photo by steed media service

As the senior manager of philanthropy and diversity communications at Nissan North America, Inc., Stephanie Valdez Streaty viewed her presence at the eighth annual Detroit Automotive Symposium as axiomatic and pragmatic.

“We have a long-term relationship with Rainbow/PUSH and it’s important to maintain that relationship, not only from a diversity standpoint, but just to keep a tab on what the issues and concerns are of the African American community,” Streaty says from the prestigious Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle. The upheaval in the domestic automotive industry is one of the reasons Rev. Jesse Jackson facilitated the annual Detroit Automotive Symposium, which sought practical solutions with industry leaders, dealer, manufacturers and suppliers. Streaty advised that the industry is streamlining its processes and eliminating waste. But, she says the company still focuses on inclusion and diversity as well as procuring new and dynamic clients.

“We have a long history of being committed to diversity, not only from a supplier [perspective], but [also from an] employee and marketing perspective. It’s a holistic approach,” she says. “And it’s important to reflect the marketplace, but not only [in] our employee base, from a diversity supplier standpoint [too]. So it’s important to attend these events to identify new potential suppliers and employees.” - terry shropshire

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