HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Nov. 19, 2014) – John Stallworth, Liz Hurley, Lee Marshall and Dr. Helen McAlpine are just a few of the Huntsville area speakers who participated in a diversity focused event Nov.13 at Toyota Alabama. More than 20 representatives from Toyota affiliates across North America traveled to Huntsville to attend the annual event. Toyota Alabama also donated $2,000 to each of the speakers’ affiliated non-profit organizations, including the John Stallworth Foundation, Kids to Love, J.F. Drake State Technical College Foundation and the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund.     
 
Topics from today’s event included overcoming adversity, teamwork, leadership and the importance of diversity in organizations and communities. Attendees had the opportunity not only to share best practices but also to increase their knowledge about diversity and inclusion.  “When you realize that talent can come from anywhere and any background, it establishes a culture of diversity,” said John Stallworth, former receiver for the Pittsburg Steelers and founder of the John Stallworth Foundation. He added “the characteristics of successful teams include mutual respect, a positive attitude, the ability to overcome adversity and a commitment to be the best.”
 
Toyota believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce brings a broad spectrum of ideas and voices to its company and enriches every product made. “By actively encouraging respect, trust and understanding among our employees, we believe we can better serve our company, our customers and our communities,” said Emily Lauder, Toyota Alabama General Manager of Administration.  
   
In addition to internal company activities, Toyota Alabama also supports local organizations that promote diversity and inclusion.  For example, the company recently participated in the Visions of Vets Patriot’s Mosaic created by The EarlyWorks Family of Museums. The mosaic was unveiled on Veterans Day at the Huntsville Depot and showcased 10 Toyota Alabama team members. The Huntsville plant also supports organizations such as Girls Inc., Village of Promise, Boys & Girls Club, Harris Home for Children and the United Way of Madison County.  
 
Toyota has been named one of DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity eight times and is the only automaker to appear on the list. The list recognizes businesses for their ongoing commitments to diversity in four primary areas: Talent Pipeline, Equitable Talent Development, CEO/Leadership Commitment and Supplier Diversity.