OREANDA-NEWS. November 05, 2015. The annual Ford Asian Indian Association (FAIA) Event, held recently at the Ford Performing Arts Center, was a sold-out affair with Ford employees, senior executives and suppliers in attendance. FAIA is one of 11 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) within Ford Motor Company that has a deep-rooted commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion among its employees.  
 
“Going Further: With Innovation” was the theme of the annual FAIA event held to recognize individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to FAIA and company objectives. With over 4,000 members, FAIA is one of Ford’s largest ERG organizations.

“FAIA’s three core initiatives are brand promotion, people development and corporate citizenship,” said Nand Kochhar, FAIA president. “Tonight, we are recognizing those who have contributed to the success of Ford and FAIA.”

Hau Thai-Tang, Ford group vice president, Global Purchasing, presented the keynote address on the challenges facing business today and capitalizing on emerging opportunities by leveraging our innovative spirit.  

Thai-Tang emphasized that in the fastest-growing emerging markets around the world, small-size vehicles make up the majority of the market by volume.

“If we as a company are going to achieve our long-term objectives of being among the top five automotive companies in terms of market share and sales, and have greater than 10 percent market share, we are going to need to learn how to deliver profitable small vehicles,” said Thai-Tang.

A question-and-answer session gave attendees an opportunity to ask questions of Ford senior leadership. The panel included  Raj Nair, group vice president, Product Development; Felicia Fields, group vice president, Human Resources and Corporate Services; Stephen Odell, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service; Bernard Silverstone, Ford group vice president and chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Credit Company; and Thai-Tang.

The Ford Shelby GT350 along with the Lincoln Continental on display offered the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities. After the buffet dinner from Aahar Indian Cuisine, guests were treated to a performance by the students of Raksha Dave's school - Nartan Dance Academy.

The annual FAIA event gave new employees like Dipali Sanghi an opportunity to meet and network with individuals who have the same interests. “This is my first time attending the FAIA event,” said Sanghi, project manager, Ford Information Technology. “As a first time Ford employee, the event gives me a chance to meet new people.”