By 
GE has hosted a Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) mentorship roundtable for female students from the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INPHB). The session, which was held in Abidjan, was led by four leaders in energy with exemplary resumes and combined decades of wisdom. They included Kristin Carvell, Global Communications Leader, GE Gas Power; Kadidjatou Diallo, Managing Director, La Compagnie Ivoirienne de Production d’Electricité (CIPREL), Aphi Amoussou Nanan, Director of Generation, CI ENERGIES; and Bethel Nwaneri, Chief People Officer for GE Gas Power Sub Saharan Africa.
Roundtable
highlights the need for strategic initiatives to sustain women in STEM; advocates
for more diversity in energy and technology sectors; leadership insights on how
females can position for the ‘future of work’ in STEM.
Studies are becoming increasingly important for the continuous
development of innovative solutions to solve challenges in diverse sectors.
Participants
discussed all things STEM, including, why they chose a career in STEM, the
value they feel it brings to our communities, and advice they would give to
young women seeking to enter the field. The roundtable also focused on
highlighting the need for strategic initiatives to sustain women in STEM
related careers; to advocate for more diversity in energy and technology
sectors and how this era of accelerated technological progress characterized by
new innovations creates a greater sense of urgency for companies to tap into
the entire technical talent pool to realize sustainable, competitive advantage.
GE has been a committed partner in diversity, inclusion and
skills development in Ivory Coast. In 2018, GE Power partnered with INPHB in
Yamoussoukro to train engineering students. During a six-month period, selected
Ivorian students participated in technical and English language proficiency
internships at the GE Ghana office giving them exposure and training to ensure
they can compete in the rapidly evolving global market. Most recently, GE
commissioned an English language technology lab for the institution.
Speaking at the roundtable, Bethel Nwaneri, Chief People
Officer for GE Gas Power Sub Saharan Africa said that the initiative was a
continuation of the ongoing partnership between GE and Ivory Coast aimed at
investing in technical skills and talent particularly for women. “Companies
that seek to change the world, should reflect the world. Beyond skills and
talent development, mentorship is also important in increasing the
representation of women in engineering, manufacturing, IT and product
management roles. This is not just the right thing to do; it’s a necessary
strategy to inject urgency into recruiting more women for technical roles. Our
goal is to inspire the next generation of leaders and cultivate lasting
interest in STEM careers,” she added.
GE is a historical player and a pioneer in the power sector
in Ivory Coast. The roundtable reflects GE’s commitment to build on the
company’s strong presence in the region and continue to provide value for its
customers.
