Nissan named one of DiversityInc’s 25 Noteworthy Companies for diversity for third year

April 20, 2016

Automotive World

Nissan North America, Inc., has earned a spot as one of DiversityInc Magazine’s 2016 Top 25 Noteworthy Companies list for the third year in a row, largely due to the continued growth of its employee resource groups. One of the most successful elements of Nissan’s diversity strategy, these affinity groups provide employees who have shared interests/identities with the opportunity to work cross-functionally and develop programs that drive a culture of inclusion in the workplace.

“With the most diverse consumer base of any automotive manufacturer, we understand the importance of authentic engagement with our employees and the communities where we live and work,” said Rebecca Vest, vice president of Corporate Development and Social Responsibility at Nissan. “Members of our 25 employee resource groups work to raise cultural awareness within the company and serve as ambassadors within the community to educate others about the value of diversity.”

Nissan’s diversity strategy extends into the community through partnerships with other businesses and organizations — both locally and nationally — including:

  • 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee
  • Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)
  • Hispanic Scholarship Fund
  • Japan-America Society of Tennessee
  • Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP)
  • League of United Latin American Citizen’s (LULAC)
  • Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce
  • NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
  • National Council of La Raza
  • National Society of Black Engineers
  • National Urban League
  • UNCF (United Negro College Fund)

Additionally, the Nissan Foundation — created in response to the civil unrest in Los Angeles in the 1990s — dedicates 100 percent of its funds to organizations with educational programs that foster a greater appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity.

“Our focus on diversity carries through to our supplier partners as well,” said Vest, noting that Nissan received the “2016 Corporation of the Year Award” from the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council (TMSDC) for its outstanding contributions in developing and expanding minority business opportunities.

DiversityInc measures each company’s response and assesses overall strength and year-to-year progress in four areas: talent pipeline, equitable talent development, CEO/senior leadership development and supplier diversity.

Nissan was recognized by DiversityInc as a Top 25 Noteworthy Company during a special event in New York on April 19.