GIRLS WITH IMPACT ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF FOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS FROM BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB, HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES, PWC, & UNILEVER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 18, 2024
GREENWICH, CT – Girls With Impact – the leading non-profit business education program for young women -- today announced the appointment of four new Board Members to support its growth plans from 16,000 young women and girls served since inception to 50,000 over the next five years.
The additions bring the number of Board Members to seven.
“These leaders are driven by impact and purpose – and are real partners in our journey to scale our impact and ignite futures,” said Jennifer Openshaw, CEO & Chair. “They understand the changing landscape and the importance of preparing our next generation of women – women from all backgrounds -- to step into the workforce ready on Day 1.“
The new members are:
Fernando Salinas (Skillman, NJ), Senior Vice President, HR, Global Commercialization at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he implements innovative people strategies to drive growth, while guiding over 100 HR business partners to effectively execute HR deliverables. He was previously at Johnson & Johnson as Global Head of HR for Research & Development, Robotics and Digital and Innovation for Medical Technologies and spent much of his career with J&J in Latin America. He’s been recognized as HR Professional of the Year and was awarded recognition for Best Diversity and Inclusion Programs. He graduated in International Affairs and Political Science from Universidad del Salvador in Argentina, received his MBA from Fundacao Getulio Vargas, Brazil and obtained a number of certifications including Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program from University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School Aresty Institute of Executive Education.
“Our employees and their families have all benefited through our partnership with Girls With Impact,” said Salinas. “Together, we’re lifting up under-served communities and bringing purpose to the workplace.”
Elisabetta Bartoloni (New York, NY), Partner, Heidrick & Struggles, one of the world’s largest recruitment firms. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in executive search and recruitment with expertise in financial services -- including investment banking and wealth management – and diversity and inclusion. She also co-chairs the firm’s Americas Women Inclusion Network (WIN).
“Companies are hungry for a more prepared and diverse talent pipeline,” said Bartoloni. “That’s the power of Girls With Impact.”
Mitra Best (Greenwich, CT), PwC Partner and Technology Impact Officer. Mitra is an entrepreneurial leader in technology innovation and digital transformation. At PwC, she leads advanced technology solutions to address pressing societal and environmental challenges. Mitra has a longstanding history of using her platform to uplift others. She leads the Women in Technology initiative at PwC with the mission to drive inclusivity and gender balance through the hiring, retention and promotion of women technologists. She is an award-winning leader who serves on numerous boards where she adds a unique perspective as a computer scientist, ethicist, and a business executive.
“As leaders, we must support programs that position the next generation for success. GWI empowers young women to achieve and exceed their career goals through its world-class curriculum and curated mentorship. I’m proud of the results and excited about scaling the program to reach even more young women across the US.”
Simone Jordan (Manhattan, New York), Senior Vice President & Global Head of Purpose & Brand Partnerships at SheaMoisture, a Unilever company. She oversees the brand's community investments and social impact, which has funded more than $16M in opportunities and partnerships throughout the U.S. and Africa. Simone recently executive produced The Next Black Millionaires on ROKU, sharing how SheaMoisture is closing the racial wealth gap by helping Black founders grow their businesses. She holds a bachelor’s from the University of Virginia and a master’s in marketing from the University of Maryland.
“Black and Brown communities are too often left behind, lacking the resources to enter the workforce prepared,” said Jordan. “Girls With Impact reaches into our communities and provides them that opportunity -- pulling them up and showing them what’s possible.”
These new members join Board Members Openshaw, Bob Ghoorah, co-founder of Quarry Ventures and Karlyn Carnahan, Head of Insurance, North America for Celent, a Marsh McLennan Company.
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About Girls With Impact
Girls With Impact, a 501c3, is the nation’s leading business and leadership program for young women 14-24, which has served over 16,000 to date. Featured in the New York Times for its innovative approach and outcomes, the organization changes futures by equipping women with the skills, tools, and network to succeed and realize their full potential in the workplace. Visit www.girlswithimpact.org. Watch our sizzle reel.