SNHRA.org: Southern Nevada Human Resource Association: Meeting Info: March 13, 2007 Diversity Luncheon

Meeting Info: DATE
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Topic: Diversity Luncheon

Presenter:

Debra Nelson

Vice President of Corporate Diveristy, Communications & Community Affairs

MGM Mirage

Debra J. Nelson, Vice President of Corporate Diversity, Communications and Community Affairs for MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM), one of the world’s largest hotel and gaming companies, is responsible for the implementation of the company’s diversity initiative, community affairs, communications and public relations, as well as government relations and corporate philanthropy.

Nelson joined MGM MIRAGE from DaimlerChrysler where she held several positions related to diversity management and communications. At the Chrysler Group in Auburn Hills, Mich., she was responsible for managing issues of diversity, manufacturing, human resources, employee and labor relations and government affairs. Most recently, she directed car and brand communications for the Chrysler Group.

Previously, Nelson launched the national diversity initiative at Mercedes-Benz USA in Montvale, N.J. where she was responsible for ensuring diversity throughout the corporate enterprise, including the introduction of a mandatory national diversity education program.

Additionally, Nelson helped launch Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, an automotive manufacturing enterprise. While helping introduce the company and a new product to a global market, she also was architect of the corporate philanthropy program and managed community affairs and government relations. As Chairperson of the company’s Minority Advisory Board, she worked with a diverse group of corporate, community, business and political leaders to incorporate diversity into the automaker’s start-up operations in Alabama.

Additionally, Nelson has held appointments in higher education and broadcast media.

Nelson is the recipient of numerous awards for corporate and community service. Her board service includes William Patterson University Foundation in Wayne, New Jersey; Community Colleges Foundation of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada; Black Women in Sisterhood for Action (BISA), Washington, DC; The Boys and Girls Club of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada; Nevada Hand, Las Vegas, Nevada and the Executive Advisory Board of the I Have a Dream Foundation, Las Vega, Nevada.

Recently she was named a founding board member of the newly formed Chief Diversity Officers Roundtable at Cornell University. The roundtable is comprised of senior diversity officers representing America’s Fortune 500 companies. The group is charged with helping advance diversity within corporate America and with using practical experiences to help drive academic research relative to diversity.

In Nevada, she is the founder of the Diversity Professionals Network. Comprised of diversity officers, the group meets quarterly to network, share best practices, and to explore ways to enhance the reputation of the diversity profession.

Additional board appointments have included the Detroit Discovery Museum, Salvation Army, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, United Cerebral Palsy, UNCF/College Fund, and the Association of Black Women in Higher Education.

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