This year's International Women's Day theme #ChooseToChallenge represents the idea of challenging norms related to gender equality to create change. At EPM Scientific, we choose to challenge and promote gender diversity and inclusion.
Estella Nchumuluh, Principal Recruiter - Life Science Industry, shares her thoughts on this year's theme, and how she chooses to challenge in her role.
What does the #ChooseToChallenge message mean to you?
#ChooseToChallenge means disrupting the norm when it comes to standard, processes and just the way of doing things. The more people decide to be disruptive in a professional, respectfully manner with ideas and collaboration, I believe this is where we become more innovative and inclusive.
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What sort of conversations around gender equality do you have with your clients in your role? Has Covid-19 had an impact on gender equality?
Gender equality was never a comfortable conversation to have and I am happy to see that with organizations pushing and acknowledging it more within their teams, department and/or surroundings, it is no longer a stigma but a topic of discussion to have.
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What role can recruiters play in challenging norms and creating change?
I love to see recruiters push diversity when it comes to hiring whether internally or externally within organizations. Hiring Managers trust us to find the perfect fit for their team, and candidates trust they'll be represented fairly that we are taking the time to better understand certain pain-points. We act as a strategic partner to all of our clients and candidates.
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What advice would you give to a company trying to create a diverse hiring strategy?
Companies should start auditing their job ads to make sure it is inclusive to all parties, eliminate bias when sourcing and interviewing candidates. Develop an employer brand that showcases their diversity.
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As a female leader, what advice would you give to other aspiring leaders in overcoming potential gender biases and achieving career success?
We should help others set goals and attain them, emphasize on teamwork, and invest time in training and mentoring other women.
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About Estella Nchumuluh
Estella is a Recruiting Manager sitting in our San Francisco office supporting our EPM Scientific Brand. She has been recruiting in the Life Science industry for the past 6 years and enjoys interacting with candidates as well as clients! Apart from work, she enjoys traveling and investing in real estate, especially in Gentrification neighborhoods in the Ohio state.
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