I had the pleasure of interviewing Alma Guajardo-Crossley about her humble beginnings, rise to the top at GM, her family roots and values instilled by her father for education. I met her last month when I attended NAHJ (National Association of Hispanic Journalists) conference and currently holds the position as Diversity Director for General Motors.
We met for breakfast with the communications team for GM, Maria de Los Angeles, blogger/social media consultant, and Maria D’Adamo, Editor for Eco Latino. We were honored to be guests of General Motors at NAHJ. You can see my recap of the conference and Maria and I’s video convoy to Orlando here.
Articulo en Español: Motivación Con Alma Guajardo-Crossley
Their goals in diversity are to:
support GM’s business objectives and core value of Individual Respect and Responsibility by driving initiatives that support GM’s vision to create a work environment of inclusion where everyone can fully contribute to customer enthusiasm.
During our chats before the interview, Alma shared how GM Engineering Management Institute gave her the experience and education to allow her to rise to a position that she holds today. When she was fresh out of High School, her brother, who was an engineer at the time, told her about the program and she applied right away. It was a three month work and three month study program.
Of Mexican descent and one of seven children, her father got injured at work and their family endured very hard times. But her father always instilled in Alma the importance of getting an education. Even though it was hard for her as a young Latina to move to California for the program without knowing anyone, Alma says that perseverance and reaching out to the community was the key to creating her own destiny.
As a mom to an 18 year old, I know how difficult it is to look for grants, financial aid and all the application process because I have been through it this year. Luckily my son is motivated to study and am proud to say he just started his first semester at FIU this summer. Alma is a role model for many and an inspiration for many young Latino’s that SI, se puede! Doors will always open if you look for them.
What experiences have you had with someone giving you a hand to get an education? We would love for you to share them.
Pictures of NAHJ: