May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This month pays tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success.
At NADA, we honor this month by spotlighting the contributions of AAPI automotive retail business leaders. We believe that it is important to amplify voices from all backgrounds in order to encourage diversity in the auto industry.
Last year, we highlighted four auto retail leadership stories across the country:
- Diana Kennedy, general manager of Volvo Cars Marin, credited her drive to succeed to her mother, who immigrated from Vietnam.
- Stan Masamitsu, chairman and CEO of Tony Group in Waipahu, Hawaii, shared the benefits (and a few drawbacks) of selling cars in paradise.
- Santosh Viswanathan, president and CEO of Lakeshore Jeep RAM Chrysler Dodge of Seaford and managing partner of Willis Ford Smyrna, revamped his hiring process, creating a more diverse staff.
- Joseph Hawk, general manager of Kama’aina Motors in Hilo, Hawaii, discussed creating a culture of family and relationship-building.
This year, NADA has developed a storytelling series that will generate greater awareness of AAPI Heritage Month and of those who are making a difference in the AAPI community. To follow along, bookmark www.NADAheadlines.org as a favorite in the browser of your choice and subscribe to our newsletter here:
