WINDSOR, ON, June 16, 2022 /CNW/ - Build a Dream, in
partnership with Hiram Walker and Sons, a Pernod Ricard Company
subsidiary, is recognizing women and industries that are paving the
way for a diverse workforce with a special event on Friday, June 17th, 2022, at the J.P.
Wiser Experience Centre in Windsor,
Ontario.
"We want to thank Hiram Walker, especially Angelo DeMarco, for partnering with us, to host
this event. The evening is an important reminder to celebrate
companies that have taken the pledge to diversify their workforces,
and to celebrate the trailblazers and champions in industry who are
already engaged in ensuring a diverse workforce," says Nour Hachem-Fawaz, President and Founder of
Build a Dream.
The invitation-only celebration highlights Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion, Recognizing Women and Industries Paving the way for
a Diverse Workforce. The evening includes a Keynote address by
Kayla Campbell, Vice-President,
Total Talent, Diversity and Enterprise Development at Pernod Ricard
North America.
"There are amazing career opportunities for women in the spirits
industry," says Ms. Campbell. "What we have built at Hiram Walker
is a place where tradition meets innovation. We have placed a
global lab here to develop ready-to-drink beverages, which is
creating exciting opportunities in product innovation. We also
offer opportunities in Manufacturing, Accounting, Human Resources
and IT."
Following the Keynote address, the event includes a Fireside
Chat with moderator Jonathan Saw, Vice President, Diversity &
Inclusion at Pernod Ricard. The panel consists of Rebecca Chenier, the first-ever Red Seal
tradeswoman hired at Hiram Walker; Jelissa
De Torres, Carpentry Apprentice and Designer and Build a
Dream Board Member; Desiree Norwegian, Owner and
CEO, Atunda and Build a Dream Board Member; and Dora Strelkova, Electrical Engineering Student
at the University of Windsor currently
employed with Valiant TMS.
"We are proud of the partnership we have developed with Build a
Dream over the past year," says Angelo
DeMarco, Senior Director, Human Resources North American
Operations with Hiram Walker. "Hiram Walker has many talented women
in key roles leading and supporting the production of our amazing
products. We are committed to continue to grow and add female
talent to our local workforce and our operations team across
North America."
Build a Dream looks forward to continuing to work with Pernod
Ricard to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the
workforce, and hopes this event serves as an example of encouraging
organizations to network and engage in the discussion to drive
diversity and inclusion initiatives across all industries.
"As Build a Dream approaches our 5th anniversary, we
want to thank all those that have helped us make an impact and
encourage various industries toward a more diverse, equitable, and
inclusive workforce," adds Nour
Hachem-Fawaz. "We know there is more work to be done, and we
at Build a Dream will continue collaborating with the community,
stakeholders, and partners to further our initiatives."
QUOTES:
"Hiram Walker offers a fulfilling career experience that will
put women's skills and education to work," says Steven Moon, President of Local 2027 for Unifor.
"To support this growth, we are launching a women's advocate group
at the distillery to ensure we stay ahead of any emerging issues
and at the forefront of building a diverse, equitable and inclusive
workplace."
"All of us are responsible for DEI in all aspects of both our
professional and personal lives. We have a voice to ensure
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. No excuses." adds Frank Abbruzzese, Board Chair of Build a
Dream.
About Build a Dream
Build a Dream is a non-profit organization with a powerful
initiative that attracts, encourages, and empowers young women to
explore careers in skilled trades, STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Math), emergency response, leadership, and
entrepreneurship. Through specialized, data-driven programming, the
organization works to connect industry, education, government, and
families to amplify young women, highlight careers in fields
under-represented by women, and spotlight strong role models. They
are a catalyst for workforce development, driving to create
diverse, inclusive, and equal opportunities for all girls and
women. For further information, please visit
www.webuildadream.com
About Hiram Walker & Sons
Limited
Established nearly 160 years ago, Hiram Walker & Sons
Limited's tradition of blending quality ingredients, processes and
highly skilled people continues at the Windsor, Ontario based production facility.
Hiram Walker produces brands such as J.P. Wiser's®, Lot No. 40®,
Pike Creek®, Gooderham & Worts® and Royal Reserve® Canadian
whiskies, Polar Ice® vodka, Malibu® and Lamb's® rums, and
McGuinness® liqueurs for Canadian distribution by its affiliate,
Corby Spirit and Wine Limited. Hiram Walker is a subsidiary of
Pernod Ricard S.A., a leading global spirits and wine company with
premium international brands such as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas®, The
Glenlivet® and Ballantine's® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish
whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and
Jacob's Creek®, Wyndham Estate®, Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo®, and
Kenwood® wines. For further information, please visit our website
and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
SOURCE Corby Spirit and Wine Communications