Cooper Standard has announced that the company’s culture of diversity and engaged employees has garnered the global automotive supplier three separate awards. Cooper Standard was recently honored with the Corp! Diversity Focused Company Award, while Christine Krathwohl, vice president, global supply chain and corporate officer, was named one of the 2016 Women Worth Watching from Profiles in Diversity Journal and Paul Wheeler, senior manager, product strategy and analysis, earned the Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40 distinction.
“Cooper Standard values diverse talent that not only represents various cultures, but most importantly provides diversity of thought,” said Larry Ott, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, Cooper Standard. “We embrace diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives, as they help cultivate our culture of innovation.”
Recognizing the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, Corp! magazine honored Cooper Standard as the overall winner in the Diversity Focused Company category at a recent award ceremony. Cooper Standard has a long history of supporting the men and women who serve the country by helping them put their unique skill sets to work after completing their service. In February 2014, the company formalized its veterans support initiative as the Cooper Standard Careers for Veterans Program. In addition to its veterans program, the company also encourages and fosters strong female leadership, which is demonstrated with four senior corporate officer positions held by women.
Krathwohl has been recognized by Profiles in Diversity Journal with a Women Worth Watching Award for her professional and community service achievements, including her active involvement in enrichment programs for Detroit-area school children and support in founding the Lace Up Detroit charity. The Women Worth Watching Awards identify, promote and support women in leadership and the organizations that employ them. Nominated by their colleagues, peers and mentors for their initiative and achievements, these are women of purpose and drive who represent diversity within their spheres of influence.
Wheeler was named to the 2016 class of Crain’s 40 under 40. According to Crain’s, since 1991, the business publication has gathered 40 of the community’s overachievers under 40 years old for a special salute. Past winners have started companies, found success at a young age, established businesses and made nonprofits stronger. Wheeler was recognized for his efforts leading the Society of Automotive Analysts and his role in actively encouraging career development of younger members of the community through mentoring and networking.
