Name
Fernanda Nishikawa
Company/Organization
Whirlpool Corporation
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and Yummly. In 2020, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 78,000 employees and 57 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.
Age
35
Accomplishments
I received my bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering in 2010 and joined Whirlpool in our Latin America operations in a leadership development program after completing two internships at a private-public wastewater treatment company and at Unilever. At Whirlpool, I progressed through roles in quality engineering, customer services, product development, communications and corporate sustainability, while also getting my MBA in project management. In 2019, I moved from Brazil to Southwest Michigan and joined the global sustainability team to help develop emerging sustainability topics. I now lead Whirlpool’s program on climate risks and impact and our Social & Governance Council.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I hope to continue driving change to help solve the large issues of climate change, inequality, and societal challenges, aligned with my personal values and purpose.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, MBA in Project Management
Residence
Stevensville, MI
Where were you born?
São Paulo, Brazil
What was your first job?
Math tutoring
Best advice you ever got?
Stay humble and be kind.
Who inspires you most?
My mother
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I practice meditation and mindfulness regularly.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
Connect with friends and family and practice yoga.
What book are you reading now?
Made For This by Mary Haseltine (I’m expecting my first child, so I’ve been focusing my reading on baby-related topics lately).
Volunteer activity you love the most.
Community parks clean-ups, they are a great way to visit different places and connect with nature.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
Knowing that the small actions I take can have a big impact on people and the planet.
What Superpower would you most love to have? (for example, the ability to fly or to be invisible, or incredible strength, etc)
The ability to tele-transport so I could easily visit my family and friends who live abroad.
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
I would like to be an example of someone who had the courage to follow their dreams and make a positive impact in the world
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
I’m honored for being recognized by members of the community that welcomed me when I moved here from Brazil and that is giving me the opportunity to grow and fulfill my purpose.
