Patricia Contreras named director of Global Community Relations and Contributions

A message from Carolyn Rose, vice president, Talent Effectiveness, Human Resources, Rockwell Automation  

I am pleased to announce that Patricia Contreras is named, director, Global Community Relations and Contributions.

As director, Patricia is our philanthropic thought leader charged with aligning corporate philanthropy with the company’s business and workforce strategies. She https://wiphilanthropy.org/wp-admin/post-new.php?post_type=projectdevelops and guides a holistic approach to utilizing the organization’s capabilities to help improve the quality of life in the communities we serve, education, civic, arts, cultural programs and important human services such as aid during disasters.

In support of the company’s talent priorities, Patricia develops strategic partnerships with key STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education programs such as FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), Project Lead the Way and ST Math. These efforts create valuable learning opportunities and career exploration for young people, with a focus on engaging women and other under-represented groups in STEM curriculum and programs. Understanding the value of hands-on involvement, Patricia works with our Global STEM Ambassador to inspire company employees to become STEM ambassadors in their local communities.

Patricia also develops and maintains relationships with international, national and local community partners. She represents Rockwell Automation on STEM councils including:  FIRST, Project Lead the Way, MIND Research Institute, and Milwaukee Public Schools. She also serves as a member of the Georgetown University New Strategies Corporate Advisory Council, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County Volunteer Council, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee’s Education Council. She represents Rockwell Automation as a voting committee member for the Non-Profit Management Fund and serves as the company’s liaison to the Association of Corporate Contributions Professionals, Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and the Wisconsin Philanthropy Network.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Patricia is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Patricia has 16 years of community relations experience in the Milwaukee area including positions with the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club and Kohl’s Cares, the philanthropic arm of Kohl’s Department Stores.

Please join me in congratulating Patricia (prcontreras@ra.rockwell.com) and share this update with your team. Also if you haven’t already, be sure to check out her blog on coding.