The PepsiCo Foundation today announced that it is extending its relationship with the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) with a new three-year grant that will support the ELC’s Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium (MLMS). The PepsiCo Foundation will contribute $150,000 to fund the MLMS every year for the next three years, starting in 2015, for a total contribution of $450,000. This long-standing partnership will further advance the ELC’s mission to increase the number of black executives and CEOs on corporate boards and industries across the globe.
The MLMS symposium is an intense two-day premier event that brings together business leaders and experts, who offer insights about their leadership journeys, best practices and careers strategies to help advance participants’ professional development and success. The program provides nearly 800 black mid-level managers training in crucial areas such as leadership styles, work/life balance and networking.
PepsiCo was a founding partner of the ELC in 1986 and in 1994 helped create the MLMS program. This year marks the 20thanniversary of the PepsiCo Foundation and PepsiCo’s relationship with MLMS.
“The PepsiCo Foundation is deeply committed to fostering and developing diverse talent pipelines, and the work that the Executive Leadership Council does through its MLMS program is invaluable,” said Sue Norton vice president, PepsiCo Foundation. “Our renewed commitment to the ELC and its MLMS program is a natural extension of our rich history and partnership. We are proud to support this crucial program that works to advance the careers of black mid-level managers and executives.”
“PepsiCo understands the changing needs of today’s economy and has long supported diverse leadership opportunities to create stronger companies,” said Ronald Parker, President and CEO of the Executive Leadership Council. “They have not only shared their corporate values in the founding of this program, but have also sent attendees to the MLMS since the program started. We are extremely grateful for their support and participation.”
“Attending the MLMS Institute was eye-opening and empowering,” said Shawna Wilson, who first attended the MLMS in 2002 and is currently regional vice president in sales at Frito-Lay North America. “The insight I gained not only helps me professionally but also affirms why I chose to work at a company like PepsiCo that truly supports diversity and engagement so that all employees have the resources they need to succeed.”
The PepsiCo Foundation is a Lead Co-Sponsor of the ELC’s MLMS Symposium. James Simms, Senior Vice President Mid-Atlantic Region, delivered the conference’s opening remarks on behalf of PepsiCo at the Gaylord National Harbor Hotel on October 29. PepsiCo’s Sue Norton and Deborah Rosado Shaw, Senior Vice President and Chief Global Diversity and Engagement Officer, among other executives, also participated at the Symposium.
To learn more about the ELC and MLMS, please visit: https://www.elcinfo.com/information/what-we-do/institute/mid-level-managers-symposium.
