1. Society of Automotive Engineers Diversity Acceleration Council
Alba Colon
NASCAR Brand Manager –GM Racing
SAE Volunteer-Engineering Education Board

2. SAE Women’s Engineer Committee
In existence over 25 years
Sponsors awards for outstanding female SAE member
and all-female Collegiate Design Teams

3. Need for Diversity Acceleration Council
Expand beyond Women Engineer’s Committee to include:
Minorities

4. Methodology Needs Analysis Training Networking Recruitment Leadership
Success
Diversity acceptance
Cultural flexibility
Recruitment
Leadership
Mentoring
Soft skills
Personal lifestyle

5. Methodology (Cont’d)
Task Force Members’ Organizational Activities Related to Diversity.
Affinity networks
Training opportunities
Leadership development
Social events
Awards & recognition
Management Accountability

6. Methodology (Cont’d) Management Accountability.
Diversity related objectives tied to performance management
Organizational policies
Recruitment activities
Senior management leadership

7. Methodology (Cont’d) Barriers Lack of time Lack of corporate support
Lack perceived value
Lack of invitation
Homogeneous membership & leadership

8. Recommendations Support and create a Diversity Acceleration Council.
Role/charter developed based on recommendations of the Diversity Acceleration Task Force.
Membership recommendation to be defined (8-10 people with balanced representation).
Planning for initial activities completed by Diversity Acceleration Council within one year.
Support the formation of affinity group(s).
Specific groups to be determined by the Council.
Initiate succession planning, recruiting, and mentoring process with subsequent implementation by Diversity Acceleration Council.
Applicable to all operating boards and the Board of Directors.
Communicate to membership and operating boards/committees on the formation of the Council.

9. Measures of Success
Number of SAE events where resource/affinity groups/educational institutions with minority/women focus are invited to participate.
Number of times resource/affinity groups/ educational institutions with minority/women focus invite SAE to be involved.
Diversity of operating boards and committees.
Number of women/minorities in SAE leadership positions.
Technical involvement
Chairing sessions, reviewing papers, support systems.
Development of succession plans by OBCs.