adopters won’t be enough to guarantee a return on investment or significantly change the vehicle fleet. Even reaching out to those defined as environmentally conscious may not move the needle enough. However, electrified hybrid vehicles offering more levels of automated driving may the best avenue towards eventual mass market adoption for EVs. In turn, EV adoption can help consumers make the switch to an autonomous vehicle forcing even the Laggards into the market due to regulations requiring vehicles to meet
the elevated safety and emissions standards that can only achieved by the EV/ADAS combination. The transition will not be easy for all socio-economic groups, businesses or cities. How best to handle the impact of an EV-autonomous vehicle disruption on all communities should be considered - not just the positive benefits for those considered more affluent and well-educated. But for those who decide that vehicle ownership is just not worth the expense, Uber and other car-sharing programs will be waiting. The only question is who will be driving, the famous, artificially intelligent robot Kitt or Michael Knight of TV’s “Knight Rider” fame? It remains to be seen.
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James H. Bailey III Personnel Director Romulus Powertrain Operations
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Rhonda M. Bolton Head of Corporate Diversity Initiatives Kia Motors America, Inc.
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Zafar J. Brooks Director Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity Inclusion Hyundai Motor America
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Jeffery S. Brown Regional Sales Director Hyundai Capital America
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Alonzo Byrd Assistant Vice President Public Affairs Enterprise Holdings Inc.
102 DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
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Paula S. Carter Supply Chain Management Small Business Diversity training
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Donna Charles Co-Founder Multi-Training Systems (MTS)
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Lane Coleman &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Strike Group
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Shaleontyne Constantine Human Resources Supervisor ChemicoMays
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igal Cordeiro is general director, Chevrolet Global Marketing at General Motors. In this role, she oversees the company’s efforts to strengthen the position of Chevrolet as a global iconic brand by developing successful marketing strategies for the brand and its vehicles. 6KH LV RQ WKH ERDUG RI *HQHUDO 0RWRUV¶ +LVSDQLF ,QLWLDWLYH 7HDP DQG D SDUW of the company’s Hispanic Leadership Network. Sigal joined General Motors in 2000 and has held positions in Marketing DQG 0DUNHW 5HVHDUFK LQ WKH 86 DQG *HUPDQ\ +HU SDVW H[SHULHQFHV LQFOXGH ZRUNLQJ DW 7$0 %UD]LOLDQ $LUOLQHV LQ YDULRXV PDUNHWLQJ FDSDFLWLHV DQG DW NBCUniversal as Director of Consumer Insights. Sigal holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fundacao *HWXOLR 9DUJDV LQ %UD]LO DQG D 0DVWHU RI %XVLQHVV $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ IURP WKH University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
Sigal Cordeiro General Director Chevrolet Global Marketing General Motors
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veteran with over 25 years of experience, Alma L. Crossley was appointed Director for Corporate Diversity on January 1, 2011.
Alma’s primary responsibility is to favorably position General Motors (GM) as the company of choice for its products and services among diverse communities by promoting, supporting, and leveraging diversity within and outside of General Motors. In her position, Alma works to establish relationships with key advocacy groups and consult across various GM functions to achieve Diversity business goals. Alma earned her undergraduate degree from GMI in 1990, and received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1997. Alma is proud of her heritage and is excited to be in a position that leverages her broad experience and diverse background. In 2011, Hispanic Business selected Alma as one of the “100 Most ,QÀXHQWLDO +LVSDQLFV´ DQG LQ VKH ZDV GHVLJQDWHG ³/DWLQD 7UDLOEOD]HU´ E\ /DWLQR -XVWLFH ,Q $OPD HDUQHG ³7KH 5DUH (YHU\GD\ +HUR $ZDUG´ IURP :LQQLQJ )XWXUHV DQG WKH 6DQWLDJR 5RGULJXH] 'LYHUVLW\ $ZDUG IURP WKH *UHDW 0LQGV LQ 67(0 RUJDQL]DWLRQ
Alma L. Crossley Director Corporate Diversity General Motors
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alcolm Cunningham started his professional career in 1990 selling automobiles for then Stone Mountain Ford. In 2003 he was given the ultimate position of general manager, managing more than $25 million in assets and grew sales to more than $60 million annually. &XUUHQWO\ &XQQLQJKDP LV SUHVLGHQW DQG FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RI¿FHU RI 0DOFROP Cunningham Companies LLC., which manages the assets of Malcolm Cunningham Ford Lincoln Mercury, Malcolm Cunningham Auto Gallery, Quick Lane and Malcolm Cunningham Properties LLC., which has estimated annual sales exceeding $70 million. $ QDWLYH RI $WODQWD &XQQLQJKDP DWWHQGHG 7HQQHVVHH 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ 1DVKYLOOH +H LV PDUULHG WR KLV EHDXWLIXO ZLIH 7HUUHVVLD 'HH 'HH DQG KDV two sons, Malcolm II and Myles, and a daughter, Milan Aja.
