Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has been recognized by NJBIZ, New Jersey’s premier business journal, for its outstanding commitment to supporting and elevating female employees. The acknowledgment came as part of the “Empowering Women – Companies Leading the Way” awards program, which highlights organizations making significant strides toward gender equity in the workplace and community.
The award ceremony, held on November 14, 2024, in Somerset, New Jersey, celebrated more than 40 organizations leading efforts to advance and honor women. Konica Minolta’s initiatives in recruiting, mentoring, and promoting women, as well as its contributions to systemic change and philanthropic endeavors, earned the company a distinguished spot among the honorees.
Konica Minolta employs a comprehensive strategy to diversify its workforce and create opportunities for women. The company’s initiatives include:
– Inclusive Hiring Practices: Training managers to recruit fairly and expanding outreach through partnerships with talent programs targeting diverse communities.
– Leadership Development: Programs like Women2Lead, in collaboration with the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), aim to enhance the capabilities of female leaders globally through coaching, team projects, and reflective learning.
– Succession Planning: Ensuring promotions are equitable and unbiased, fostering growth for women at every level.
Vicky Ringwood, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Konica Minolta, expressed pride in the recognition, stating:
“This is such exciting, wonderful news. I am so proud that our company has been recognized by NJBIZ for leading the way in support of women. By connecting our recruitment, development, and support efforts with our benefits and decision-making, we create an environment where women can thrive.”
The company’s Step Forward program, launched in 2015, exemplifies its dedication to fostering female representation. This employee resource group offers networking opportunities, peer mentoring, and professional development aimed at increasing equity and excellence.
Konica Minolta’s efforts have garnered numerous accolades. Laura Blackmer, President of Dealer Sales, has twice been named an Inclusive Channel Leader by CRN®, and several female employees have featured on The Cannata Report’s Women Influencers list. Furthermore, the company’s leadership team reflects its commitment to gender diversity, with women holding five of twelve executive leadership positions and two seats on the five-member board of directors.
The “Empowering Women – Companies Leading the Way” program evaluates organizations on their ability to:
– Recruit, hire, and promote women.
– Provide mentoring programs for women.
– Drive systemic societal change to combat inequality.
– Contribute to philanthropic or community endeavors advancing women’s causes.
This recognition cements Konica Minolta’s status as a trailblazer in fostering gender equity. The company continues to prioritize initiatives that empower women, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to excel in their careers.
For more information on Konica Minolta’s commitment to gender equity, visit their official website.
