Chrysler Group Continues Its Commitment to Future Hispanic Business Leaders

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct 5, 2012 /3BL Media/ - Chrysler Group LLC continued to build on its commitment to the Hispanic community and future Hispanic leaders by sponsoring the National Society of Hispanic MBAs' 23rd Annual Conference and Career Expo October 4-6 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The annual event provides a unique opportunity for companies to identify, engage and recruit talented Hispanic business leaders of the future.

As part of the conference, Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ram Truck Brand and President and Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler de Mexico delivered a stirring keynote address challenging young Hispanic leaders to get educated and engaged in what he called a “Latino Leadership Renaissance.”

“To get ahead in an ever more competitive job market you need an education. You need smarts. And to succeed and flourish you need a whole lot of heart -- a burning passion that will drive you to reach your goals day after day for the rest of your lives,” Diaz said. “As we stand on the threshold of the Latino Leadership Renaissance, this is our time to make our mark, to make a difference, to become leaders who set a positive example and inspire others to follow in our footsteps. We have the opportunity to change the world. That’s what leaders do.”

Diaz also discussed what Chrysler Group looks for in future business leaders who can help sustain the Company’s success. He challenged the young leaders in the audience to remain true to their values.

“Companies like Chrysler Group are looking for leaders who are also engaged in their communities and in causes that make a difference,” he said. ”Use your leadership skills to inspire others to make the world a better place, and to shape a diverse and inclusive society that reflects our Latino values for family and community. Apply your talents to connect with institutions or companies that share your values. Find a place where you can develop as a professional, a human being and as a strong, fully engaged Latino.”

Chrysler Group has long been a strong supporter of Hispanic scholarship and achievement. Earlier this year, Diaz announced an award of a $50,000 grant to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), the nation’s largest provider of college financial aid for Latino students, from the Ram Truck brand and The Chrysler Foundation. The grant was announced during the International Hispanic Network’s gala and awards ceremony in San Antonio, TX. In December 2011, Diaz announced a similar $50,000 grant to HSF during the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fiesta Hispana Gala in Dearborn, Mich.

These grants continue a longstanding relationship between The Chrysler Foundation and HSF, which began in 1986. Since that time, HSF has received 26 grants from the Foundation totaling more than $800,000 -- with the last $100,000 being announced in the past six months.

About Chrysler Group’s Leadership Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Chrysler Group has been named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” by Working Mother magazine 13 times, and has been recognized six times by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the country's leading corporations supporting diversity and inclusion. Chrysler Group also has been named to HispanicBusiness magazine's annual Diversity Elite 60 list for implementing strategies to reach more Hispanic customers and to pursue more business with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers.

In 2012, the editors of LatinaStyle magazine selected Chrysler Group for inclusion on magazine’s 2012 list of the 50 best companies for Hispanic women to work in the U.S., which is considered the most important recognition of efforts by corporate America to promote diversity and provide career advancement opportunities for Hispanic women.

In 2011 and 2012, the editors of DiversityInc magazine named Chrysler Group to the magazine's list of "Top 50 Companies for Diversity." This coveted annual benchmark is comprised of companies the magazine's editors believe are diversity-management leaders.

Over the years, a long line of Chrysler Group employees have received important professional recognition from various diversity organizations, including Black Engineer of the Year, Women of Color, HENAAC Great Minds in STEM and others, reflecting the Company’s strong commitment to developing its diverse workforce.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, all-new Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.