Program Celebrates International Day of the
Girl Child in Partnership with Girl Up and Girls on the Run
HERSHEY,
Pa., Oct. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In
celebration of International Day of the Girl Child, The Hershey
Company announced today additional programming and community
investments to further recognize, honor and uplift women and girls
around the world. Ranked as the World's Top Female Friendly
Company, Hershey is committed to
continuing its longstanding efforts to advance gender equity
through meaningful programming and partnerships that invest in both
girls and women and raise awareness of their impact around the
globe.
"We're helping build a workforce of the
future that reflects the global landscape and creates a more
inclusive world."
As part of the monthlong campaign, the company is proud to
announce a new 'Future CEO' program and additional support for
nonprofit partners Girl Up and Girls on the Run to help drive
mentorship for young girls, reverse mentorship for Hershey leaders and ensure there is a pipeline
for an even more diverse workplace in the future.
"At Hershey, we understand the power of inclusivity, equity and
diversity and believe we have an important role in recognizing 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
- and every day - 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 that reflects the global landscape and creates a more
inclusive world."
Future CEO Program Drives Mentorship and Reverse
Mentorship
As a critical part of Hershey's
larger DEI commitments, the company is doubling down on its efforts
to foster the next generation of women leaders in the workforce. To
kick off this work, Hershey is
launching a new 'Future CEO' program, offering hands-on education
to young women to provide the skills, tools and mentorship as key
tools for success.
While the initial phases of the program will kick off
immediately, alongside additional Hershey international leaders' and employees'
support in an existing Girl Up mentorship program, the educational
components will culminate in March surrounding International
Women's Day via a virtual event hosted by Hershey CEO Michele Buck and additional women leaders. While
this program is focused on the participants, Hershey also believes it will provide powerful
lessons for the company and its leadership team through reverse
mentorship, allowing them to better understand the next generation
and their thinking in learning from these young leaders.
To bring the program to life, Hershey is partnering with Girl Up and Girls
on the Run to identify the 'future CEOs of Hershey' – driven, passionate young girls whom
others can look up to and who have the potential and drive to
become one of the next great women leaders in business. There will
be 10 participants total, five from Hershey's key international markets including
Mexico, Brazil, Canada, India
and the Philippines (identified by Girl Up) and five from the
U.S. (identified by Girls on the Run).
Each participant will also receive a scholarship to further
their education and develop their leadership skills.
Deepening Non-Profit Partnerships to Build Further
Opportunities
With 48% of Hershey's global
workforce comprised of women, carving a path for young women and
girls is non-negotiable. To make a lasting impact and influence
outside its own walls, the company has partnered with and continues
to strengthen its relationship with two key nonprofits – Girls on
the Run and Girl Up – to execute against this belief.
Girls on the Run
In the U.S., Hershey kicked off
its formal partnership with Girls on the Run, an organization with
a mission focused on supporting, empowering and inspiring girls to
realize their limitless potential, in 2022 and just renewed
its partnership for 2023. In addition to added monetary support,
employees will continue to volunteer at all levels of the Girls on
the Run organization, including 5Ks and other events, as well as
co-developing the 'Future CEO' program together.
In addition to the support of the national program, Hershey will provide funding to at least five
local Girls on the Run councils to ensure greater access to the
organization's fun and inclusive lessons designed to meet the
unique needs of each girl, no matter her circumstances, ability or
background.
"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
Hershey International will continue to support Girl Up, a
non-profit committed to advancing girls' skills, rights, and
opportunities to be leaders, the remainder of this year
through its ongoing mentorship program and into 2023 as a key
partner for the 'Future CEO' program. On International Women's Day,
Hershey announced its initial
partnership with the non-profit and a donation to amplify the
voices of girls and women who are making a difference around the
world on digital and social platforms. The partnership also
includes engagement of five Hershey leaders who are serving as mentors as
part of Girl Up's alumni mentorship program.
"Girl Up is thrilled to be in partnership with Hershey and contribute to the success of their
exciting new 'Future CEO' program," said 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."
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company is
headquartered in Hershey, Pa., and is an industry-leading
snacks company known for bringing goodness to the world through its
iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to help
children succeed. Hershey has
approximately 19,000 employees around the world who work every day
to deliver delicious, quality products. The company has more than
100 brand names in approximately 80 countries around the world that
drive more than $8.9 billion in annual revenues,
including such iconic brand names as Hershey's,
Reese's, Kit Kat®, Jolly
Rancher and Ice Breakers, and fast-growing salty snacks
including SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty and
Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.
For more than 125 years, Hershey has been committed to operating
fairly, ethically and sustainably. Hershey founder, Milton Hershey, created
the Milton Hershey School in 1909 and since then the company has
focused on helping children succeed.
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SOURCE The Hershey Company