Each year the Chestnut Street YMCA in Louisville, Ky., hosts the Black Achievers Banquet, a scholarship awards celebration for graduating high school seniors. 

The event also recognizes adult achievers who lead in their professions and community. This year’s honorees from GE Appliances are Genelle Cochran and Derrian Burage.

Genelle has been with GE Appliances for more than a decade and is currently the director of product management for the company’s Ventilation Product Line. Over the years, she’s held various roles and responsibilities spanning Global Sourcing Procurement and Product Management.

As the sourced finished goods manager for FirstBuild, she drove the supply chain strategy to support the launch of the Opal Nugget Ice Maker. Genelle is an active member of the company’s Affinity Networks—currently co-leading the Women’s Network of more than 700 professional men and women.

Derrian began his career at GE Appliances in 2011 as an engineering co-op with various operations, Advanced Manufacturing Engineer, LEAN, and quality roles.

After completing the Operations Management Leadership Program, Derrian became a senior advanced manufacturing engineer supporting all U.S. refrigeration plants before transitioning to Dishwasher Factory Master Planning.

He is currently a senior supplier quality engineer supporting GE Appliances’ Cooking products.

Derrian is a co-op recruiter, serves on the company’s Inclusion and Diversity Council, and chairs committees within the company’s African American Forum.

Congrats to Genelle and Derrian!

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