In the heart of Benton Harbor, Michigan, at the Whirlpool Corporation headquarters, Asia Wimbush-Sherrod is making waves as the Senior Manager of Global DEI Strategy and Early Career Acquisition. At just 39, she brings a wealth of experience and an unyielding commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate world and beyond.
Wimbush-Sherrod, who boasts 15 years in the industry, has emerged as a pivotal figure in reshaping Whirlpool's global DEI landscape. As the first person to hold this role, she has charted a transformative course for the company’s DEI strategy, focusing on the acquisition of diverse talent and fostering an inclusive work environment. Her impact is particularly evident through her initiatives that offer mentoring and scholarship support to underrepresented minorities at several universities, including Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University, and Wayne State University. Her efforts aim to expand this support to more institutions across Michigan.
At Whirlpool, Wimbush-Sherrod oversees the BUILD (Building Unity Inclusion Leadership Diversity) program, which immerses underrepresented students in a four-day professional development experience at the company’s headquarters. This initiative provides these students with valuable exposure to corporate functions and career opportunities, further demonstrating her dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Her influence extends beyond Whirlpool. As a board member for the North Farmington/West Bloomfield Vikings Football League, Wimbush-Sherrod is dedicated to youth development, supporting young athletes in their growth both on and off the field. She also mentors athletes at Wayne State University, guiding them through career exploration after their college sports careers.
Wimbush-Sherrod's dedication to DEI is evident in her role as a member of Merge-E, where she has significantly contributed to the career growth, retention, and job satisfaction of Black employees throughout the state. Her accomplishments also include moderating a highly anticipated panel discussion at the Executive Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, on the session titled "Lead With Purpose," which attracts over 4,000 executives and professionals annually.
Before her tenure at Whirlpool, Wimbush-Sherrod made notable strides at Amazon, where she spearheaded the first Tech Diversity hiring conference for the Amazon Downtown Detroit Campus. Her efforts there led to a marked increase in diversity, aligning the company's workforce more closely with the local community.
Her community service is as impressive as her professional achievements. Wimbush-Sherrod sponsors events that celebrate Black representation and history, such as "Keeper of the Dream" at Oakland University and MLK and Juneteenth observances. She is also actively involved in philanthropy, partnering with the Detroit Rescue Mission to provide appliances to their sites and supporting Habitat Builds at FAMU for the second consecutive year.
Asia Wimbush-Sherrod’s career is a testament to her dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace and her unwavering commitment to community service. Her visionary leadership and profound impact continue to inspire change and foster growth, making her a true trailblazer in her field.
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