When our M&M’S® brand released their first-ever, all-female character packs ahead of International Women’s Day — recognizing women around the U.S. for flipping the status quo — we were inspired to double down on their great idea. We invited all 140,000+ of our Associates worldwide to nominate co-workers flipping the status quo, building a more inclusive world and helping women reach their full potential.
And we were thrilled with the response – nearly 500 nominations for authentic, inclusive, change-making Associates, breaking down barriers for women at work and in their communities.
It wasn’t easy, but we narrowed the field to our top ten winners, and we’re celebrating them by giving each up to $10,000 in personal learning and development, from personal coaching to top-tier training courses and more.
Meet the Women of Mars Flipping the Status Quo
Christiane Azevedo
LATAM Laboratory Manager
Mars Global Services, South America
Christiane established the first-ever MGS Regional Lab in Latin America, securing the future of food safety in the region. Despite women often being underrepresented in STEM fields, Christiane built a team that’s more than 60% women.
Sally Douki
P&O Business Partner
Mars Wrigley, Middle East & Africa
As the first female member of the Saudi Arabia factory management team, Sally is focusing on female hiring, expanding on-the-job training and partnering with NGOs to source talent with special abilities.
Angelina Franco
Director of Brand Public Relations
Mars Wrigley, North America
Angelina played an instrumental role in the M&M’S purpose launch, Purple’s debut and external Flipping the Status Quo(Opens a new window) activation for consumers. Angelina focused on how important it was to have our M&M’S brand be flipping amazing — talking acts, not just ads.
Inge Jacobs
Global Sustainable Sourcing Lead
Mars Food & Nutrition
Inge helped build a more inclusive and sustainable cocoa supply chain by leading the expansion of the Women for Change Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) model with CARE, empowering vulnerable women in cocoa-growing communities through finance, skills and networks.
Clare Low
Route to Market Controller, Pet Nutrition U.K.
Mars Petcare, Europe
Clare worked to revive the Mars Women in Leadership agenda, now impacting 600+ female Associates across the U.K. and EU. By collaborating with external coaches, she co-created a program to help women unlock leadership skills through thought-provoking topics brought to life by high-caliber women.
Maria (Angie) Machuca
P&O and CA Specialist
Mars Wrigley, South America
When she joined Mars La Chola cocoa farm, Angie noticed there weren’t women working in the fields. Since then, she has helped encourage women applicants and developed Women Grow Together, a community-based program to build skills and confidence for women living near the farm.
Bree Robinson
Regional P&O BP APAC
Royal Canin APAC
Bree is credited with building our I&D program in Australia and New Zealand. Under her leadership, the team launched three Associate Resource Groups, received recognition from the Diversity Council of Australia as an Inclusive Employer, earned Rainbow Tick Accreditation in New Zealand and more.
Emily Sierengowski
Sales Director
Mars Wrigley, North America
Emily’s co-workers describe her as a constant champion of women at Mars, passionately fighting for the causes and issues that affect them the most. She’s active in her local community, works to help others better understand the issues and helps open minds along the way.
Alisia Smith-Rucker
Vet Regional Manager
Royal Canin North America
Alisia established Royal Canin’s Black Advisory Council Associate Resource Group, working to drive intersectional conversations and collaboration, inspiring fellow Associates unsure where they “fit” to be bold and find value in their voice.
Lobna Bedier
P&O Business Partner, Supply
Mars Wrigley, Middle East & Africa
When approval was obtained from the Egypt Labour Office, lifting restrictions on women’s ability to work night shifts in 2019, the change to legislation was a milestone moment for gender equality in the country. It meant that for the first time in Egypt, our Associates could work across three rotating shifts, 24/7 unrestricted, regardless of gender. Lobna went the extra mile to create a welcoming, safe work environment for women to onboard and work night shifts at our factory, to ensure a work environment where everyone is safe and is able to reach their full potential.
A huge congratulations to all nominees and the winners!
Learn more about our Full Potential Platform and how we're unlocking opportunities for women to advance gender equality:
