Konica Minolta Launches New Initiative Aimed at Inspiring Women in Professional Excellence
Step Forward Project Instituted to Encourage, Empower and Support Women to Achieve Their Goals
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) has announced the launch of Step Forward, a new initiative which offers a forum for giving and receiving advice and support to women at all career levels. The monthly program will kick off at the Ramsey, New Jersey Headquarters with an inspirational presentation by Konica Minolta President and COO, Rick Taylor and will roll out to all the Konica Minolta branches throughout the US.
Intended for both male and female audiences, the program encourages the advancement of women by helping to develop leadership skills through sharing experiences and best practices. The monthly series will feature guest speakers and workshops led by local, regional and national experts in various industries. Topics will include: owning your strengths, communicating with confidence and team dynamics, to name a few. Future speakers include: Amelia Duggan, Editor, 201 Magazine, Leslie Grossman, Author of Link Out: How to Turn Your Network into a Chain of Lasting Connections and the first female Mayor of Ramsey, Deirdre Dillon.
The program is spearheaded by advocate Kay Du Fernandez, Vice President, Strategic Business Development, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, who supports women working at Konica Minolta and their professional development in the work place. Fernandez is the Executive Sponsor of Step Forward and was voted one of the top ten female leaders in the technology industry by the Cannata Report. Her mission is to encourage women to pursue their ambitions and advance their careers to further the company’s leadership position. She also sits on the board of directors for the Books for Kids Foundation and the Orange County Ballet Theater. With three daughters, she is passionate about supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics in education.
“We are excited to be launching the Ramsey Step Forward initiative which will provide a positive framework for women in their careers, says Fernandez. “This is an opportunity for them to network, offer advice, collaborate and exchange ideas which will help propel their growth so they know that they are a valued member with a voice.”
Over the last three years Konica Minolta has seen an increase in female mid-level managers by 21 percent and professionals had an increase of 42 percent.
