Bacardi is celebrating its recognition by Forbes on the list of World’s Top Companies for Women 2023.
Women in Leadership is among the key pillars of the company’s Belonging program, which strives to create a space where everyone is treated fairly and provided equal opportunities, the company states. Belonging at Bacardi is a global movement focused on creating programming, development opportunities, and more in support of underrepresented groups, including women, in the spirits world.
Years of Supporting Women
Beginning with Doña Lucia ‘Amalia’ Victoria Bacardí Moreau, the wife of the rum founder, Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, many great women make up the Bacardi story. It was her financial and creative support that kept their growing rum business alive during the turbulent early years, in Santiago de Cuba, the company states. Doña Amalia was also the one who came up with the idea to put the bat on the bottle, hence the “rum of the bat” was born.
“We are incredibly proud for Bacardi to be recognized by Forbes as a great workplace and to continue the legacy of supporting women within the company and our industry,” Leila Stansfield, Global Belonging Lead and Head of Global Travel Retail for Bacardi, said in a news release. “The people at Bacardi inspire me every day and together, we continually push the needle to create a more inclusive workplace for everyone.”
Program Offerings Specifically for Women
Throughout the years, Bacardi has focused on driving balanced recruitment, attrition and development through trainings, resources, and a focus by both leaders and more than 500 individuals across the globe who champion Belonging efforts, the company states. Bacardi also offers several programs to support personal and professional development for women, including a global mentorship program that links women to leaders and allies across markets and functions.
Another program available across several countries supports future female leaders by providing them the framework, tools and community to better understand themselves and their goals. Content includes sessions on self-awareness and confidence, defining your personal brand and authentic leadership style, and building a personal roadmap for your career, according to Bacardi.
“This award is the recognition of the efforts by many people across our business who help create a greater sense of Belonging,” added Scott Northcutt, SVP Global Human Resources and Executive Sponsor for Belonging at Bacardi, in the release.
Last year, Bacardi made the Forbes World’s Top Female Friendly Companies and has been certified Great Place to Work® in more than 50 sites, the company states.
