To celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, The Hershey Company announced programming and community investments to recognise, honour and uplift women and girls around the world.
As part of a month-long campaign, the company has announced a new ‘Future CEO’ program and additional support for nonprofit partners Girl Up and Girls on the Run to drive mentorship for young girls and ensure a more diverse workpalce in the future.
“At Hershey, we understand the power of inclusivity, equity and diversity and believe we have an important role in recognising and empowering diverse voices around the world,” said Michele Buck, CEO of The Hershey Company. “On this day when we celebrate young women and girls all over the world … we are committed to supporting young women and girls by helping them harness their potential and giving them a platform to achieve their dreams. By providing access to opportunities and resources, we’re also helping build a workforce of the future.”
Initial phases of the program will start immediately, alongside Hershey leaders’ and employees’ support in a Girl Up mentorship program. The educational part of the Future CEO program will start in March surrounding International Women’s Day, via a virtual event hosted by Michele Buck, CEO of Hershey and other female leaders.
The company is also partnering with Girl Up and Girls on the Run to identify future CEOs – passionate young girls who people can look up to and have the drive to become female leaders in business. 10 participants will take part, five from Mexico, Brazil, Canada, India and the Philippines, and five from the US. Each participant will receive a scholarship to further their education and develop leadership skills.
“We have inspired more than 2 million girls to know and activate their limitless potential over the past 25 years thanks to generous partners like The Hershey Company,” said Elizabeth Kunz, CEO of Girls on the Run. “Now, Hershey’s ‘Future CEO’ program is actually showing girls how to reach that potential by paving the path to sweet success in a powerful way. What an incredible program to inspire the next generation of female leaders.”
“Girl Up is thrilled to be in partnership with Hershey and contribute to the success of their exciting new ‘Future CEO’ program,” commented Girl Up Executive Director, Melissa Kilby. “The world needs new solutions and new leadership now. And with the right training, tools, and platforms, we can reach empowered girl changemakers around the world and support them to become the innovative, inclusive, and intentional leaders of a better tomorrow.”
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