The CADIA Impact Awards recognize excellence in and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. On Nov. 8, CADIA will announce winners in the following categories:

·       Leadership Commitment

·       Systemic Change

·       Champion for Diverse Talent

·       Creating Inclusive Cultures

Nominations are open! Join us for the live event in Southfield, Mich. Event tickets and sponsorship packages are available. Contact Jennifer Harding for more information

On Aug. 8 CADIA will host Dennis Lauderback, Sr. Client Executive and Anthony Pacillo, Vice President Neurodiverse Solutions, CAI to discuss Neurodiversity in the workplace.  We will explore themes including:

• Defining and exploring neurodiversity
• Driving inclusive cultures to embrace employees who are neurodiverse
• Resources for learning more, taking action and diversifying the workplace

Facilitated by CADIA's Lisa D'Amore, this is a not-to-miss session.  

As always, CADIA Connects is free but you must register in advance. 

“The CADIA DEI Accelerator Program and Capstone Project with this

amazing cohort reinforced my passion for this work and provided a

strong foundation, which I can build upon to support my company’s

inclusion, diversity, and sustainability efforts.”

-- Marilyn McGrone-Conley, Honda

Winter Cohort '22

This 12-week DEI Certification program offers a structured opportunity for automotive industry professionals to learn DEI best practices, solve complex organizational challenges and build a DEI professional network. Graduates receive a CADIA DEI Certification at the conclusion of the course. New for Fall 2023, CADIA is offering an enhanced curriculum with a focus on global aspects of DEI, along with two different cohort days/times for participation from global time zones.

This course is aimed at DEI professionals, DEI champions, ERG leaders and participants, and anyone who wants to better understand DEI at a personal, professional and systems level.

 Reserve your place for the Fall 2023 cohort today.

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Lisa D'Amore joined CADIA's staff as VP, DEI in May 2023 to design and deliver DEI diagnostics and solutions to clients, including consulting, workshops, and facilitation of events. She will support the CADIA team through content development, material creation and DEI strategy. 

D’Amore brings more than 30 years of experience in engineering roles, including manufacturing, quality and systems, with a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. She has been trained as a team facilitator, is a Six Sigma Black Belt, and is a skilled moderator. 

“We are particularly excited to have Lisa’s perspective as a loyal CADIA member, volunteer, DEI Accelerator Program graduate and a fellow engineer,” said Cheryl Thompson, CADIA Founder and CEO. “We believe engineering and systems thinking approaches are key to solving complex problems - we look forward to leveraging Lisa’s unique skills in this area.”

As new members, companies have access to the CADIA DEI Roundtable Series, workshops, CADIA certifications and more.  Individuals have access to CADIA Academy and become part of the CADIA community.  Join us in welcoming our newest members . We look forward to working with new members on their DEI journey and learning together to make strides in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

Thank you new and renewing individual members:

Micha Gobig

Charlene Parlett

Denise Yvonne Liedel Firoozi

With support from the State of Michigan and MICHauto, CADIA is conducting a DEI Industry Study.  The study will establish key baseline data and provide benchmarks for diversity, equity, and inclusion across major corporations.  The primary focus will be on transportation companies, including vehicle manufacturing, aftermarket and parts manufacturing, and defense to identify the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion in the transportation sector. The end result will include a white paper to help:

• Develop critical key areas of focus to achieve inclusive talent and leadership development
• Measure against other industries/sectors
• Measure progress over time in the automotive industry

Companies in the auto, defense and transportation sectors are encouraged to participate and will receive in-depth study results.  An August information session will be announced in late July for companies interested in knowing more and participating.

“It is impossible to measure impact without understanding the present environment of diversity within the industry.  This study marks an important step toward advancement of historically underrepresented groups in the transportation industry, and we are proud to collaborate with CADIA and MICHauto on it.” 

-Kristine Coogan, Principal, KPMG. “

CBT News  - Driving Pride: LGBTQ+ inclusion within the automotive industry

CADIA will be taking center stage at the Center for Automotive Research annual Automotive Briefing Seminar in Traverse City, Mich.  Kicking off the week on July 31 CADIA is a co-organizing Driving Forward Together - an opening event featuring women in the industry and their male allies. 

Speakers include:

Did you know? CADIA not only offers corporate memberships but individual memberships as well.  Check out Benefits of Membership.

For more information or to schedule a call about membership, contact Jennifer Harding.