We believe that networking, coaching and mentoring provide opportunities for people to grow personally and professionally throughout their Dow careers. With this in mind, Dow has created six employee networks – each with a senior executive sponsor – to bring together people with common ethnic, social or life experiences to share experiences, find mentors, seek professional development, and gain access to senior leadership.
Dow’s six employee networks include: African-American Network (AAN), Asian Diversity Network (ADN), Disability Employees Network (DEN), Gays, Lesbians and Allies at Dow (GLAD), Hispanic Latin Network (HLN) and the Women’s Innovation Network (WIN). Additionally, Dow supports informal employee groups such as working parents and biking clubs, to promote camaraderie and the development of networks among our employees that facilitate inclusion, teamwork and fun in the workplace.
Participation in the more than 100 chapters is voluntary and open to all Dow people. These local chapters in many instances create programs to engage their entire work site. Events like Asian Cultural Days, programs that commemorate the life and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and even Spanish language classes educate employees and initiate important dialogue that create lasting bonds.
The WIN chapter in Shanghai, China launched a program that paired Dow employees with university students in mentoring relationships.
In Europe, the Asian Diversity Network supports Dow employees relocating to or from Asia. This educational model is in line with Dow’s Cross Cultural Learning Solution, instituted to help employees become acclimated to new cultures.
From community outreach and recruiting, to hosting global broadcasts and honored guests and meeting business needs, Dow’s Employee Networks are a catalyst that provides opportunities for all employees to fully contribute to Dow’s business success.
“Who among us, whether majority or minority, hasn’t felt excluded at some point in our lives?”
Darlene MacKinnon
Director, Leadership Capabilities, Diversity and Inclusion
