Meritor announced Friday that Linda Taliaferro, vice president, Global Quality, was recognized with a Role Model Award by Alternatives for Girls for helping girls and young women prepare for and advance their careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Role Model Award is the premier annual fundraising event for Alternatives for Girls. Meritor says the organization helps homeless and high-risk girls as well as young women avoid violence, teen pregnancy and exploitation. The girls and young women also learn to explore and access the support, resources and opportunities necessary to be safe and make positive choices in their lives. Since 1989, the organization has honored exceptional women with the Role Model Award for their professional accomplishments, personal attributes and community commitment, the company adds.
“When I was notified that I was receiving this award from Alternatives for Girls, it took my breath away because this organization’s work is truly life-changing,” Taliaferro says. “Many of the young girls come to this organization with no hope, no direction, and I want to be part of that hope.”
Taliaferro was nominated for the Role Model Award by Tricia Ruby, president and CEO, Ruby+Associates Structural Engineers of Bingham Farms. “Linda’s work with young girls and women on gaining self-awareness, leveraging their strengths and understanding the value that they bring to the table is exemplary and deserves recognition,” Ruby says.
Amy Good, CEO, Alternatives for Girls, notes Taliaferro was among three women receiving this year’s award from 31 nominations based on her community service, leadership and professional achievement.
“Linda’s advancement to positions of increasing responsibility, along with her high level of motivation and passion to open doors for others, represents what girls and young women can do with an education focusing on STEM,” Good says. “Our message to the girls we serve is that we expect them to succeed and lead the way to steer others on the right path, just as Linda has done. We want them to also be leaders and role models – our community needs them.”
