AML and AMF1 celebrate International Women’s Day with top female leaders discussing progress, change and equity within the workplace 08.03.2023: Aston Martin (AML) and the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team (AMF1) joined forces today to host a series of special events celebrating International Women’s Day.

Aston Martin (AML) and the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team (AMF1) joined forces today to host a series of special events celebrating International Women’s Day.



The events – panel discussions and workshops moderated by AvaTrade Chief Analyst Kate Leaman – took place at Aston Martin Works, the British marque’s iconic heritage site in Newport Pagnell.



Speaking to an audience of young female students from the local community, panellists included AMF1’s Chief Information Officer, Clare Lansley, Aston Martin Director of Accounting, Banking and Tax, Fiona Forster, Cognizant’s UK&I Head of People Susie Gahan and Senior Manager, Delivery Excellence, Meghana Gothoskar plus AMF1 Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins.



The aim of the day was to underline AML and AMF1’s commitment to celebrating the women who work for each company, raise awareness for workplace diversity and inclusion, and showcase female talent, underlining the possibilities and career opportunities that exist within the automotive, motorsport and technology industries.



#EmbraceEquity


This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity – the notion of giving people the specific assets and expertise they need to be successful, rather than simply providing everybody with the same opportunities. The day’s discussions will focus on that nuance, looking at ways to further conversations around equity within the workplace and the importance of diverse thinking within the industries, emphasising that it is not a level playing field for everyone.



Kate Leaman, AvaTrade’s Chief Analyst and panel moderator, said: “Empowering women in the financial world is not just a responsibility, it's a necessity. With AvaTrade moderating a live panel with Aston Martin F1 on International Women's Day, we take another step towards a more equitable and inclusive future.”




Clare Lansley, AMF1 CIO, said: “I’m so proud that both AML and AMF1 were joined today by leading female representatives from the likes of Cognizant, NetApp and AvaTrade. It showed the unity of purpose we all share; and how, as dynamic brands across the automotive, motorsport and technological landscapes, we can signal effective change on a very broad scale.



To be joined by an audience of engaged and interested young women, and to demonstrate to them that careers in our industries are achievable, was such a great opportunity. I hope we have shown the progress we are making and the path the industry still need to tread in order to achieve equity.”



Simon Smith, Aston Martin Chief People Officer, said: “We were delighted to host the Aston Martin and AMF1 International Women’s Day event at Aston Martin Works. Aston Martin is committed to increasing female leadership within the company and inspiring young women to consider a career within the automotive sector.



We recognise that people come from a variety of backgrounds, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. Through initiatives like this event, we are not only demonstrating our ongoing commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive society, but also recognising the invaluable contributions of women in our companies today.”



Shameka Young, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Cognizant, added: “Cognizant was proud to have two panellists participate in this important conversation today, and to sit alongside brands that care as much about gender diversity and inclusion as we do.



Female leaders are a powerful force, and it’s so important for an audience of younger women to see that modelled, and to feel like there is a place for them in technology. I hope it inspires women – and their male allies – to keep pushing for equity.”



Sonya Mathieu, Partner Senior Director, NetApp UK&I, said: “At NetApp, we are proud to be a trusted cloud data services partner of AMF1 and are delighted today for our experts to have shared their exciting journeys from school to university to delivering the data solutions that are making Aston Martin a winning Formula One team.



 By sharing our career journeys and our routes to STEM careers, alongside Aston Martin CIO Clare Lansley and other partners, we hope to inspire and equip young women into becoming the engineering and technical experts of tomorrow.”



Will Hings- photos AMR