• Ford Motor Company executives spent this past weekend in Atlanta sharing their learnings and offering their support to young men as part of the eighth annual Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men
• Ford Warriors in Pink participated as well; warriors engaged with the young men’s mothers
• 2016 marks the seventh consecutive year Ford has been exclusive automotive sponsor of Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men

DEARBORN, Mich., June 17, 2016 – Ford Motor Company leaders joined with Steve Harvey in Atlanta this past weekend for the radio personality’s annual mentoring program. Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men is dedicated to sharing and teaching the principles of manhood to young African American men.

Executed by the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, the program aims to help young men realize their potential and envision a future where they are responsible, productive members of society. 2016 marks the eighth year of the program.

Ford Warriors in Pink participated as well, with warriors in the fight against breast cancer engaging the young men’s mothers in honest conversation about awareness of the disease. Since its inception more than 20 years ago, Ford Warriors in Pink has dedicated more than $128 million to the fight against breast cancer.

“Ford’s goal is to not only go further when it comes to our products, but also as it relates to our communities,” said Raj Register, manager, Ford multicultural communications. “The Steve Harvey Mentoring program gives us the chance to shape the future of today’s generation.”

As exclusive automotive sponsor for the seventh consecutive year, Ford’s longtime commitment to supporting the African American community is reflected in Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men. The company continues to bring more of its executives into the program to encourage these men to go further.

Earl Lucas, Lincoln exterior design manager, headed up the Ford Go Further Challenge, which encouraged participants to display their creativity and competitive spirit by designing their own vehicles. Mike Simon, director, warranty operations for Ford Customer Service Division North American service engineering, served as a judge for the competition and led a round-table discussion to inspire the young men.

“Working with the boys, I could see that they have unlimited potential to be very successful in their lives and careers,” said Simon. “I hope our time together helped them see it too.”

The winning team in the design challenge received a $1,000 gift card prize. The team won by best incorporating not only safety, technology and energy-saving attributes into the vehicle its members created, but overall functionality.

Motivational speaker and life coach Tony Gaskins led an intimate and empowering conversation with the young men alongside other influential African American men. Gaskins is featured in an upcoming Ford SUV digital campaign.