GM Foundation Donates $100,000 to Leadership America

DETROIT, Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The General Motors Foundation is granting $100,000 to Leadership America, the longest-running, national women's development program of its kind in the U.S. The organization of established women leaders offers unique learning environments, as well as professional and personal development opportunities for its more than 2,200 graduate members.

The GM Foundation grant will help fund Leadership America's research to explore trends that impact women across the country and shape today's global business environment, as well as engage new members through interactive learning programs.

In addition to the grant, GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard will be the keynote speaker for Leadership America 2013, the organization's annual conference that will be held in Detroit from September 22-24. The Detroit session concludes the yearlong series focusing on the theme, "Surveying the Landscape, Shaping the Future."

"The GM Foundation shares a common goal with Leadership America in that we both strive to empower the leaders of tomorrow," said Pickard. "This conference will unite a diverse pool of stakeholders to share best practices and inspire change in Detroit communities and those across the country."

The Leadership America conference will examine collaborative solutions, including private and public partnerships that are making a difference in Detroit and cities across the U.S. The agenda will emphasize the growing influence and impact of women and men who are exercising bold leadership and making an economic difference.

Also participating is Chris Oster, GM's global director, Change Management and Organization Development, who will moderate a panel discussion featuring the following GM leaders:

• Mary Barra – executive vice president, Global Product Development & Global Purchasing & Supply Chain
• Alicia Boler-Davis – senior vice president, Global Quality & Customer Experience
• Grace Lieblein – vice president, Global Purchasing & Supply Chain
• Mary Chan – vice president, Global Connected Consumer

Attendees will also participate in a tour of GM's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly operations. Plant Manager Doneen McDowell, a member of the current Leadership America class, will provide an overview of the plant's history and operations.

About the General Motors Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates.  Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM.  The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.

About General Motors
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

About Leadership America
Established in 1988, Leadership America develops programs and projects to advance and improve the personal, economic and professional status of American women. More than 2,200 Leadership America alumnae are established women leaders in the fields of education, healthcare, science, technology, and the arts community. Numerous alumnae are also public officials, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and not-for-profit executives. 

SOURCE General Motors Foundation