Feb 252015
 
Each year, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) holds a symposium highlighting the HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers (YHCA) Program, which was created in 2007 to spotlight young Hispanics who have shown exceptional leadership qualities and capabilities within their corporation.

In 2014, two of GM’s Latina Engineers were among an elite group of recipients who received the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers award. With more than 200 nominees, only 36 Hispanic professionals received the 2014 YHCA Award. Among the recipients were Diana Ortega, Quality Launch Manager from GM’s Detroit Hamtramck plant and Nydia Correa, who works on GM Product Engineering Quality. This year’s class was impressive, as 50 percent were Latinas. “I’m very grateful to GM and HACR for such an incredible learning and networking experience! To have met so many talented, civic minded and driven, young Hispanic professionals has been truly inspiring and empowering”, said Nydia Correa.

Recipients of the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers award. Photo courtesy of HACR.

Recipients of the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers award. Photo courtesy of HACR.

GM employees had an opportunity to participate in a series of forums, which included the Corporate Executive Forum, the Corporate Directors Summit and the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers. Leaders from across the country came together to experience business sessions, training events, and listen to presentations from other companies.

Grace Lieblein, GM Vice President of Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain, participated in the Corporate Director’s summit and provided remarks at the Corporate Executive Forum. Newly retired Executive Director of Quality, Joe Ponce, also participated in the conference.  Alma Crossley, Director of Corporate Diversity and George Velez, Legal Process Global Leader, represented General Motors in the Corporate Executive Forum.

The training program included team building activities and powerful networking sessions. One of the many highlights of the YHCA Program was Dr. Juana Bordas’ (HACR YHCA Program Lead and CEO of Mestiza Leadership Intl.) moving presentation of pivotal moments in the history and evolution of Hispanics since the 1950’s. All participants then shared their personal stories on the impact and influence these major historical events had in their individual cultural upbringing, values and future goals.

Grace Lieblein vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain

Grace Lieblein vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain

“The Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers program has been so motivational, personally and professionally. The additional skills I have acquired were applied as early as the first day back as a leader. I’m ready to make a greater impact in my professional career and community”, said Diana Ortega.

HACR is an organization founded in 1986, whose mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with economic contributions. It is one of the most influential Hispanic advocacy groups in the nation representing 16 national Hispanic organizations, including NCLR, LULAC, NAHP, and USHCC.  HACR activities provide opportunities to engage and share GM key messaging to many leaders in the both the non-profit arena, as well as Corporate America. GM has been a longstanding partner of HACR over the years and has contributed over a half million dollars to HACR since 1995.

Click to watch the 2014 HACR YHCA Recap Video.

[suffusion-the-author]

[suffusion-the-author display='description']

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.