Corporate Business | March 29 2017

FCA US Women’s Group Inspires the Next Generation

The accomplishments of women are an important part of the FCA US story, as is the importance that the Company’s women leaders touch and inspire the next generation.

That was the primary idea that inspired the Women’s Forum, one of the Company’s business resource groups, to launch a special half-day program, Our Daughters, Their Future, designed especially for high school age daughters of employees.

Mary Ann Kirsch, Director of Purchasing of Indirect Purchases, speaks during the Our Daughters, Their Future program on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (photo by Rob Widdis for FCA)

Mary Ann Kirsch, Director of Purchasing of Indirect Purchases, speaks during the Our Daughters, Their Future program on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (photo by Rob Widdis for FCA)

During the program, held during Women’s History Month, the high schoolers participated in a series of workshops designed to help them explore their strengths and interests, and to develop personal strategies to transform those strengths and interests into potential future career paths. Throughout the program, FCA US women leaders shared their personal stories about how they transitioned from high school through college, and how the decisions that they made along the way were instrumental to their career success.

The Our Daughters, Their Future program on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (photo by Rob Widdis for FCA)

The Our Daughters, Their Future program on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.
(photo by Rob Widdis for FCA)

Specifically, the program provided insight regarding the many different types of careers available at a multi-national company like FCA US, told through the creation of one of the Company’s newest products.  Students also were introduced to concepts developing their personal brands and crafting an “elevator speech.”

Before wrapping up the afternoon, students learned techniques in channeling confidence, especially in the face of uncertainty, while transitioning from school to professional life.

Clarkston HS senior Katie Jaffke speaks during The Our Daughters, Their Future program on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (photo by Rob Widdis for FCA)

Clarkston HS senior Katie Jaffke speaks during The Our Daughters, Their Future program on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (photo by Rob Widdis for FCA)

“For us, the best way to celebrate Women’s History Month, and to honor the enormous accomplishments of women, was to help the next generation gain the perspective and confidence that can help them succeed,” said Barbara Pilarski, Head of Business Development, FCA – North America and executive sponsor of the Women’s Forum. “We hope we were

able to help these young women understand how to transform their existing competencies into successful careers in an increasingly diverse and dynamic world.”

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the women who contribute so much to all of our lives – past, present and future.

Robin McFerrin, Manager of Minivan Finance, speaks during the Our Daughters, Their Future program on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (photo by Rob Widdis for FCA)

Robin McFerrin, Manager of Minivan Finance, speaks during the Our Daughters, Their Future program on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. (photo by Rob Widdis for FCA)

Michael Palese

Legal, HR, Diversity, Business Development and Real Estate Communication
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Legal, HR, Diversity, Business Development and Real Estate Communication