GM Financial’s Shunda Robinson [Photo: GM Financial/Businesswire]

Putting the “E” in DE&I is intentional at GM Financial of Fort Worth. Shunda Robinson, the Company’s Global Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, works every day to shape the practices and impact of the company in its full context.

Robinson, who is described as “the catalyst for the growth and evolution of GM Financial into a DE&I innovator and leader in the automotive industry,” was recently named a notable champion of automotive diversity. from 2021 Automotive News.

Since joining the company in 2015, Robinson has created, nurtured and championed programs that have led to measurable success, including increasing the number of diverse leaders. “Today, 28 percent of leaders are professionals of color and 35 percent of leaders are women,” the company said.

Like many leaders, the pandemic challenged Robinson, who realized “his team had to pivot.” She organized 60 virtual listening sessions to create a secure space for employees.

“It challenged our leaders to get into a place where they weren’t normally comfortable,” Robinson said in Automotive News. “In this environment you have to be very intentional to connect with people and engage people.”

These connection points are essential and in 2020, in a survey of GM Financial employees, 86% of those surveyed said they felt a strong sense of belonging within the company.

It is a sense of inclusion that Robinson continues to nurture.

With over 25 years of HR experience, she is an advisor and partner to senior management and a progressive voice on sustainable DE&I strategies. Robinson has also become a voice on Capitol Hill, where she works with lawmakers to improve DE&I practices in the public and private sectors.

“Day in and day out, Shunda ensures that GM Financial embraces an inclusive culture that honors and respects team members, customers, dealers and company communities,” said Dan Berce, President and CEO. GM Financial management in a press release. “By incorporating our DE&I initiatives into our core business values, creating a more diverse workforce leads to better business outcomes. “

The Notable Champion of Diversity in Automotive program recognizes individuals who strive for diversity, equity and inclusion in the automotive industry. The winners of the Automotive News Notable Automotive Diversity Champions were chosen by Automotive News reporters “from dozens of nominees,” the publication said. Robinson is featured in the December 2021 yearbook edition of the publication

GM Financial, the financial services arm of GM, is a global provider of auto finance with operations in the United States, Latin America, Canada, Europe and China.

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