Carole S. Lakin

Group Multicultural Relations Manager • Enterprise Rent-A-Car Co. • New York City • Age: 33

As group multicultural relations manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Carole S. Lakin oversees all aspects of the company’s diversity efforts, such as re-cruitment, employee development, community relations and supplier diversity. It falls on her to ensure that Enterprise exemplifies a culture that is in-clusive of employees, customers and vendors alike. What she likes most about her position is being able to drive initiatives that directly impact the lives of employees, customers and communities. “Having a career that I have a personal passion for is more rewarding than any words can communicate,” she says.

Among her many accolades, Lakin is extremely proud of being part of the team that received the Jack Taylor Founding Values Award, Enterprise’s highest honor given to regional groups that excel in such areas as diversity, philanthropy and community and government relations. Her solo awards include the 2006 African American Chamber of Commerce Westchester and Rockland Counties Emerging Executive Award. As accomplished as she may be professionally, Lakin says, “The true measure of personal success is realizing that success depends on your ability to help others.”

Lakin acquired a bachelor’s degree in business management from Georgia Southern University and subsequently a certificate in professional human resources. She believes that it is important to use her knowledge and talents to uplift others, and hopes to one day create developmental programs for underserved youth. Lakin is a corporate advisory board member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Westchester and Rockland Counties. She is also a member of the National Urban League Black Executive Exchange Program, New Jersey State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners and a member of the youth committee for the Urban League of Morris County.

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