Chrysler Group Executive Receives 'Spirit of Leadership Award' from Women's Automotive... -- AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Barbara Pilarski , Vice President, Business Development, Chrysler Group receives "Spirit of Leadership Award" from Women's Automotive Association International Award is presented annually "to professional women in the automotive industry in recognition of their significant accomplishments in their profession, community and family" During acceptance remarks, speaks of an automotive industry in transformation: "We've all made great stride to transform this vitally important industry into a diverse, vibrant and inclusive industry of leaders" Barbara Pilarski , Vice President, Business Development, Chrysler Group LLC has received the "Spirit of Leadership Award" from Women's Automotive Association International (WAAI). The focus of the WAAI is on the development and retention of women leaders and the education and support of all persons, without prejudice, who have an interest in the automotive industry. The Spirit of Leadership Award is presented annually "to professional women in the automotive industry in recognition of their significant accomplishments in their profession, community and family." The award was presented on Saturday, February 9, in Orlando, FL. This recognition is very meaningful to me. I want to express my sincerest appreciation to the leadership and members of the Women's Automotive Association International for choosing me to receive this honor," Pilarski said. I've been fortunate throughout my life and career to have had outstanding support from both my family and friends which has helped to bring sanity and balance to 'the other side' of my life. This has been a key enabler in allowing me to remain focused in the right direction in my professional life. Pilarski joined Chrysler Corporation in 1985 as a Financial Analyst and has held key positions in various areas, including Controlling, Treasury Mergers and Acquisitions. In 2010, Automotive News and Deloitte selected Pilarski as one of the "Top 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry." As Vice President - Business Development, Pilarski is responsible for negotiating key strategic partnership arrangements for Chrysler Group globally and for managing the Company's alliance relationships. She reports to Sergio Marchionne , Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group. Previous to her current position, Pilarski served as Executive Director of Chrysler Group's Mergers and Acquisitions organization and was responsible for all aspects of merger, acquisition and divestiture activities affecting North and South American business operations for Chrysler, and formerly for DaimlerChrysler business units. Pilarski earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Wayne State University and a master's of business administration from the University of Michigan, and has also participated in Chrysler Corporation's Advanced Degree Development Program. Pilarski has several community interests. She is executive sponsor of the Chrysler Women's Forum, which is one of six employee resource groups that leverages input from diverse employees to improve Chrysler Group's overall product and service offerings to customers. Pilarski is also active with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, serving both as a Steering Committee member for Chrysler Group's annual fundraising campaign, as well as a Board Member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society. She is active supporter of the Girls and Boys Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, working to ensure that these young men and women in Southeastern Michigan have exposure to strong role models who can inspire them to make good life and career choices. During her acceptance remarks, Pilarski spoke of an automotive industry in transformation. "We've all made great stride to transform this vitally important industry into a diverse, vibrant and inclusive industry of leaders," she said. But we still have a long way to go. I'm eager and proud to be with all of you on this important journey. About Chrysler Group's Leadership Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion In 2012, the Detroit Free Press named Chrysler Group as one of the best places to work in the state of Michigan. Chrysler Group has been named one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine 13 times, and has been recognized six times by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the country's leading corporations supporting diversity and inclusion. Chrysler Group also has been named to HispanicBusiness magazine's annual Diversity Elite 60 list for implementing strategies to reach more Hispanic customers and to pursue more business with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers. In 2012, the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named Chrysler Group Corporation of the Year for its achievements in bringing more minority-owned businesses into its supply chain. In 2011 and 2012, the editors of DiversityInc magazine named Chrysler Group to the magazine's list of "Top 50 Companies for Diversity." This coveted annual benchmark is comprised of companies the magazine's editors believe are diversity-management leaders. Over the years, a long line of Chrysler Group employees have received important professional recognition from various diversity organizations, including Black Engineer of the Year, Women of Color, HENAAC Great Minds in STEM and others, reflecting the Company's strong commitment to attracting and developing a diverse, talented workforce. About Chrysler Group LLC Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, all-new Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.