Page 23 - BPW UK AGM Conference 2024 Programme_FINAL

For Dearest Jo Kinsey

I thank BPW UK for providing me a bit of time in this important Conference “Women Flight High” in the
section related to Women in STEM to share my experience in the STEM field more precisely steel and
metals industry.
I personally want to give my testimony not only because I am the Young BPW EU Representative but
because for over 15 years I have developed my professionals in the field of metals and
steelmakingbelieving in the positive results and contribution of the women in this historically male
dominated industry.
A quick overview about my background
During my university years in Economics, I started my career with a job in the back office of a trading
office in the steel sector. Still unaware that this sector would be the protagonist of my career path and
would involve me in what is also a passion today, I had the opportunity to expand my role, developing a
profile not only commercial but also technical, moving from pure sales to the management of sales and
commercial relationships.

Over time, I had the opportunity to grow, taking over increasing responsibilities. I never had the
ambition to "reach the success" but to "perform a result" for myself my Company and my team mates.
This guided me in improving myself in every task assigned, until I reached the position of General
Manager of a large company with 150 employees that produces carbon steel pipes.
Currently, I have concluded my career as employee, initially by acquiring the shares of the first
company where I started working and now also as Co-founder and CEO of Eusider Alloy Materials. A
brand new company for developing in EU markets the trade of high performance tool steels, nickel and
titanium alloys.
This new company arises from the union of my project, which a few years ago I didn't even dare to
entertain the thought of, with that of a large Industrial Group, Eusider, always active in expanding its
range and diversification. What involved and convinced me was not just the willingness to collaborate,
but the mindset of this Group, and the family that leads it that believe in young people and gender
equality.
>Some percentage on workers in the steel sector in Italy:
women working in the steel as blue collar are 6% of total work force, if we look only at steel mills as
production sites, the data improves reaching 13%, if we look at the data of women employed in the
entire industrial sector data rises up to 35%.
>Situation in US is pretty much similar
6.4% of steel workers are women and consequently 93.6% of steel workers are men
Above this there is also a gender pay gap for workers in Steel around –8% of average salary for women
compared to men

Every case shows a huge gender gap. In my personal opinion there are one point that need to overcome
from both male and female: thestereotypes for steel industry.
For women this causes avoid submitting applications for position in steel, so women that are not
daring
For Steel company, being more inclusive and create a proper environment

Thanks to my personal experience I believe in Gender Diversity, I consider collaboration between men
and women essential for achieving 'evolved' results and allow company to compete in our moder
economy. Discrimination limits the diversity of perspectives.
The philosophy of work, sacrifice and commitment brings tangible results: the constant desire for
improvement knows no gender limits. I believe that challenges and opportunities for growth are for
everyone, men and women.

Alice Minuto
Young BPW Europe Regional Representative