BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Cornerstone Alliance announced today that Camille Pierce has joined the Women’s Business Center Advisory Council. The WBC Advisory Council is a group comprised of business and financial professionals who are responsible for strategic guidance, technical assistance, and advocacy for the Small Business Services and Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance.

Pierce is Senior Director, Global Diversity and Inclusion at Whirlpool Corporation, based in Benton Harbor. At Whirlpool, Pierce leads Whirlpool’s Global Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, helping to attract, engage, and retain a diverse employee population and create an inclusive workplace environment. Prior to joining Whirlpool, Pierce had a successful 20-year career in human resources at Proctor & Gamble where she was a strategic human resources business partner and employee champion for several consumer products, including Bounty, Charmin, Always, Tampax, Pampers, Luvs and Tide. It was through these experiences that Pierce discovered a strong affinity for talent-related specialties and took on leadership roles in talent acquisition, learning & development, and diversity & inclusion. She is also an aspiring lifestyle consultant and community development leader.

“Camille brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the WBC Advisory Council,” said Stephanie Scott-Sims, Director of Entrepreneurship and Placemaking at Cornerstone Alliance. “She has a keen understanding of the difficulties that diverse populations face in the business world. This insight is crucial to our work at the WBC as many of our entrepreneurial clients are from populations that face hardships. The Advisory Council has its finger on the pulse of small business in Berrien County and Pierce will be a great addition to the team.”

"I am excited to join the WBC Advisory Council,” said Pierce. “Throughout my career, and in my personal life, I have strived to reach my full potential, and help others, especially women, do the same.  The WBC’s mission is right in line with my passion."

Since 2004, the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance has provided traditionally underserved populations – particularly women, minorities and economically disadvantaged – with the tools needed to start, grow, and expand their small business. By providing business training, counseling, mentoring, resources and capital financing, the WBC helps entrepreneurs make their business dreams into reality.

“We are excited to welcome Camille Pierce to the WBC Advisory Council,” said Judee Hopwood, Chairperson of the WBC Advisory Council. “Her background in diversity and inclusion initiatives is exceptional, as is her personal commitment to providing opportunities that help develop the full potential of women. We look forward to the contributions her insight and experience will bring to the Advisory Council.”