Malcolm A. Cunningham President & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Malcolm Cunningham Companies, LLC.
Cunningham is a Christian with strong family values and is a very active member of the DeKalb County community, where he resides. He is chairperson of the DeKalb Police Athletic League Plus, served as treasurer on the committee to re-elect Congressman Hank Johnson, and is a member of the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
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Tiana Dudley Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator The Chemico Group
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Adi Dzinic Information Technology Manager Chemico Group
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A. Gregory Eaton Co-Founder & President Metro Cars, Inc.
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Steven R. Ewing Owner Wade Ford, Inc.
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Andre L. Gist President & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Manufacturers Industrial Group, LLC
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RH ³)ODVK´ *RUGRQ LV FXUUHQWO\ D WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ FRQVXOWDQW DW &HQWUDO Cadillac, located in Downtown Cleveland. In his position, he provides consulting services to Clevelanders on their luxury automotive needs, whether it be buying or leasing a new or pre-owned vehicle. -RH VWDUWHG KLV FDUHHU LQ WKH DXWRPRWLYH LQGXVWU\ LQ ZKHQ KH ZRUNHG DW KLV IDWKHUœV VHUYLFH VWDWLRQ 7ZR \HDUV ODWHU KH EHFDPH WKH PDQDJHU RI WKDW VWDWLRQ DQG LQ ZDV DEOH WR RSHQ KLV RZQ 6XSHU 6RKLR VWDWLRQ ,Q Joe became a dealer candidate with General Motors in the newly created PLQRULW\ GHDOHU GHYHORSPHQW SURJUDP 7KURXJKRXW KLV FDUHHU KH KDV VROG many makes of vehicles including Pontiac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GMC KHDY\ GXW\ WUXFNV %XLFN 5ROOV 5R\FH DQG ¿QDOO\ &DGLOODF (YHQ DIWHU \HDUV LQ WKH DXWRPRWLYH EXVLQHVV -RH VWLOO HQMR\V VHOOLQJ DQG GULYLQJ OX[XU\ cars! ,Q KLV VSDUH WLPH -RH HQMR\V PXVLF SDUWLFXODUO\ MD]] JROI ZKHQ WLPH SHUPLWV WUDYHOLQJ DQG ¿QH GLQLQJ
Joe “Flash� Gordon Transportation Consultant Central Cadillac
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Leslie M. Gordon Senior Manager of Diversity Communications General Motors
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ichele Graham is a senior global account executive on the Ford account team at IHS Automotive, managing and providing support to Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Credit. As part of her responsibilities, Graham also works to strengthen the existing partnership with Ford’s multicultural agencies, Uniworld Group and Zubi advertising services, providing automotive intelligence for analysis and forecasting for the potential buying power of the multicultural market. Graham has a variety of experience working with other auto-related companies during her tenure at IHS Automotive. Prior to joining IHS Automotive in 2003, she worked as a music marketing manager with Handleman Company, working on behalf of Kmart Corporation with the music labels, creating and executing Kmart’s national multicultural music and print media advertising. Raised in Anchorage, Alaska and Portland, Oregon, Graham holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Grambling State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University. Michele is a member of the North Oakland/Macomb Jack and Jill chapter and is the wife of Brandon Graham and proud mother of one daughter.
Michele Graham Senior Global Account Executive IHS Automotive
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RQLFD *UHHQKDOJK LV FXUUHQWO\ WKH FKLHI LQIRUPDWLRQ RI¿FHU of South America located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Her primary responsibility is leading and managing the IT professionals, projects and operations in the region while serving as a member of the South America Executive Leadership team. Monica was promoted to her current role in June 2015. She has been part of the historic IT transformation of GM since 2013. Monica has more than two decades of experience in the IT and management consultant industries. Prior to joining GM in February 2013, she spent seven years at Hewlett-Packard, where among other responsibilities she and the leadership team executed a historic Next Generation Data Center transformation program. In her current role, Monica is heavily involved with the hiring of new college graduates and experienced IT professionals, with a focus on women and minority candidates. Monica is a member of the Hispanic Leadership Network at GM. Monica graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1996, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics with a minor in Spanish. She is married and has three boys, and is an active volunteer for Boys Scouts of America as well as USA Swimming.
