Profiles IN in DIVERSITY Diversity JOURNAL Journal PROFILES
2009 International in DIVERSITY Diversity AWARDS Awards INTERNATIONAL Innovation INNOVATION IN
Women Empowered (WE) Program & Committee Pr
Award of Excellence Th The goal of National Grid’s 2008 Wo Women Empowered Program, executed by the Women Empowered Committee, a subteam of the Women In in Networks (WiN) employee network, is to provide the skills and competencies necessary for women at National Grid to realize their greatest potential. Since its origin in 2003, the Women Empowered Committee has grown, and is now comprised of women from business areas across the company who volunteer their time and talent to the program. 2008 was the most successful year ever for the Women Empowered Committee. It united 48 National Grid female employees from all legacy companies by creating a cultural spirit of learning and empowerment. These women formed bonds with each other through a diverse network of education and development programs. To date, 371 women have graduated from programs offered since 2004. These graduates, multiplied by the average cost ($5,700) vs. the average cost ofofexternal externaltraining training ($5,700) minus the cost of acost WEofProgram ($300) have resulted in an average average a WE Program ($300), have resulted in an cost savings the company of $2, 003,400! average cost to savings to the company of $2,003,400! Program materials are developed, facilitated, and administered completion of each WE administered in-house. in-house.AtAtthethe completion of each Program, participants are surveyed for evaluation feedWE Program, participants are surveyed for evaluation back. Committee members review results and and adjust sesfeedback. Committee members review results adjust sion materials to reflect current business or developmensession materials to reflect current business or developtal needsneeds of the served. mental ofaudience the audience served. For the 2008 Program, a new session was added entitled “Knowledge of the Business.” This was an occasion for speakers from Shared Services, Electric and Gas Business Units to interact with program participants— providing them an overview of the business and global operating models and business strategies. The WE Committee has plans to take the program “on the road” with offerings in Massachusetts and Upstate New York regions. Executive sponsors and supporters continue to praise the WE Program and look forward to its continuation in the expanded territory. PDJ 34
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Women’s Conference Award of The Northrop Grumman Women’s Excellence Th
Conference enhances the leadership potenCo tial of women by providing opportunities for learning and networking across the company. At the conference, high potential women—from senior leaders to craft workers—join together to gather insights about the company, its leaders and themselves. During the day-and-a-half conference, attendees hear thoughts on leadership from the company’s CEO and get a comprehensive briefing on the state of the company from the President and COO. Panel discussions, led by Northrop Grumman women executives, provide insight on topics such as professional development, the value of diversity and inclusion, and work-life balance. In 2009, well-known guest speakers stressed the importance of authenticity, peer mentorship, and networking to the 216 conference attendees. With senior executive leadership in attendance, participants are provided opportunities to engage in informal dialogue on topics such as workplace advancement and keys for success. Time is scheduled for attendees to work side-by-side with peers from other locations and operating units so they can establish relationships that will become key resources and form a support structure. As part of the conference, employees are given an opportunity to give back to the local community. In 2009, employees prepared lunch at a local mission, collected more than 30 bags of trash cleaning a local beach, and participated in a science, technology, engineering, and math education outreach workshop. The Northrop Grumman Women’s Conference has allowed more than 1,200 employees to participate in a professional development and networking activity specifically designed for them. Each conference theme leverages corporate messages and and allows allows attendees attendeestototake takeaway awaya vision of the company and and an understanding of what aclear clear vision of the company an understanding of they can to do improve company performance. what theydocan to improve company performance. After the 2009 conference, 94% of attendees surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the conference helped them achieve learning and development goals, and that the conference is an effective forum for learning, networking, and leadership development. PDJ