DaimlerChrysler Executive Receives 'Women of Color' Award

-- Event Marks the Ninth Consecutive Year a DaimlerChrysler Executive Has Won a Woman of Color Technology Award -- Karla Middlebrooks to Receive 'Women of Color' Technology Award

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 1 -- Women leaders across the nation were honored at the ninth annual "Women of Color" Technology Awards Conference held on Saturday, October 30, in Atlanta. Among this year's honorees was Karla Middlebrooks, Director - Capital Investment and Financial Control for DaimlerChrysler Corp. - who received the 2004 Career Achievement Award.

For the past 20 years, Middlebrooks has worked in DaimlerChrysler's finance department in positions of increasing responsibilities. In her current position, as director of corporate investment and financial control, she oversees the development of long-range financial plans. During her career, she has revised the company's new vehicle pricing process, reduced overtime expenses and improved financial reporting practices. Middlebrooks also developed quarterly auto industry financial comparisons and related special studies.

"Karla Middlebrooks has made significant contributions to DaimlerChrysler through her hard work, financial initiatives and commitment," said Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President - Human Resources. "Her extensive knowledge in finance has been extremely valuable in helping the company reach both short- and long- term goals."

Middlebrooks, who earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Northwestern University and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard, is active in professional and community organizations. She served as the chair of the Advanced Degree Development Program and the lead coordinator for the National Black MBA Conference. Middlebrooks sits on DaimlerChrysler's Women's Forum board and is a mentor to employees in her field.

The Women of Color Technology Awards Conference was started in 1995 to support and recognize women in technology careers. The conference focuses on creating opportunities for women from multicultural backgrounds in an attempt to ensure inclusion in all ranks of America's workforce.

The awards serve to highlight the accomplishments of talented minorities, dispel stereotypical myths and encourage young people -- particularly young girls -- to reach their potential. Winners are selected based on their professional accomplishments, job responsibilities and contributions to their particular field.

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