How o9 Promotes Gender Equality Across Supply Chain

o9, a leading enterprise AI software platform provider for transforming planning and decision-making, has launched Minerva, a professional community that aims to enable greater gender equality within the supply chain and digital technology industries.

Membership to Minerva – named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategy and mentorship – is open to all who work in the supply chain and digital technology sectors and hold leadership roles within their organisations.

Networking events and panel discussions as part of Minerva networking will include expert guidance from Ambassadors, high-ranking professionals who will speak about their careers and experiences with the digital technology and supply chain sector.

Expert Insights on Career Advancement

"At each career stage, the importance of having a strong support system both inside and outside of the workplace is a key component to advancement," says Rhondia Turano, former Chief Procurement Officer at 3M.

"I welcome the opportunity to contribute to Minvera's mission and help foster stronger connections and support between today's leaders and up-and-coming professionals."

Stephan de Barse, o9's Chief Revenue Officer, said, "Across many professional industries, women have made strides in breaking down barriers; however, supply chain and digital technology are two sectors that are often seen as being male-dominated.

"Through the o9 Minerva community, we aim to elevate the incredible knowledge, drive and experiences of women working in the supply chain space."

Minerva's kickoff events will occur as fireside chats during aim10x On Tour Dallas, September 25-26 and aim10x On Tour Amsterdam, October 28-29.

During the aim10x On Tour panels, Minerva Ambassadors will also address key career advancement challenges, such as gender disparity, access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities and the opportunity for more diversity in leadership roles.

"As a Minerva Ambassador, I look forward to helping empower the next generation of supply chain and digital technology professionals to navigate their career trajectory more effectively and ensure greater inclusivity across all roles within the field," adds Alison Jones, Chief Operations Officer at Canyon Bicycles GMBH.

"As a supply chain risk management (SCRM) expert and Minerva Ambassador, I am excited to share my own professional journey alongside fellow supply chain leaders and speak to some of the unique challenges that women face as they advance their careers," says Lara Pedrini, Global Head of Sales at Exiger.

"I am committed to the advancement of women in the workplace and digital tech and look forward to discussing ways to close the gender gap for women in STEM fields and foster more inclusive corporate policies and work environments where women can thrive."

o9's Commitment to Inclusion

In 2022, o9 Solutions joined a growing coalition of businesses that have pledged to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

As one of more than 2,200 CEOs from leading organisations who are part of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, o9's Chakri Gottemukkala committed himself and the company to take actions that support a more inclusive workplace for employees, communities and society at large.

By signing on to this commitment, o9 Solutions pledges to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion.

The CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ collective has already shared more than 1,400 best-practice actions, exchanged tangible learning opportunities and created collaborative conversations through the initiative's unified hub, CEOAction.com.

******

Make sure you check out the latest edition of Procurement Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE 2024

******

Procurement Magazine is a BizClik brand