The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility Recognizes Chrysler Group for its Long-Standing Commitment to the Hispanic Community


chrysler (select to view enlarged photo)

Relevant Connections: Chrysler Buyer's Guide

AUBURN HILLS, MI--May 3, 2011:

  • Chrysler Group named among only seven companies nationwide with more than 20 years supporting corporate responsibility in the Hispanic community

The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) -- a coalition of the nation's most influential Hispanic community-based organizations -- has recognized Chrysler Group for its long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion and corporate responsibility in the Hispanic community.  Chrysler Group is one of only seven companies nationwide recognized for its leadership and commitment demonstrated by its more than 20 years of active involvement with HACR, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

Chrysler Group was honored at the HACR Annual Symposium held in Washington D.C. on May 2.

"For more than 20 years, Chrysler Group has carried out its long-term commitment to diversity, inclusion and corporate responsibility through a partnership with HACR," said Lisa J. Wicker, Director - Office of Talent Acquisition, Global Diversity and Compliance, Chrysler Group LLC. "Through this partnership, Chrysler Group continues to strengthen its relevance and impact in the Hispanic community."

Chrysler Group continues to be an active participant in HACR's Annual Corporate Inclusion Index, which measures the role of Hispanics in Corporate America. At 15 percent of the nation's population, Hispanics now represent the fastest-growing group of Americans in several categories: consumers, employees, business owners, taxpayers and voters. The index reviews and evaluates corporate performance providing opportunities for Hispanics in the areas of hiring, procurement, philanthropy and governance. 

In addition, in 2003, Chrysler Group was instrumental in HACR's creation of a unique leadership training program for newly-elected Hispanic public officials in the state of California.  The Chrysler/CLCI (California Latino Legislatie Caucus) Elected Officials Training Academy today continues to be held at least twice a year in collaboration with the Drucker Institute at Claremont Graduate University and the Institute for Local Government. This program offers an intensive learning environment that cultivates key leadership qualities and teaches skills necessary to develop effective and innovative approaches to local governance.

Chrysler Group also participates in HACR's annual recognition of Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers, which recognizes emerging Hispanic business leaders who are making an impact.  Over the years, many Chrysler Group employees of Hispanic origin also have been recipients of this prestigious recognition.

"Hispanics today represent the fastest-growing segment of America, impacting every vital aspect of our society and marketplace," said Carlos F Orta, President & CEO, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility. "HACR is pleased to honor the select group of companies that embraced the HACR mission from the onset; and have continued to contribute to the growth and development of the Hispanic community 25 years later."

About HACR

Founded in 1986, HACR is one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the nation representing 16 national Hispanic organizations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. HACR's mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with economic contributions. To that end, HACR focuses on four areas of corporate responsibility and community reciprocity: employment, procurement, philanthropy, and governance.

Collectively, the coalition members reflect the voice of more than 46.6 million Hispanics living in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, serving those diverse communities through advocacy, education, representation, assistance, capacity building, public policy support, resource development, and the exertion of political influence. HACR Coalition Members work with more than 1,500 affiliate community-based organizations serving the Hispanic community in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, including more than 450 institutions of higher learning enrolling three out of every four U.S. Hispanic college students, and 400 publications with a combined circulation of more than 10 million.

About Chrysler Group's Leadership Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Chrysler historically has been a leader in promoting diversity throughout its enterprise. The Company was named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine 12 times, and has been recognized five times by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the country's leading corporations supporting diversity and inclusion. In 2009 and 2010, Chrysler was named to HispanicBusiness magazine's prestigious Diversity Elite 60, for implementing strategies to reach more Hispanic customers and to pursue more business with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers.

Early in 2010, CEO Sergio Marchionne assumed the role as executive sponsor of Chrysler's Global Diversity Council and reaffirmed the commitment of Chrysler's leadership team to the values and principles of diversity. "Culture is the fabric that holds organizations together. It is not just an ingredient for success; it is the essence of success itself," Marchionne wrote. "This is why my leadership team and I are committed to creating an atmosphere where all of our people feel respected and valued, because every person plays an important role in shaping our future, including employees, our supply base, our marketing and our dealer network. Chrysler Group LLC and its people have a future with promise. We will reach the full measure of that promise only as one, united diverse team."

In March 2011, the editors of DiversityInc magazine named Chrysler Group to the magazine's 2011 list of "Top 50 Companies for Diversity." This coveted annual benchmark is comprised of companies the magazine's editors believe are diversity-management leaders. This was the fifth year since the list was established in 2001 that Chrysler has been included.

In April 2011, Chrysler Group was named among nation's "Top Supporters" of Engineering Programs of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, recognizing the Company's efforts in developing, recruiting and hiring talented students pursuing technical careers at the nation's minority-serving institutions.