D+I Champions are inclusive leaders driving culture change across our company by:

Bringing the Diversity + Inclusion Strategy to life on a local level

Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are embedded in everything we do.

Modeling inclusive leadership behaviors that support Toyota’s cultural priorities

Uncovering opportunities to further leverage diversity and inclusion and act as visible change agents

The Road to

Becoming a Champion


The D+I Champions program is a nomination-based program.

Prospective Champions must be nominated by an executive. Nominees will be notified and receive further instructions.

TRAINING TO BE A CHAMPION

Champions attend a 12-hour virtual training delivered in 3-hour sessions over 4 weeks.

Champions-in-training will learn:

The importance of Diversity + Inclusion

How experiences, beliefs and values impact how one thinks, feels and acts

How to identify personal thinking styles

How to become aware of unconscious biases

How to role model inclusive leadership behaviors

How to promote a culture where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard

After training, D+I Champions commit to:


  • Being a Champion for 2 years

  • Leading a D+I project to support their team

  • Attending regularly scheduled Champions meetings

  • Developing a relationship with a Business Partnering Group (BPG)

  • Connecting with a D+I Champion Buddy

D+I Champion Buddy Program


Buddying Up for Success

Every new Champion will be paired with an experienced D+I Champion for mentorship and support.


Experienced Buddies will:

  • Share best practices and lessons learned

  • Be a sounding board for new ideas

  • Provide mentorship and guidance

  • Help their Buddy stay accountable to their goals

Paying It Forward

All D+I Champions will become Buddy mentors to new Champions in their second year of the program.

An ideal Champion nominee is someone who…

Has an interest in D+I and promoting a culture of inclusion

Meets and/or exceeds performance expectations

Is already a leader or has leadership potential

Can positively influence at all levels

Shows good communication skills

Has been a Toyota employee for at least six months

Embodies the Toyota Philosophy, Principles and Way

Is a self-starter / able to work independently

The D+I Champions training is offered quarterly to team members.

Interested in nominating a Champion?