In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 11, Pennsylvania-based The Hershey Company has announced a new “Future CEO” program and additional support for nonprofit partners Girl Up and Girls on the Run to help drive mentorship for young girls and provide reverse mentorship for Hershey leaders.
“At Hershey, we understand the power of inclusivity, equity and diversity and believe we have an important role in recognizing and empowering diverse voices around the world,” said Michele Buck, CEO.
“On this day when we celebrate young women and girls all over the world – and every day – we are committed to supporting young women and girls by helping them harness their potential and giving them a platform to achieve their dreams. By providing access to opportunities and resources, we’re also helping build a workforce of the future that reflects the global landscape and creates a more inclusive world.”
While the initial phases of the program will begin immediately, the educational components will culminate in March surrounding International Women’s Day through a virtual event hosted by Buck and additional female leaders.
While this program is focused on the participants, Hershey believes it will provide powerful lessons for the company and its leadership team through reverse mentorship, allowing them to better understand the next generation and their thinking in learning from these young leaders.
To bring the program to life, Hershey is partnering with Girl Up and Girls on the Run to identify the “future CEOs of Hershey” – driven, passionate young girls whom others can look up to and who have the potential and drive to become great women leaders in business. There will be 10 participants total, five from Hershey’s key international markets including Mexico, Brazil, Canada, India and the Philippines and five from the U.S.
Each participant will also receive a scholarship to further their education and develop their leadership skills.
The Hershey Company has more than 100 brand names in about 80 countries around the world that drive more than $8.9 billion in annual revenues, including brand names such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers, and salty snacks including SkinnyPop, Pirate’s Booty and Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels.
For more information, visit thehersheycompany.com.
