MILWAUKEE, WI /diversitybusiness.com/ Mary Dowell, director of Corporate Office Human Resources and Diversity at Johnson Controls, was named as one of 12 "Distinguished Black Women" nationwide by the Black Women in Sisterhood for Action (BISA).

According to BISA National President Verna Cook, Ph.D., Dowell was selected for the honor because of her talent and career accomplishments as well as her commitment to service and the advancement of women. Dowell is participating in BISA's mentoring program for young black women and she will be recognized at BISA's Annual Gala Salute to Distinguished Black Women on April 13 in Washington, D.C. Dowell's photo and biography are featured in the organization's 2002 scholarship calendar.

A national nonprofit organization, BISA is dedicated to developing and promoting alternative strategies for the educational and career development of black women. BISA's mission is to expand educational opportunities, provide role models and mentors, offer financial awards, and inspire young black women to become successful in diverse careers. Since 1981, BISA has provided more than $500,000 in college scholarship funds to financially needy black women. Proceeds from the sale of the "Distinguished Black Women" calendar are used for scholarships.

Dowell was recently promoted to her current position as director of Corporate Office Human Resources and Diversity and has been with Johnson Controls since 1996. A resident of Bayside, Wis., Dowell is active in many community and professional organizations, including Milwaukee Urban League, Ko Thi Dance Company, Inroads, Black Human Resources Association and Black Achievers. Dowell is the 1998 recipient of the Milwaukee Times newspaper's Black Excellence Award.

Dowell is the second woman from Johnson Controls to be recognized by BISA. Equilla Wainwright, director of Diversity for the Controls business at Johnson Controls, was named one of the Distinguished Black Women of 2001.