Below is an article originally published on March 31, 2021, on Collins Aerospace's page. Go to Collins Aerospace's company page on PowerToFly to see their open positions and learn more.
Gender equality, professional growth, work-life balance: these were the aspirational topics shared during a virtual panel discussion on International Women's Day (IWD).
Four female Collins Aerospace executives, shared their stories of success, leadership and overcoming challenges. Collins' Asia Pacific Employee Resource Group hosted the discussion, which reflected this year's IWD theme, #choosetochallenge. Isolde Karro, Collins' chief communications officer, moderated.
Get to know the challenges
Collins Aerospace is an advocate of Paradigm for Parity, a movement that reflects the business' commitment to addressing the corporate leadership gender gap. The goal is to achieve full gender parity by 2030, with a near-term goal of women holding at least 30 percent of senior roles.
Advancing women as leaders
Women continue to make significant strides in aviation, and to inspire a new generation of leaders. The essence of being a leader is by exhibiting accountability, empathy, integrity, and respectfulness, even when things are challenging.
As you strive to become a leader, don't forget you can still be a leader on gender equality now by supporting the Women's Employee Resource Group, becoming a mentor, participating in local networking opportunities, and always being an advocate for inclusivity and equity.
Words of wisdom
Here's what we've learned from our leaders:
- "We have a very strong employee resource group network, and I think those are another great opportunity to leverage a group of people …who have likely very similar ideals and values and desire to create change." – Kimberly Kinsley, vice president and general manager of airframe and global engine components, Power & Controls, Collins Aerospace
- "I needed to take responsibility for growth, for taking risks, for putting myself in uncomfortable positions and reaching in and finding that confidence in who I am." – Bridget Sheriff, vice president of engineering & technology, Interiors, Collins Aerospace
- "Hold yourself to that standard of excellence so when people did question you, you would show them I do belong at this table. I am confident in this subject matter and I'm here and I have a voice." – Elaine Bitonti, vice president of business development, Mission Systems, Collins Aerospace
- "Don't be apologetic about being a diverse part of the conversation. Be comfortable in yourself and know that you bring a very valuable perspective to the conversation and do so with confidence."– Alison Davidson, vice president of aftermarket, Mechanical Systems, Collins Aerospace
Thriving in diversity
As we celebrate our women leaders, we are proud of all the women changemakers that lead the industry. Together, we can all help create an inclusive world.
To show your support for a more inclusive and equitable world, strike the Choose To Challenge pose, (right hand raised) and share it on social media using the hashtags #ChooseToChallenge and #IWD2021, encouraging others to choose to challenge today and every day.
