This month, Continental will participate in the 2017 Women of Color STEM Conference and the Society of Women Engineers’ 2017 WE17 Conference – reinforcing its pursuit of gender diversity and leadership at all levels. Named one of FORTUNE Magazine’s Most Admired Companies and one of America’s Best Employers by Forbes, Continental is committed to attracting top engineering and tech talent to its ranks and becoming the employer of choice.
“At Continental, diversity and inclusion power our engine of growth and propel the drive we need to develop pioneering ideas, innovative products and new business models,” said Samir Salman, CEO, Continental North America. “Continental is committed to fostering a more equal gender balance. Our percentage of management positions held by women has increased by double digits and we are committed to continuing this growth.”
The 22nd Annual Women of Color STEM Conference held Oct. 5-7 at the Cobo Center in Detroit recognizes the significant contributions by women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and addresses the need for retention and recognition of women in STEM jobs and best practices in diversity and inclusion. Continental will sponsor the 2017 Women of Color STEM Conference Technology Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 6 in the Cobo Center’s Grand Ballroom, where rising stars and tech all-stars will be recognized.
The company also will participate in the conference’s Career Fair Expo starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 in Exhibit Hall E2 at the Cobo Center.
Aruna Anand, head of Continental Engineering Services North America, will receive the Professional Achievement in Industry award during the Women of Color Awards Gala and Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 7 in Cobo Center’s Grand Ballroom. Anand has enjoyed a most distinguished career, having held numerous leadership positions of increasing responsibility in each of Continental’s divisions. Today, she oversees a team of more than 120 people tasked with developing intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods around the globe. Anand’s technical expertise, coupled with her business acumen, has earned her a reputation as someone who gets things done – and done well, the company says.
“This award intensifies my sense of responsibility to further the growth of women in STEM,” said Anand. “I believe it is vital that I do everything to the best of my ability. I’m grateful for this demanding journey that helped unveil strengths I wasn’t sure I possessed.”
Continental will actively recruit at WE17, the world’s largest conference and career fair for women in engineering and technology. Held Oct. 26-28, at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, the Society of Women Engineers convenes, celebrates and inspires more than 10,000 women in all career stages and provides invaluable ways for them to connect to discover career opportunities and pursue professional development.
Continental is expanding the range of flexible work practices offered to more than 18,000 employees in the U.S. The company now provides employees a longer paid maternity leave and offers dads paid paternity leave. Telecommuting – the most utilized flexible work option at Continental – is extended to all eligible employees, provided the duties of their job allow them to perform their work at an offsite location. Continental also offers part-time positions and the option for employees to apply for an unpaid sabbatical for up to one year.
For more information on Continental Careers or to search for available opportunities, visit careers-continental.com.
