Page 9 - Viterra Vibe_March 2024 (Final)

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is Here we highlight a few of our colleagues who represent various areas of our organization:
celebrated annually on March 8 to Have you had mentors or role models who have played a
support the women’s rights movement, significant role in your career development?
or gender equality. The first official I wouldn’t be where I am without some great mentors. One
event took place in 1911 and has gained of my biggest career hurdles was the limitations I put on
momentum around the world, becoming myself. My growth as a person and a manager has come from
an officially recognized event by the mentors who have pushed me out of my comfort zone and
United Nations (UN) in 1977. supported me while doing it.
The UN has been working with How important do you think mentorship is for women in
developed and developing countries Michelle Boyd advancing their careers?
towards a number of key goals, and Director, Quality There are many talented women doing exceptional things at
in 2015 created a list of sustainable Affairs & Food Safety Viterra who may inspire others to step out of their comfort
development goals (SDGs) as a Saskatoon, SK zone and take on a role they feel they aren’t ready for. Having
blueprint for peace and prosperity for the support of other women could be very impactful.
people and the planet. Gender equality
was first introduced in 1992 as part of What strategies can women use to increase their visibility
this development and has since become within their organizations and industries?
one of the recognized SDGs. Women should focus on themselves and their duties within
As a global company we support the their positions. You’re in charge of your own successes; ask
UN’s 17 SDGs and have them mapped questions, shadow and take every opportunity to grow and
against our sustainability pillars. As part learn.
of our community and human rights How can organizations encourage and support women?
pillar, we support gender equality and Organizations need to be supportive, inviting and encourage
actively promote gender balance. We an inclusive work environment. Everyone has the potential Amanda Brinkman
achieve this through encouraging and to bring something of value to the organization if they are Facility Operations
valuing diversity and inclusion in our given the right tools and are supported by the team in that Manager
workforce via our diversity policy and organization. Lloydminster, SK
code of conduct. We have also created
a Diversity Committee to build on How has networking played a role in your career, and do you
the progress we’ve made to promote have any tips for women looking to expand their networks?
diversity and inclusion at Viterra both Networking has allowed me to exchange ideas with people
regionally and globally. from various places and with different perspectives, in
Viterra’s commitment to diversity and positive and negative contexts, helping me to express myself
inclusion aligns with this year’s IWD when it’s time to give my opinion about different topics.
theme of “Inspiring Inclusion”. We bring Networking has been for me the door to new opportunities.
together many minds, various talents, Some networking tips: establish conversations with a variety
and diverse perspectives, and are a Ariannis Morales of people, be your authentic self and participate in activities
better company for it. It’s important that Terminal Manager organized at work.
we recognize International Women’s Montreal, QC Why do you think diversity and inclusion are important?
Day as we strive towards meeting and By nature women and men are different but having different
exceeding these SDGs. points of view makes stronger and more mindful teams.
We are proud to celebrate International
Women’s Day and the many women who In your experience, how can colleagues and leaders be
work at Viterra. Diversity is important effective allies in promoting diversity and inclusion?
to our way of working and we recognize I am so proud of the many trailblazing women within Viterra
that a diverse and skilled workforce that are breaking down barriers and paving the way for other
contributes to the success and women in the industry. However, women cannot be alone in
sustainability of our business. their efforts. We need allies to help create space for us. Acting
as an ally doesn’t require grand gestures, it can be as little as
refusing to laugh at an off-handed joke and working to create
an environment where that behaviour isn’t tolerated. Taylor Patterson
Merchandiser
How can women increase their visibility in organization? Regina, SK
Push yourself outside your comfort zone. Ask questions and
put yourself out there. Speak up and make your voice heard;
your opinions and ideas are just as valuable as everyone else’s.

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