Monica Andrea Greenhalgh IT Director & &KLHI ,QIRUPDWLRQ 2IÀFHU South America General Motors
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Michael J. Guthrie President &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Co-Chairman Spectra LMP LLC
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Ron Hall Jr. President & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Bridgewater Interiors, LLC
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onya Hallett is a human capital professional with more than 20 years of broad ranging experience in Human Resources. In 2014, Tonya assumed the role of Director, Human Resources, for Global Cadillac responsible for leading the organizational transformation efforts to position the brand as an independent entity of the General Motors Company. Tonya began her career with General Motors in 1996 and progressed WKURXJK VHYHUDO GLIIHUHQW DVVLJQPHQWV LQ /DERU 5HODWLRQV DQG ¿HOG +5 leadership positions, including an international assignment in Germany. Prior to Tonya’s current role, she was the Vice President of Human Resources for TouchTunes Interactive Networks, the largest digital out-ofhome interactive entertainment, advertising and music-related commerce network in North America. At TouchTunes, Tonya led an international HR team responsible for employees in US, Canada & the UK. She holds a Master of Science in Manufacturing Management from Kettering University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial & Labor Relations from Cornell University.
Tonya Hallett Director Human Resources Global Cadillac
Tonya is a proud active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated & The Links, Incorporated. Tonya lives in New Jersey with her husband and three boys.
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ylvester “Sly” Harper, client advisor for Cadillac of Novi on Grand River Ave. in Detroit, MI. Sly has been delivering Cadillacs for over 20 years. He has successfully managed a Cadillac dealership for 17 years in the Metro- Detroit area. Prior to delivering Cadillacs his clients were purchasing high-end clothing, accessories and shoes from Neiman Marcus and Bally of Switzerland at the Somerset Collection in Troy, Michigan. Many of his clients have followed his path and purchased the product he represents. Sly says “ shoes, slacks and Cadillacs have allowed me to see the world. I am a humbled person dedicated to customer service.” Repeat and referral clients are the base of his portfolio which has a who’s who catalog of names from all around the country. His advice to others is to give God the glory for everything and everyone in your life; good better and best! Enjoy the ride of a New Cadillac!
Sylvester “Sly” Harper Client Advisor Cadillac of Novi
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John N. Henderson President & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IĂ€FHU AEL-SPAN Supply Chain Solutions
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aura Hernandez-Romine is diversity lead, Global Marketing Diversity Center of Excellence at General Motors. In this role, she provides strategic marketing leadership and insights to drive focus and integration in support of growth across GM brands, targeting crucial multicultural segments. Prior to joining General Motors, Laura worked at Carat, NA, as senior vice president, Head of Multicultural (MC), where she was responsible for leading marketing and communications strategy. Of note, she developed a new Total Market Communications approach to target both multicultural and general market customers across blue chip accounts. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Laura is a trustee of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where she is involved in their Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She holds a master’s degree in international business and Latin American Studies from the University of Miami.
Laura Hernandez-Romine Diversity Lead Global Marketing Diversity Center of Excellence General Motors
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LVD % +RJDQ LV H[HFXWLYH GLUHFWRU DQG FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RIÂżFHU RI the Chrysler Minority Dealers Association (CMDA), Inc. Founded in 1986, CMDA is a national trade association representing ethnic minority owners of Fiat Chrysler Automobile dealerships. Its activities include government and auto industry relations, dealership operations, economic development, diversity and philanthropic initiatives. 3ULRU WR DVVXPLQJ WKH &0'$ FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RIÂżFHU SRVLWLRQ LQ Hogan worked as headquarters litigation and government affairs counsel for AT&T Corporation, was an assistant United States attorney for the United States Department of Justice and practiced law with Coffey & Wright, P.A. and Hughes Hubbard & Reed, LLP.
Lisa B. Hogan Executive Director & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IĂ€FHU Chrysler Minority Dealers Association, Inc.
She is the chair of the Miami Dade County Educational Facilities Bond Authority, chair of the Corporate Social Responsibility Center and serves on the Board of Directors for various organizations. She was a gubernatorial appointee to the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission and holds a Masters In Public Administration from Harvard University; juris doctorate from University of Texas School of Law; Bachelor of Business Administartion in Finance and International Business from University of Texas; and John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fellowship.
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on Houston, “The Car Manâ€? has been in the auto industry for over 25 years. He has been educating consumers on radio for more than 15 years thru his successful show called The Car Man Show. Houston has hosted more than 2000 talk shows across the country and has LQĂ€XHQFHG PRUH WKDQ PLOOLRQ DXWRPRWLYH FRQVXPHUV In 2012 The Car Man Show was responsible for more than 3.2 million dollars in sales, which was from over 200 new cars sold from a variety of GHDOHUVKLSV +RXVWRQ LV DOVR D QHZO\ FODLPHG DXWKRU +LV ÂżUVW ERRN Women Car Buying Secrets is about educating women auto consumers on how to buy cars and making wiser decisions, without the help of a man. Houston’s mission is to continue to change the way consumers think when buying cars and educating them on making the right decision when purchasing a vehicle. Houston will continue to thrive in the automotive industry and expand into many markets.
