By Grisel Quiles, Plant Manager (Cayey, Puerto Rico) and Global Co-Chair of BD’s WIN Associate Resource Group

At BD, our values and goals center on creating a diverse and inclusive environment where associates—and by extension, innovation—can thrive. Since its founding, associates within the BD Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) group have focused on attracting new talent and providing networking, mentorship and professional development opportunities to support the advancement of women at BD.

A subgroup of WIN, WIN+STEM, seeks to ensure that all associates in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers at BD find an inclusive environment full of opportunity and support, and to drive change in these historically male-dominated disciplines. “One of the best parts of working at BD is having the opportunity to be part of a group of strong and talented women who lift each other up and empower everyone to achieve their full potential as engineers and leaders,” said Kelly Hon, Associate Staff Engineer and leader of the San Diego chapter of WIN+STEM.

This year, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)—a non-profit organization committed to advancing and honoring the contributions of women at all stages of their engineering careers—recognized BD’s global WIN+STEM group and three local chapters with four of its highest honors, a Gold Mission overall award and three best practice awards in recognition of specific local initiatives.

“This recognition is a testament to the impact that female engineers and female scientists are having on BD efforts to recruit and retain the very best STEM talent to BD,” said John DeFord, EVP + Chief Technology Officer, who serves as Executive Sponsor for WIN+STEM.

What do these accolades celebrate?

The Gold Mission Award acknowledged the overall global WIN+STEM program. The award celebrates groups that embody integrity, mutual support, professional excellence and trust, while demonstrating continuous improvement and growth as they work to champion diversity and promote an inclusive environment within engineering and technology professions. 

The Professional Development Best Practice Award recognized an annual professional development conference co-hosted by our Sandy, Utah WIN+STEM and WIN chapters. The conference, which more than doubled its participation rate over a four-year period, provides a platform for female STEM leaders at BD to share their unconventional career development stories, while encouraging future STEM leaders to remain true to their unique leadership styles as they pursue advancement opportunities within their profession.

The Public Policy Best Practice Award was given for our San Antonio, Texas chapter’s partnership with local non-profit organization, San Antonio Works, to implement a professional development program. The program helped 20 local high school teachers expand their ability to connect STEM educational theory to practical STEM careers. It aimed to give teachers first-hand exposure to real-world applications of STEM concepts, and to support them in designing and facilitating curriculum and work-based learning opportunities that drive interest in STEM careers among students.

The Mentoring Best Practice Award acknowledged the innovative, associate-led mentoring program that our Franklin Lakes, New Jersey chapter developed. The mentoring program is now used at 12 BD locations around the world, and 81 percent of participating mentees indicate that the program has helped them make significant progress towards their professional development goals. The Healthcare Business Women’s Association (HBA) also honored the program with its 2020 ACE Award.

“It is inspiring to see how BD associates at different locations across the world work to realize our mission of attracting, developing, and advancing women in STEM careers at BD,” Hon said. “That our collective efforts also earn external recognition from respected organizations like the Society of Women Engineers serves as further validation of the substantial value that women engineers and scientists bring to BD.”

“Recognition like this, from well-known and respected organizations like SWE, sends a clear message that BD is a great place to work – one where both men and women, from all backgrounds, can grow, learn, advance their careers – all while being part of a company that is truly saving lives and advancing the world of health,” DeFord said.

To learn more about how BD is creating an environment to help all associate thrive with initiatives like WIN+STEM, read more about our inclusion and diversity approach.