Asked to name a successful initiative, Rod Hooker, AVP Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at GM Financial says he is most proud of the summer internship program for sophomore students attending minority-serving institutions. The Sophomore Leadership Intern Program (SLIP) is an immersive job shadowing experience within the world of auto finance. Students gain insight into the auto finance industry and learn about various career opportunities during an 8-week program. This program is important, because it provides equitable opportunities to underrepresented groups in the financial services field.
Rod names committed leadership support as an important reason for DEI success at GM Financial. Leadership is committed to the DEI mission, intentional in its efforts, and models behaviors to inspire team members. Rod’s team report directly to the CEO, which has enabled him to keep DEI in the forefront and part of everything the organization does. To ensure his leadership skills are always strengthening, Rod believes humility is important, because it enables the ability to collaborate and continuously learn from others while avoiding making decisions that could harm DEI’s progress.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” — Stephen R. Covey