Don “The Car Man� Houston Host The Car Man Show
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Andre Hudson Design Manager Hyundai Motor America
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ill Huffaker is an expert in talent management and talent acquisition. He is passionate about creating forward-thinking talent strategies WKDW GULYH RUJDQL]DWLRQDO FXOWXUH FKDQJH WKDW EHWWHU VXSSRUW SHRSOH doing their best work. Always the driver and never the passenger, Bill has DFKLHYHG UHVXOWV LQ D YDULHW\ RI KLJK SUR¿OH JOREDO FRPSDQLHV WKDW DUH LQ rapid transition. %LOO MRLQHG *HQHUDO 0RWRUV LQ 1RYHPEHU DQG LV WKH KHDG RI *OREDO 7DOHQW $FTXLVLWLRQ %DVHG LQ 'HWURLW 0LFKLJDQ %LOO HQVXUHV WKDW *0 KDV a robust talent pipeline to meet the current and future business demands for talent at all levels in the Company. Previously, Bill was with Google LQ 0RXQWDLQ 9LHZ &DOLIRUQLD ZKHUH KH OHG WKH JOREDO FDUHHU GHYHORSPHQW team. Bill was also a Director, Professional Career Development, at 0LFURVRIW LQ 5HGPRQG :DVKLQJWRQ DQG ZDV WKH +HDG RI 7DOHQW 3ODQQLQJ DW 9LVD LQ 6DQ )UDQFLVFR %LOO KROGV D 'RFWRU RI 3KLORVRSK\ DQG PDVWHU¶V GHJUHH LQ KXPDQ DQG RUJDQL]DWLRQDO V\VWHPV DQG D PDVWHU¶V GHJUHH LQ LQGXVWULDO RUJDQL]DWLRQDO SV\FKRORJ\ +H DQG KLV VSRXVH 'DULQ 6HYHUQV OLYH LQ %LUPLQJKDP Michigan with their two dogs, Minnie and Canyon.
Bill Huffaker Global Director of Talent Acquisition General Motors
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arralynn Hutson has worked as a journalist and content producer specializing in entertainment and automotive visibility; television, ÂżOP DQG ERRN FDPSDLJQV UHG FDUSHW SUHPLHUHV DQG VSHFLDO HYHQWV IRU PRUH WKDQ \HDUV 1RZ WKH RZQHU DQG FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RIÂżFHU DW '+XWVRQ LLC. Darralynn is known for being the go-to journalist for mainstream/ urban media cross-over campaigns, having built her brand on the ability to blend and leverage her urban and female-focused media relationships ZLWK WUDGLWLRQDO KLJK SURÂżOH PDLQVWUHDP SUHVV Âą DPSOLI\LQJ H[SRVXUH IRU her entire client base. Darralynn prides herself on staying tapped in to current market and cultural trends, analyzing opportunities, then applying this forward-thinking approach creatively to client campaigns. Recently Darralynn relocated to Los Angeles, her clients and projects include: Vogue Italia, Sony Pictures, The Queen Latifah Show, LA Weekly, Black Enterprise and produces an automotive blog for Cocoafab.com entitled F-Driven and wordpres.womenandtheirwheels.com
Darralynn Hutson 2ZQHU &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IĂ€FHU DHutson, LLC
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ntonette (Toni) Iverson is a consultant for the North American Automotive Advisory Services group.
As a Consultant at IHS, Toni provides support to numerous advisory projects including forecasting, research and analysis, as well as Diversity projects geared to identifying solutions for ethnic marketing needs. Before committing to IHS, Toni interned with R.L. Polk, as a Sales/ Marketing Intern during the summer leading up to the IHS acquisition and WKH VXPPHU IROORZLQJ WKH DFTXLVLWLRQ LQ 6RXWK¿HOG 0, 'XULQJ WKRVH WZR summers, Toni developed an understanding of the company’s verticals and subscription-based products. She worked directly with clients, participating in lead generation for the Automotive Retail Solutions team, as well as developed her knowledge of CRM applications and other in-house data sources.
Antonette (Toni) Iverson Consultant North American Automotive Advisory Services Group
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Toni graduated in 2015 from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing and International Management.
