Chemical distribution is increasingly inter-connected. Because of this, it’s becoming even more clear that diverse perspectives and experiences can foster greater learning, growth, and opportunity for all.
This month, Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) is recognizing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in the chemical industry. At ACD, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where our work is central to our mission of enhancing professionalism, opportunity, and stewardship in the chemical distribution industry.
Our members are at the core of what we do, and it’s their backgrounds and expertise that not only fuel innovation but allow us to remain competitive to meet customers’ evolving demands. From large- and small-sized companies to minority-owned and women-run businesses, we are proud to have a range of valuable perspectives and expertise across our membership. As business leaders in communities across the nation, we are committed to building and supporting an inclusive and compassionate community that drives our industry forward.
Part of our efforts include supporting the Future of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) throughout the year. As a national, industry-wide program that seeks to increase the number of underrepresented professionals in the STEM workforce, FOSSI provides scholarships to students pursuing preferred STEM degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). FOSSI has raised more than $30 million to support STEM students at HBCUs and has awarded around 600 scholars.
We were proud to partner with American Chemistry Council this month to raise awareness and financial support for FOSSI in our inaugural Swings for STEM charity golf event. These efforts will help eliminate financial barriers and support scholars who would otherwise not have access to a STEM education. By supporting a robust and diverse talent pipeline into the chemical industry, we can tap into their tremendous experience to help us better anticipate what the future holds.
Empowering diverse leaders in our industry is critical to shaping the future of chemical distribution, and DEIA holds the key. That’s why we have designed ACD’s Emerging Leaders Program to cultivate the next generation of leaders with diverse backgrounds to hone their leadership skills so they can thrive within their company and our industry.
Another area where we are breaking barriers, and glass ceilings, is by increasing the number of women in chemical distribution. For an industry that has been primarily male-dominated, women are now paving the way for new opportunities and demonstrating the value of women across the chemical value chain. ACD is proud to have Megan Gluth-Bohan, Esq., serve as ACD’s first woman on our Executive Committee. First elected to this leadership post as Treasurer in 2019, Megan now serves as Vice Chairwoman, putting her on track to become Chairwoman of ACD’s Board in 2025. Megan’s leadership, not only at ACD, but as CEO and Owner of Catalynt Solutions, Inc., (formerly TRInternational) has created a central support network for women across the industry, empowering women to advance their own careers and giving future leaders in the chemical industry the tools to do so.
Building and supporting an environment that understands the rich and diverse perspectives of our members is critical to advancing our industry into the next decade. Want to learn more? Reach out to me or visit our site here.
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