Kimberly-Clark Reaches Out to the Hispanic Community and Market

Chances are, you already know Kimberly-Clark. From Kleenex® tissues to Huggies® diapers, Kimberly-Clark makes some of the most famous and trusted products in the world. Products like these don't just happen. They are created by a team that works together in an environment of mutual trust and respect. At Kimberly-Clark, attracting, retaining and developing the best people from around the world is critical to success. They believe that our differences enhance business results; that our diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences provide a wider, brighter array of perspectives and learning.

The value of diversity at Kimberly-Clark is reinforced through employee networks, mentoring programs, and flexible work arrangements. In fact, the value of a diverse culture is so emphasized at Kimberly-Clark that every single employee's job description includes the following statement: "Contribute to an environment in which all team members are respected regardless of their individual differences and are motivated to improve both their individual and team contributions to achieve desired business results."

As an integral part of its proactive diversity program, there are a number of "networks" employees can join to share common interests and learn about the interests of fellow employees. One such group is the Latin American Network for Diversity, known as LAND. The mission of LAND is to "contribute to Kimberly-Clark's diversity initiatives by supplementing company efforts to attract, retain, and enhance career and personal development of Hispanic employees; and to serve as a resource in providing business input and direction on products and communication relevant to Hispanic and Latin American customers and consumers." LAND is currently based in K-C's Neenah, Wisconsin site, but LAND affiliates are planned for the company's other facilities around the country.

LAND's board of directors plan the network meetings and activities. Three members of the group are Jorge Aguilar, training and development coordinator for finance; Maria Elena de Leon, research scientist, in the company's infant care business; and Santiago Sanchez, a customer service team leader for the company's Canadian and U.S. West Coast operations.

"We meet once per month to find ways to make the other employees and the community aware of our outreach to Hispanics," says de Leon, a 17-year veteran of the company. "For example, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in September. We have activities for families and children - a picnic with games and piņatas. We also sponsor adult activities to educate people on Hispanic topics. As a group, we provide support for recruiting Hispanic employees, people who need translation service, and also do community service activities within the community." De Leon was born in Michigan, but grew up in El Salvador. She earned a degree in MIS/operations management from the University of Wisconsin.

"One thing I enjoy is that it is a large corporation, but also family oriented," says Sanchez, who is originally from San Antonio, Texas. "LAND has helped me to reconnect with culture and values that I have lost from living here [in Wisconsin]. It gives me an opportunity to learn from others." As a 25-year veteran of Kimberly-Clark, Sanchez is the group's long-timer.

De Leon echoes Sanchez's sentiments. "I enjoy sharing the Hispanic culture. I enjoy when people ask me things about the Hispanic heritage. K-C is a good company," she adds. "It provides many opportunities for career growth. Being bilingual is starting to open up a lot of opportunities within the company."

Jorge Aguilar traveled a long way to get to Kimberly-Clark in Wisconsin. He was born and raised in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He came to the U.S. to attend the University of Wisconsin on a scholarship where he graduated with a degree in economics and has been with the company for 10 years. Aguilar actively recruits from college campuses and recently returned from the University of Puerto Rico. "I brought back two candidates and they've both been offered jobs," he says. "I am also a mentor for three of our Latino employees."

Aguilar continues, "The Hispanic community is growing in Neenah. One of the main goals of LAND is not just get Latinos together, or to segregate groups, but to incorporate the groups into the larger culture of the Kimberly-Clark family." That's a message you'll also hear from Don Morton, director of corporate diversity initiatives, who points out that LAND membership is open to all employees. "There are several non-Hispanics active in the group who just want to learn about the Hispanic culture, or maybe practice their Spanish. It works both ways," he explains. Kimberly-Clark already has operations in Latin America and is looking to expand its global outreach. "There is a lot of growth potential for K-C in Latin America - especially in engineering and product development," de Leon explains. "Hispanics prefer to communicate in Spanish, which is why being bilingual and bicultural is so important to American businesses."

K-C is actively recruiting bilingual Hispanic graduates for a variety of assignments in the U.S. and Latin America.

For information on career opportunities with Kimberly-Clark, log on to its web site at www.kc-careers.com where you can submit your resume by e-mail.