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QWKRQ\ -DFNVRQ EULQJV RYHU \HDUV RI H[SHULHQFH WR KLV position of senior vice president, Business Development DQG 0DUNHWLQJ IRU 7$* +ROGLQJV //& +H LV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU OHDGLQJ WKH RYHUDOO VDOHV DQG PDUNHWLQJ VWUDWHJLHV IRU DOO 7$* companies. He reports directly to the chairman and chief executive RI¿FHU RI 7$* +ROGLQJV //& -DFNVRQ MRLQHG 7$* LQ ,Q DIWHU HDUQLQJ D %DFKHORU RI 6FLHQFH LQ &KHPLFDO (QJLQHHULQJ IURP WKH ,OOLQRLV ,QVWLWXWH RI 7HFKQRORJ\ LQ &KLFDJR ,/ DQG LQ D 0DVWHU RI 6FLHQFH LQ &KHPLFDO (QJLQHHULQJ IURP *HRUJLD ,QVWLWXWH RI 7HFKQRORJ\ -DFNVRQ DFFHSWHG D SURMHFW HQJLQHHU SRVLWLRQ DW 0RQVDQWR Chemical Company where he held various positions including plant design, product and process development, sales and global marketing. ,Q -DFNVRQ¶V MRLQHG *HQHUDO (OHFWULF 3ODVWLFV $V PDUNHW GHYHORSPHQW PDQDJHU IRU WKH *0 7UXFN *URXS KH successfully grew the business and introduced new products. %HJLQQLQJ LQ 1RYHPEHU -DFNVRQ KHOG WKH SRVLWLRQ RI YLFH SUHVLGHQW RI WKH *HQHUDO 0RWRUV DQG &KU\VOHU EXVLQHVV XQLW DW 1HWVKDSH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO //& In this role, his responsibilities including developing the energy management bumper market at General Motors and Chrysler. He helped to grow the EXVLQHVV WR PLOOLRQ -DFNVRQ DOVR UHFHLYHG D FR SDWHQW ZKLOH DW 1HWVKDSH
Anthony Jackson Senior Vice President Business Development & Marketing TAG Holdings, LLC.
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Gregory Jackson Chairman, President & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Jackson Automotive Management Prestige Automotive Group
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President Millennium Steel Service, LLC
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Louis E. James President & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Solutions for (QHUJ\ (IÀFLHQW /RJLVWLFV
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A community and civic servant, James was recently appointed as chairman RI WKH 'HWURLW :D\QH &RXQW\ 3RUW $XWKRULW\ ZKHUH KH ZRUNV WR SURPRWH Detroit as a freight transportation and distribution hub for business. He DOVR VXSSRUWV PDQ\ RWKHU RUJDQL]DWLRQV LQFOXGLQJ WKH &ROHPDQ $ <RXQJ )RXQGDWLRQ WKH :D\QH &RXQW\ 6KHULII <RXWK DQG 6HQLRU (GXFDWLRQ )XQG 1$%6 0(5& 6&/& 006'& WKH 1$$&3 DQG 'HWURLW $UHD &RXQFLO %R\ 6FRXWV WR QDPH D IHZ James is married to Dr. Pamela James and together they have two daughters and two grandchildren.
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alitha Johnson is a Detroit native and highly skilled marketing and media consultant. She began her career as the public relations coordinator for On Wheels Magazine and its annual red carpet HYHQW WKH 8UEDQ :KHHO $ZDUGV 6KH ODWHU ZRUNHG ZLWK .RUHDQ HOHFWULF FDU manufacturer CT&T during its North American International Auto Show debut. Johnson also worked as a journalist, covering automotive executives and industry events. It wasn’t long before she realized her love for the public relations industry was undying, and she began working on projects such as the annual Winter Blast and NCAA competition – both of which had D VWURQJ DXWRPRWLYH LQÀXHQFH /DWHU VKH IXUWKHU KRQHG KHU VRFLDO PHGLD skills while working at Ignite Social Media, promoting the Chrysler Group EUDQG $IWHU ZRUNLQJ ZLWK 0DU[ /D\QH SXEOLF UHODWLRQV ¿UP IRU ¿YH \HDUV SURPRWLQJ VHYHUDO KLJK SUR¿OH FOLHQWV &XUUHQWO\ VKH ZRUNV DV WKH PHGLD PDQDJHU IRU 8$: )RUG
TTalitha lith Johnson J h Media Manager MCLJASCO, Inc
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or many people, being a perennial fan favorite with two NBA rings would mark the peak achievement of a lifetime. For Vinnie Johnson, it was just the beginning.
Following his success with the Detroit Pistons, Vinnie took on a new challenge by establishing Piston Automotive in 1995 as a means of creating economic vitality, jobs and opportunity in Detroit. The company quickly established itself as a supplier of choice for major international automotive companies, particularly Ford Motor Company and GM. Today, Vinnie serves as the Piston Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive 2I¿FHU 8QGHU KLV OHDGHUVKLS WKH 3LVWRQ *URXS KDV H[SDQGHG IURP D VLQJOH facility in Detroit to multiple locations across the Midwest including Michigan, Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky. Mr. Johnson has led the company WKURXJK VXFFHVVIXO MRLQW YHQWXUHV ZLWK LQGXVWU\ OHDGLQJ ¿UPV VXFK DV Lear Corporation, Continental Teves and Sachs Automotive. He has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the joint ventures JL Automotive LLC and PASA Modules, LLC. In addition to his philanthropy and charity work, Mr. Johnson is a member of the Michigan Minority Business Development Council, and the Detroit Chamber of Commerce.
