Respect and Listen
Diana Davis, General Manager Toyota Motor North America Los Angeles Region
Q Latino Leaders: Please share some important facts about your background, family origin and education:
A Diana Davis: I come from a military family and was born on an Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan. My parents divorced when I was in fourth grade, so my mother took my younger sister and me back to her hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. My mother was one of nine children in a traditional Irish Catholic family. My father was also from a large Catholic family from Puerto Rico. Growing up as Diana Despiaumolina (my maiden name), my long last name was a burden, so unusual that people took immediate liberties to ask questions that made me feel different. Questions like “What are you? Where is that last name from? Where did you come from?” As an adult, I came to realize my last name was actually an asset. My name broke through the clut- ter and became an easy way for me to stand out. Later in life, I learned that the benefit of being different was that it helped me.
Q Latino Leaders: Please share some important facts about your background, family origin and education:
A Diana Davis: I come from a military family and was born on an Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan. My parents divorced when I was in fourth grade, so my mother took my younger sister and me back to her hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. My mother was one of nine children in a traditional Irish Catholic family. My father was also from a large Catholic family from Puerto Rico. Growing up as Diana Despiaumolina (my maiden name), my long last name was a burden, so unusual that people took immediate liberties to ask questions that made me feel different. Questions like “What are you? Where is that last name from? Where did you come from?” As an adult, I came to realize my last name was actually an asset. My name broke through the clutter and became an easy way for me to stand out. Later in life, I learned that the benefit of being different was that it helped mebreak through the masses and be remembered. Sports were also an important part of growing up in such a big family, and I was blessed to earn a four-year Division I NCAA scholarship to play field hockey at Syracuse University.
Q L.L. What made you pick your college studies and ma- jors?
A D.D. Syracuse University is best known for the Newhouse School of Communications. I’ve always loved a challenge and getting into that school was a major one. Marketing and advertising interested me the most because I knew my passion was working in a team environment in a dynamic area of business.
Q L.L. What have been constant values and skills you have worked with during your professional career?
A D.D. Showing up with a curious mindset, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to being transparent have been my steady core values and compass for success. What has helped me most on my leadership journey has been my willingness to try new things, learn from all experiences, and seek out feedback from others along the way.
Q L.L. How did the opportunity to work for Toyota arise? A D.D. I was lucky enough to attend Syracuse University, which had strong relationships with businesses that recruited on college campuses. I feel so fortunate that Toyota recruited at my school and that I decided to interview for the Management Trainee position. Toyota was my first job after college, and I am thankful that I remained curious and open to the many opportunities at a company like Toyota.
Q L.L. Can you share facts about your role and position at Toyota?
A D.D. As the LA Region General Manager, I am blessed to work with a talented team, all of whom are passionate about making a difference for Toyota and our incredible dealer body. Our team in the Los Angeles region works closely with 76 dealerships in Southern California, helping them achieve all sales and customer retention goals.
Q L.L. What do you think we can do to promote more Lati- no(a) professionals in corporations like Toyota?
A D.D. Toyota has a core value of respect for people and a proven commitment to listen to the voices of all team mem- bers and customers. This is the perfect time for Latinos and ALL people who come from diverse backgrounds to aim high in their career goals and be aggressive in pursuing their dreams. This means staying curious and open to all job opportunities. Apply for everything. Don’t limit yourself to one area of business. My recommendation is to stay curious and begin a conversation with businesspeople whenever possible. You never know where the most random conver- sation will lead. Stay hungry, connected, and curious. Reach out and explore every opportunity, even if you think it is outside your area of interest or expertise. I consider myself to be a great example of Toyota’s pledge to help their employees grow and exceed their professional goals.