Alva P. Adams

Alva Adams is Group Manager of Multicultural Business Alliance and Strategy; and Multicultural Dealer Relations for Toyota Motor North America. In this executive role, she is responsible for directing strategy for Toyota’s multicultural partnerships, organizational support, and sponsorships relevant to Toyota/Lexus multicultural business initiatives covering the Black, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Native American, LGBTQ, and women external/community outreach. She is also responsible for leading collaborative projects and relationships that engage the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TLMODA), including the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD).

Her leadership encompasses the coordination and communications with Toyota’s cross-functional departments, executive leadership, field offices, and internal Toyota Motor Sales departments and multicultural dealers. Adams served in several management roles starting as National Manager, African American Business Strategy for Toyota Motor Sales. She led collaborative projects that advanced the company’s communication strategy and propelled specific diversity initiatives across Toyota’s North American Operations.

Adams managed external media relations, strategic partnerships, philanthropic activities, and government relations relevant to Toyota’s African American Business Strategy. She also oversaw efforts that encouraged diversity in team member volunteerism and community engagement opportunities. Adams began her career with Toyota in 1999. Before that, she served in several pivotal roles at Ford Motor Company. She worked as a Controller, responsible for all financial aspects of the business, and was instrumental in advancing the minority dealer training program and retail dealer initiatives for nearly 13 years.

A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Adams holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Howard University and a certificate in diversity from the University of Houston. Adams currently serves as the Chair of the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors; and serves on the boards of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board (Secretary), International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute, and National College Resources Foundation. Her past board membership includes the Los Angeles Girl Scout Council and the University of California Berkeley Parents Board. She is President Emeritus of Howard University Alumni Club of Southern California and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

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