Vinnie Johnson Chairman & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Piston Group
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Alvin Jones Host & Executive Producer Planet Vehicle
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Anthony J. Kellum Sales & Marketing Manager Nagase America Corporation
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Currently Anthony provides high quality, cost competitive interior parts to the automotive industry where he manages a growing team and a book RI EXVLQHVV RI DQ HVWLPDWHG 00 $QWKRQ\ DOVR ZRUNV FORVHO\ ZLWK ORFDO VXSSOLHUV DQG WHFKQRORJLHV WR KHOS FRQQHFW VXSSOLHUV WR 1DJDVH¶V % JOREDO VDOHV QHWZRUN ,Q $QWKRQ\ EHFDPH WKH ¿UVW HPSOR\HH LQ 1DJDVH $PHULFD +LVWRU\ WR VWDUW QHZ EXVLQHVV ZLWK D QRQ -DSDQHVH 2(0 $QWKRQ\ KDV EURXJKW DQ HVWLPDWHG 00 SHU \HDU IRU WKH QH[W ¿YH \HDUV WR 1DJDVH $PHULFD &RUSRUDWLRQ Anthony is a key component in developing new business opportunities, while developing existing and new core relationships with local suppliers that provide innovative technology, products and materials.
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Merriman King Director, Midwestern Region Volkswagen
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Pollyette (Polly) Lenear Supplier Diversity Program Manager General Motors
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Damon Lester President National Association of Minority Automotive Dealers
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Devin Lindsay Principal Analyst IHS Automotive
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errick McCoy began his career in the automotive industry in 1993 at Ford Motor Company working as a mechanic for Engine Manufacturing Development Operations. Derrick’s commitment to hard work and dedication helped him to climb the corporate ladder thus earning him the position of Sheet Metal Supervisor in 2001. In this role, Derrick was responsible for managing and motivating more than 25 employees. Derrick is a native of Michigan; however he became a resident of Georgia in 2011. Derrick continued his education at Clayton State University where he studied Supply Chain & Operations Management, while holding a position as a warehouse supervisor for Armericold. After his three-year career at Americold, Derrick returned to Michigan, where he accepted the Operations Manager position at Chemico in January 2015.With over 15 years’ experience in the automotive industry and carrying a strong background in manufacturing, warehouse management and procurement, Derrick was a positive addition to the Chemico team. He LV DOVR WKH ¿UVW PLQRULW\ WR KROG WKLV SRVLWLRQ In his free time, Derrick enjoys spending quality time with his family boating on the Greatlakes, horseback riding, and camping.
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Brian Olatunji Race Car Driver President & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Leadfoot Media
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Diana E. Ortega Quality Launch Manager 2016 Chevrolet Volt General Motors Company
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herwin Prior was named Managing Director, General Motors 9HQWXUHV //& HIIHFWLYH 6HSWHPEHU
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Curtis Reed District Sales Manager Cadillac
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Aaron Richardson Senior IT Manager General Motors Company
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Lauren L. Richardson
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Accounting Analyst ChemicoMays, LLC.
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Leon Richardson President & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU ChemicoMays, LLC
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Cecily Scarlett Site Manager ChemicoMays
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Marina Shoemaker Director for Global Diversity Strategy General Motors
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David Simpkins Founder & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU Southern Petroleum Resources (SPR), LLC
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Alex Simpson Legal Counsel IHS, Inc.
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Natalie Bracy Sneed Marketing Research & Launch Manager Kia Motors America, Inc.
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Katrina Turnbow Marketing & Communications Director w3r Consultings
138 DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
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Denzell Turner Loyalty Analyst RL Polk & Co.
