When you think of a hero 🦸♂️, who comes to mind? The (sad) reality is that for many, the heroes are male figures...This perception highlights a significant issue: the underrepresentation of women. I had the pleasure of being invited as a guest speaker to the first edition of #WeConnect STEM Summit at Philip Morris International earlier today, alongside our Chief Diversity Officer Mimi Kurniawan. As the executive sponsor of Win STEM, a local chapter of one of our Employee Resource Group (ERG), I highlighted the role we have as individuals and organizations in battling gender disparities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The reality is this issue won't be solved by policies or programs alone. This is why today’s event was pioneering a new movement, by bringing together students, academia and colleagues from other diverse industries. Here are some ways we are #PMI is taking deliberate action: 👉 Creating a Culture: We deeply value an inclusive environment that encourages everyone to reach their full potential. Our Women’s Inspiration Network (WIN) was created to support, inspire, and empower women to do exactly that. 👉 Fostering Talent: We have implemented strategic ways to attract, retain, and grow female talent within our company. We ensure that these women have equal opportunities and are supported throughout all stages of their career with a series of resources and internal/external initiatives. 👉 Inspiring Others: While we are driven to making change in our own workplace, our overarching goal is to create a domino effect of action – inspiring companies around us to set their own standards for gender equality. We know the brilliant minds of women in STEM can no longer be overlooked. We must continue to break barriers, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and uplift women so they take on more leadership roles. We must be a driving force toward more equality in STEM. Thank you to the organizers, to my fellow panelists as well as to the cross-industry colleagues and students who made the time to join us on this important day. Mimi Kurniawan Gizelle Baker Katherine Ciambrone Fabiana Spadaro, PhD Maxime Magnier Carla Younes Susz Anna Audrey PMP, CISSP Audrey Cally Uta Winkler Karla Rivera Danielle Oleiro Rebecca Higgins Joanne G. Joanne Chua, PhD #WomeninSTEM #GenderEquality
Thanks Oggie Kapetanovic. I'm thrilled to be part of the small group of individuals who initiated the idea of bringing together various organizations and universities/students to start this important discussion and create a collaborative community. For other organization (large or small) It's never too late to join us and be part of this bold movement to reduce the gender gap. Let's make a difference together!
Oggie Kapetanovic You need to get to 50% women on your Leadership team!
Senior Vice President Operations, Philip Morris International
1moThis is a topic which resonates deeply with me. We know that increasing the representation of women contributes to a greater balance and more effective outcome in STEM related topics at PMI and that as a science led organization this is critical for our business. Thanks for your sponsorship for WIN STEM Oggie Kapetanovic and to the team who are the powerhouse driving this important employee resource group.