Chrysler Group's Monica Emerson Receives Oakland University's 'Odyssey Award'

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 13, 2003 -- Monica Emerson, Chrysler Group Executive Director - Corporate Diversity Office, was recognized with an "Odyssey Award" from Oakland University in a ceremony on Saturday, October 11. The award honored alumni whose lives exemplify Oakland University's motto "to seek virtue and knowledge."

Emerson, who is a graduate of Oakland University with a bachelor's degree in French/Secondary Education, has been employed at Chrysler Group since 1975. Earlier this year, she was appointed Executive Director of Chrysler Group's Corporate Diversity Office. In this position, she is responsible for the overall design, development and operation of Chrysler Group's corporate diversity strategies.

"Chrysler Group's commitment to diversity is one of the Company's most important initiatives," said Nancy Rae, Senior Vice-President, Human Resources. "Monica Emerson helps our company 'seek virtue and knowledge' by helping to promote diversity among our employees, suppliers, dealers, investment managers, customers and community."

In addition to her work at Chrysler Group, Emerson is an active community leader supporting organizations such as Focus Hope and the Oakland County Employment Diversity Council. She also participates on several national organization boards including Catalyst and "Savoy Professional Magazine" Advisory Boards. Emerson is a respected strategist on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and she received the "Leadership in Diversity" award by the Career Communication Group in 1999.

"We were incredibly impressed with Monica's work at Chrysler Group and in the community," said Adrienne Bass, Alumni Relations Director, Oakland University. "Her work is something that we hope all of our graduates aspire to."

Founded in 1957, Oakland University offers high quality baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degree programs as well as programs in continuing education. The University advances knowledge and promotes the arts through research, scholarship and creative activity; and it renders significant public service. In all its activities, the university strives to exemplify educational leadership. More than 16,000 students attend classes at the University each fall, and there are more than 62,000 alumni.

Chrysler Group is a leader in diversity in all areas including workforce, dealerships, suppliers and business partners. This year, Chrysler Group was recognized as a top company for working women by Working Mother magazine for the seventh year in a row, and named to Latina Style's list of "Best Companies for Latina Women" for the fifth year.