Johnson & Johnson Australia has entered a partnership with 'Day of STEM' designed to help increase the number of women studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths.
It is the first health care company in Australia to enter the partnership, which the company said is part of its commitment to improve the health and well-being of people around the world through diversity.
The program says it aims to inspire the next generation of Australian STEM professionals through an interactive, online awareness platform called 'LifeJourney'. It introduces students to the skills needed to pursue their digital future in STEM while providing an opportunity to be mentored by a STEM leader.
“Johnson & Johnson was founded on science and innovation and we’re committed to being a partner and advocate for women," said Gavin Fox-Smith, managing director, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, Australia and New Zealand.
"So we are very enthusiastic about supporting programs to expand the idea base in STEM fields for students and fostering diversified perspectives across the world.
“The fact is that in Australia, diversification of the STEM graduate pool and workforce is not proceeding at a pace we’re satisfied with. Ensuring such talent is cultivated to enter the workplace is critical to maintaining successful businesses and meeting the changing needs of an increasingly complex marketplace.
“Our mentor for the Day of STEM program - Anelo Cournut, holds one of the most senior positions in our business in Australia, that of General Manager and strategic leader of highly experienced and professionally diverse teams who work with specialised surgeons to restore health and well being to patients. Anelo’s field of tertiary education is in Engineering and Industrial Management, and she has used this strong foundation as a launch pad for an exciting and broad career across Marketing, Logistics and Customer Satisfaction roles in health,” added Mr Fox-Smith.
The company says its partnership in the 'Day of STEM' program is a key initiative in its over-arching strategy to build a healthy and diverse workforce of the future. In Australia, its strategy includes:
- High School Programs - partners with local schools to augment program-based learning and engage Johnson & Johnson employees as mentors to students;
- University Talent - partnering with academic institutions to develop high-impact strategies for increasing the number of women enrolling in and graduating with STEM programs and degrees, such as the Women in MBA Program; and,
- Professionals: will continue to identify and implement best practices for attracting and retaining the world’s best technical female talent, such as our Women in Leadership Program and the Johnson & Johnson Eureka Prize for Innovation in Medical Research in partnership with the Australian Museum.