Chrysler Group Executives Honored at Women of Color Awards in Atlanta

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 20 2002; America's leading professionals will be honored this Saturday at the seventh annual Women of Color Technology Awards Conference in Atlanta, and two Chrysler Group executives are at the top of the list.

Wilma Abney, Director of Staffing - Human Resource Services and Systems, will be presented the 2002 New Media Leadership Award for her leadership in leveraging technological innovations to enhance employee executive development and improvements in business operational efficiency. In addition, Nellie LaGarde, Manager - Sr. Manager - Education Programs, Civic and Community Relations, will be presented the 2002 Community Service Award for her accomplishments with community development in the Detroit metropolitan community.

The Women of Color Technology Awards Program annually recognizes women who excel in fields such as engineering, science, and community relations, and information technology.

"Wilma Abney and Nellie LaGarde have been positive and enthusiastic contributors to education, community development, employee resources, and technology in the workplace," said Tyrone Taborne, Chairman of the Career Communications Group and founder of the awards program. "The combination of their business and technical acumen has helped Chrysler Group remain a leader in community efforts as well as diversity in all areas."

Abney is responsible for the launch of the Chrysler Group employee portal. Available anywhere, 24 hours a day with a reach of over 100,000 employees, the launch of the employee portal has not only e-enabled the Chrysler Group workforce in the United States, Canada and Mexico, it has enhanced the individual employee's ability to balance the demands of work and life.

"Wilma is an innovator and an advocate for employees," said Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President, Human Resources. "She has created change in organizational approaches as well as in technological solutions to benefit our corporate bottom line."

Abney also was responsible for the global launch of the DaimlerChrysler Corporate University. She provided leadership to a global virtual team and maintained offices and staff in Stuttgart, Germany and Auburn Hills, Michigan. In addition, Abney, who has served as a director in several Human Resources areas, was recently recognized for a "Shining Star" award by the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women.

LaGarde is a key member of Chrysler Group's Community Affairs group and acts as the company's liaison to the educational community both locally and throughout the United States. Under her leadership, Chrysler Group has galvanized more than 72 school partnerships throughout the United States and has the participation of more than 2,000 Chrysler Group employee volunteers. LaGarde also spearheads several corporate-sponsored programs including Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, Safe Streets, and World of Work.

"Nellie has made significant contributions to Chrysler Group and its surrounding communities and educational institutions," said Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President, Government Relations. "Her commitment to excellence in education is an inspiration for all of us at Chrysler Group."

In addition, LaGarde has been recognized with numerous local and national awards including the YMCA Minority Achievers Award. She also serves as a Board Member for several Detroit-area community groups. These include Communities in School, Youth Opportunities Movement, Southeastern Village, Northeast Guidance Center, Women Survival Center of Oakland County and the Eastside Industrial Council. LaGarde also is Vice Chairman of the Midnight Golf Program that assists urban youth in the Detroit area with socialization and peer relationships.

The Women of Color Technology Awards is sponsored by "U.S. Black Engineer" and "Hispanic Engineer" and "Information Technology" magazines.