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139
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Reginald Turner
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Executive Committee member Clark Hill PLC’s Director Comerica, Inc. & Masco Corporation
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140 DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
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Shanell Weatherspoon Talent Acquisition Manager General Motors
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Fran Westbrooks Managing Partner BLVD Content
DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
141
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Angela Williams President DetailXPerts
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Lisa M. Wilmore President & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÀFHU The Wilmore Agency, LLC
142 DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
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oco Zhang-Miske is the global technology planning manager for %XLFN *0& DQG *0 &KLQD 6WUDWHJ\ DW *HQHUDO 0RWRUV ZKHUH she is responsible for managing overarching in-vehicle technology strategy and developing ideas based on technology intelligence and trends. &RFR MRLQHG *0 LQ KHU SUHYLRXV ZRUN H[SHULHQFH DW *0 LQFOXGHV (QJLQHHULQJ %XVLQHVV 0DQDJHU IRU *OREDO ,QIRWDLQPHQW DQG 2Q6WDU (QJLQHHULQJ 3URMHFW 0DQDJHU 'HVLJQ 5HOHDVH (QJLQHHU /HDG (QJLQHHU 9DOLGDWLRQ 'HYHORSPHQW /HDG IRU *OREDO (OHFWUL¿FDWLRQ LQ 3URGXFW 'HYHORSPHQW DQG 6XEMHFW 0DWWHU ([SHUW IRU $*9 6\VWHPV LQ *OREDO Manufacturing Engineering. $Q HOHFWULFDO HQJLQHHU VSHFLDOL]LQJ LQ DGYDQFHG HQHUJ\ SURFHVVHV DQG V\VWHPV &RFR HDUQHG D PDVWHU¶V GHJUHH LQ HQHUJ\ V\VWHPV HQJLQHHULQJ DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 0LFKLJDQ DQG D EDFKHORU¶V GHJUHH IURP 0LFKLJDQ 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ &RFR ZDV WKH UHFLSLHQW RI D Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40 DZDUG DQG PRUH UHFHQWO\ OLVWHG LQ WKH TechWeek 100 6KH LV a dedicated volunteer and active community leader serving numerous nonSUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQV LQFOXGLQJ WKH 'HWURLW &KLQHVH (QJLQHHUV $VVRFLDWLRQ DQG WKH &RXQFLO RI $VLDQ 3DFL¿F $PHULFDQV 3ULRU WR DWWHQGLQJ 068 &RFR JUDGXDWHG IURP WKH %HLMLQJ $FDGHP\ RI 'DQFH DQG HQMR\HG D VXFFHVVIXO FDUHHU SHUIRUPLQJ FODVVLFDO &KLQHVH GDQFH DV DQ RSHUDWLF GDQFHU ZLWK WKH &KLQD 2SHUDWLF 'DQFH 7URXSH
Coco Zhang-Miske Global Technology Planning Manager Buick, GMC, & GM China Strategy General Motors
DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
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BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Adrid , Joe .......................... 96 Albritton , David J. ............ 96 Antao , Hazel ..................... 97 Archer Jr, Dennis ................. 28 Armstead, Jessie ................... 30 Bailey III , James H. ........... 97 Bantom, Beverly .................. 98 Barnes Jr., George P ............. 98 Bland, Marc ....................... 99 Bolton , Rhonda M. ............ 99 Briggs, Celeste D. .............. 100 Brinker Jr , Larry ............. 100 Brooks, Zafar .................... 101 Brown, Lisa ...................... 102 Brown, Jeffery S. ............... 101 Brown , Charles .................. 74 Byrd , Alonzo ................... 102 Caballero , Faye .................. 32 Carter, Paula..................... 103 Charles, Donna ................ 103 Coleman , Lane ................ 104 Colon , James H. ................ 74 Constantine , Shaleontyne . 104 Cordeiro, Sigal ................. 105 Crossley, Alma L ............... 105 Cunningham, Malcolm ...... 106 Dudley , Tiana ................. 106 Dzinic , Adi ..................... 107 Eaton, A. Gregory ............. 107 Echols , Keith ................... 108 Ennis, Robbyn K. ................ 34 Ewing, Steven R. .............. 108 Farrell, Sherrie ................. 109 Feliciano , Fred ................... 36 Fitzpatrick , Ed ................ 109 Foxx, Anthony .................... 24 Gage Jr., Malcom............... 110 Gill, Glenda ...................... 110 Gist, Andre........................ 111 Glover , Richard K. ........... 111 Gordon, Joe Flash ............. 112 Gordon , Leslie M. ............ 112 Graham , Michele ............. 113 Greenhalgh, Monica Andrea 113 Guthrie, Michael .............. 114 Guthrie , Carlton............... 114 Hall Jr., Ron .................... 115 Hall, Sr., Ronald ............... 115 Hallett, Tonya .................. 116 Harper, Sylvester ............... 116 Henderson, John N. .......... 117
144 DRIVEN • VOLUME VI
Hernandez-Romine , Laura 117 Hester, Sylvester ................... 70 Hogan, Lisa B. ................. 118 Houston , Don .................. 118 Hudson, Andre ................. 119 Huffaker, Bill .................... 119 Huggins , Meeta .................. 38 Humphrey, Reginald ............ 40 Hutson, Darralynn ........... 120 Iverson , Antonette (Toni) .. 120 Jackson, Gregory ............... 121 Jackson, Anthony .............. 121 Jackson , Henry ................ 122 James, Louis ..................... 122 James Jr. , Wilbert W. .......... 75 Johnson, Vinnie ................ 123 Johnson, Talitha ................ 123 Jones, Alvin ...................... 124 Jones , Keith M. .................. 75 Kellum , Anthony J. .......... 124 King, Jr., Merriman .......... 125 Lenear , Pollyette (Polly) .... 125 Lester, Damon ................... 126 Lewis , Ed .......................... 76 Lindsay , Devin ................ 126 Liu-Barnocki , Jean .......... 127 McCellan, Arthur ................ 42 McCoy , Derrick ............... 127 McCullom-Estill , Michele 128 Mitchell , Alfred ................ 128 Moka, Tony ........................ 76 Moorhead, Thomas Allen ... 129 Morris, Yavonna ............... 129 Murphy , Chas J. ............... 130 Nguyen, Van ....................... 44 Olatunji, Brian ................ 130 Ortega, Jessie ....................... 46 Ortega, Diana E. .............. 131 Phillips , Sandra ................. 77 Pickard, Vivian R. ............ 131 Pierce , Antonio .................. 30 Pineda , Patricia Salas ........ 77 Powell, Candeleria ............... 48 Prior , Sherwin ................. 132 Rapheal, Erwin T. ............... 62 Ratliff-Watkins , Linda ...... 132 Reed, Gregory J. .................. 56 Reed , Curtis .................... 133 Requiro , Jennifer “Jae” Pi’ilani 78 Richardson , Lauren L. ..... 134 Richardson , Leon .............. 134
Richardson , Aaron ........... 133 Richie, Leroy ....................... 52 Scarlett , Cecily ................. 135 Segura , David ................. 135 Shi , Wei ............................ 78 Shoemaker, Marina L. ....... 136 Simpkins , David .............. 136 Simpson, Alex ................... 137 Smith, Jr. , Albert A. ........... 79 Sneed , Natalie Bracy ........ 137 Sourie-Robinson, Michelle .... 64 Sowell, Herbert .................. 138 Trimble , Adrienne .............. 79 Turnbow , Katrina ........... 138 Turner , Denzell ............... 139 Turner , Antoinette ............ 139 Turner , Reginald ............ 140 Villarreal , Raul ............... 140 Weatherspoon, Shanell ...... 141 Westbrooks, Fran ............... 141 Williams, Vanessa Peterson .. 50 Williams, Angela .............. 142 Williams, Kevin M. ............ 58 Wilmore, Lisa .................... 142 Wilson, Shawn .................... 54 Wong, Peter ........................ 60 Zhang-Miske , Coco .......... 143
ADVERTISERS INDEX Delphi ................................ 10 Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau .................... 86 Devon Industrial Group ....... 93 Fiat Chrysler .. inside front cover Ford .................................... 13 General Motors.....inside back cover Global Automotive Alliance .. 71 Honda ................................ 80 Hyundai ............................. 18 IHS Automotive .................. 66 Jackson Five Star Catering.... 87 Kia ..................................... 23 NAMAD ............................ 26 Toyota ................................ 72 Uber ................................... 81
VOLUME VI DRIVEN
“It would be impossible to paint a TRUE picture descriptive of the birth and evolution of the automotive industry without using a literary paintbrush to chronicle the colors that capture the contributions of the multiple ethnic groups and nationalities that helped put the world on wheels. Simply put, to champion the evolution of the auto industry, one must first champion the value of the people who migrated to Detroit from around the world in the 1900s, specifically to work in the city’s growing auto industry.” The DRIVEN® project launched in 2011 as a vehicle to share the often untold historical impact of African Americans in the automotive industry and celebrate the contemporaries who were revitalizing the industry following a tumultuous period of declining sales and unprecedented bankruptcies. Today, DRIVEN has expanded beyond solely celebrating African American achievement within the industry and refocused its content to include multi-ethnic features. This fifth edition, DRIVEN: A TRIBUTE TO MULTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY celebrates the contributions and success stories of various minority groups within the automotive industry alongside the African-American content the readers have come to expect.
VOLUME VI
FEATURING
FOREWORD WRITERS LEON C. RICHARDSON & DAVID H. SEGURA INTRODUCTION WRITER VINNIE JOHNSON
WHAT MAKES A GREAT CAR?
YOU.
We’re looking for a full spectrum of talent. Bring your voice, strengths, and experiences to FCA US LLC and be part of the excitement. See what it’s like to work at a place where people are passionate about what they do, where everyone is a leader, and where you can make the most of your career.
Your journey begins at www.fcagroupcareers.com
©2015 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. ALFA ROMEO and FIAT are registered trademarks of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used with permission. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity