Hispanic Education Leadership Group Honors Chrysler Group LLC Executive

Latin America - español

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Oct 11, 2010, 02:47 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ --

HENAAC/Great Minds in STEM honors Fred Diaz with the organization's coveted Chairman's Award
Diaz is the first Chrysler employee to receive this honor
Diaz: "I am honored to receive this award from such an outstanding organization inspiring future leaders in the Hispanic community"

The nation's leading organization promoting scientific education and careers among Hispanics in the U.S. has selected Fred Diaz, President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand, and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales, Chrysler Group LLC as recipient of its 2010 Chairman's Award.

The Chairman's Award is among the most prestigious honors given out by the HENAAC/Great Minds in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) organization. The group works to promote STEM educational awareness programs for students -- kindergarten to career -- on a national level, with particular focus on students in underserved communities. The group also recognizes the achievements of America's best and brightest engineers and scientists within the Hispanic community.

Diaz is the first Chrysler employee to receive this honor. His award was presented during the group's Career Conference and Awards event held Oct. 8 in Orlando, Fla.

"Motivating students and teachers to get involved in scientific and engineering study and careers is vital to the future of our communities and our country," Diaz said. "I am honored to receive this award from such an outstanding organization inspiring future leaders in the Hispanic community, and humbled to represent such an important endeavor."

Diaz was appointed to his current executive position at Chrysler in October 2009, with full profit and loss responsibility for the Ram Truck product portfolio. Diaz is also the lead Chrysler executive for sales in the U.S. with responsibility for sales programs, dealer operations, incentives, field operations and distribution. He began his career at Chrysler in 1989. He was born in San Antonio, TX.

Established in 1989 as HENAAC (formerly Hispanic Engineers National Achievement Awards Conference), Great Minds in STEM is based in Los Angeles, CA.

About Chrysler's Leadership Commitment to Diversity

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 Hispanic Business 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."

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and Mopar® vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat's complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Corporate Website: http://www.chryslergroupllc.com

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC