Henkel Diversity Event Focuses on Women in the Global Workplace
Bridgewater, NJ, November 4, 2010 - "Exploring the Achievements of Women in the Global Workplace," a recent diversity event at Henkel Corporation, brought together leaders from the United Nations and industry to promote the professional development of women.
Organized by B-NOW (Bridgewater Networking Organization for Women at Henkel), the occasion saluted accomplished women featured as speakers and panelists, as well as Henkel participants for their achievements in bringing Henkel's Diversity Strategy to life.
Elizabeth McKee Gore of the United National Foundation delivered a keynote speech titled "Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders." Gore related stories of girls forced into marriage and motherhood in their early teens and told of widespread domestic violence situations she witnessed firsthand through her global travels. As Executive Director for Global Relations at the United Nations Foundation, Gore brought her message to Henkel to raise awareness on a personal level with Henkel employees.
Following Gore's address, a panel of three distinguished executives from Henkel's Industrial Adhesive customers shared experiences and offered advice on personal and professional advancement. During a panel discussion on "Individual Development," Claudia Knowlton-Chike, General Manager, Global Logistics, GE Healthcare, encouraged attendees to recognize that "It is your career; you own it and control it based on your own personal choices," and also advised them to "pursue continuous education to fill in skill gaps."
During a second panel topic on "Individual Impact," Judith Shrecker, Vice President & Controller, Alcoa Global Rolled Products, said, "We are all empowered to do something about everything," and urged attendees to be persistent because "progress, like strategy and development, does not happen overnight."
Linda Wright, Vice President, Adhesion Industry, Global Business Unit Exxon Mobil, led a third panel about "Supporting and Driving Diversity." Wright encouraged attendees to identify issues and bring forth solutions. "Strategies don't make a difference," she said. "People do. When you believe in something strongly, stick with it because your intuition and insights can make a difference."
In addition to employees from Henkel's Industrial Adhesives headquarters in Bridgewater, the event was attended by customers and suppliers who learned about Henkel's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and how Henkel creates advantage for its customers through an orientation overview. Diversity at Henkel is recognized as a strategic factor in the company's success as well as an integral part in creating a winning culture.
Lisa Kelly, Applications Lab Supervisor, Construction Technical Solutions at Henkel and organizer of the event, said, "The inspirational words from the speaker and panelists have energized the B-NOW members to action. I look forward to the great things we will accomplish throughout the coming year."
For additional information call 1-866-266-5565 or visit www.henkelna.com/industrial.
Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 50,000 people and reported sales of $18.86 billion and adjusted operating profit of $1.84 billion in fiscal 2009. Henkel's preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX and the company ranks among the Fortune Global 500.
Henkel in North America
Henkel markets a wide range of well-known consumer and industrial brands in North America, including Dial® soaps, Purex® laundry detergents, Right Guard® antiperspirants, got2b® hair gels, and Loctite® adhesives. Visit www.henkelna.com for more information.
Contact
Henkel Corporation
10 Finderne Avenue
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Phone: 1-866-266-5565
www.henkelna.com/industrial
