NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Minds in
STEM™, the gateway for Hispanics in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics, recognized Grace Lieblein, General Motors vice president
Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, as the 2014 Engineer of the
Year during the 26th Annual HENAAC Conference, "The Quest for
Competitive Greatness."
GMiS recognizes the achievements and contributions of America's
top engineers and scientists within the Hispanic community during
the HENAAC Conference each year. Lieblein is the second woman to
receive the honor since GMiS was founded 26 years ago.
"Grace is one of the highest-ranking women in the automotive
industry - an amazing Latina who has also become one of the most
respected engineers globally," said John
Quattrone, GM senior vice president Human Resources, who
presented the award to Lieblein.
Lieblein began her career in 1978 as a co-op student at General
Motors Assembly Division in Los Angeles. She progressed
through a number of positions, including the first woman president
and managing director of GM de Mexico, and the president and managing
director of GM do Brasil. In her
current role, Lieblein is responsible for the company's purchasing
activities and supply chain and logistics operations worldwide.
"I am fortunate to work for GM, a company that has allowed me to
create an amazing career path that has led me to be here tonight,
as a very proud Latina, a very proud woman, and, most of all, a
very proud engineer," Lieblein said.
GM, a founding sponsor of HENAAC, has a long history of
supporting Hispanic education and encouraging students to pursue
STEM careers. This year, GM is also the Visionary Sponsor of the
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Conference, a premier
recruiting event dedicated to Hispanics across numerous fields of
engineering and science that will be held November 5-9 in Detroit.
"Grace Lieblein is a role model
and an inspiration for young Hispanics who are interested in
pursuing a STEM career," said Ken
Barrett, GM Chief Diversity Officer. "A robust talent
pipeline is critical to the automotive industry and her
achievements will encourage our youth as we support HENAAC in its
ongoing quest to increase the number of Hispanics in our nation's
technical workforce."
During the conference, Jorge
Arinez, GM lab group manager R&D, Manufacturing Systems
Research, was recognized by GMiS as a 2014 HENAAC Luminary Honoree.
About General Motors
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX:
GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the
company has leadership positions in the world's largest and
fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint
venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac,
Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling
brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries,
including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and
information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
About Great Minds in STEM™
Great Minds in STEM™ is a
national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles
County. Established in 1989, GMiS keeps America technologically
strong through the delivery of national science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) awareness programs for students,
parents and teachers in underserved communities; providing
opportunities for the academic and career development of
underrepresented students and professionals in STEM; and honoring
the excellent contributions of our nation's Hispanic engineers and
scientists. With a national presence through its education programs
as well as its college and professional offerings, the organization
is working to ensure that the U.S. maintains its status as the
world's technology leader. For more information, please visit the
Great Minds in STEM™ website at www.greatmindsinstem.org.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141006/150386
SOURCE General Motors