Associate Spotlight: Michelle Dermody, Manufacturing and D&I leader

DENSO is committed to diversity and inclusion (D&I) and making its work environments more supportive and welcoming for all. It’s important work led by the DENSO D&I Council, a cross-functional, cross-location team of leaders dedicated to implementing strategies that help us fulfill our D&I mission. Meet one of those leaders: Michelle Dermody, also a director at DENSO’s manufacturing facility in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

A councilmember since last year, she knows how to cultivate change, but at the same time recognizes we all have more to learn about and contribute to D&I.

“These can be difficult topics and sometimes we might feel like we don’t belong in conversations about D&I,” she said. “Or we feel we’re being attacked when we talk about D&I. Inclusion isn’t pointing fingers at people; it’s recognizing and utilizing each individual’s resources and talents, valuing their differences and making them feel welcomed, respected and heard. It’s about all of us working together as a team, which is a pillar of our DENSO Spirit.”

With March being Women’s History Month, Michelle also says it’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress women have made, as well as role models who have positively impacted us.

“My inspiration is my mom who turns 99 this year,” she added. “She grew up in an era when women didn’t have many opportunities. But as the child of an immigrant, she only had one option – working to help support her family. For myself and my six siblings, she was the driving force behind us excelling in school and setting high expectations for us to be at the top of our class every year. She’s an incredibly strong woman, and one that I deeply admire.”

The DENSO D&I Council recently asked employees to share stories about women who inspire them. Here’s one of the responses, from Natalie Ebig Scott, Co-Chair of DENSO Women’s Network at DENSO’s thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Michigan.

“Female leaders in manufacturing stand out because they are the exception, not the rule,” Natalie said. “When I came to DENSO in Battle Creek, Debi Bowling was clearly a need-to-know person. The first woman to be promoted to manufacturing section leader at our location, Debi was (and is) confident, capable, courageous and charismatic. After decades in direct production, Debi took on a new role in Corporate Services and continues to blaze new trails. Her strength and capability inspire me every day.”