Bentley Motors has unveiled the latest iteration of its groundbreaking Extraordinary Women mentorship initiative.
Tailored to empower and cultivate the upcoming cadre of female leaders, this year’s programme will engage students, academic institutions, and influential female figures from both the United Kingdom and Qatar.
Empowering Women in Key Disciplines
In collaboration with esteemed academic institutions such as the University of Bath, Loughborough University, the University of Warwick, and Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK, as well as the University of Doha for Science and Technology in Qatar, Bentley’s Extraordinary Women mentorship programme aims to nurture talent across diverse landscapes.
The programme is strategically crafted to target female students in crucial domains including engineering, design, technology, and business. It stands as a pivotal component of Bentley’s overarching commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, aligning seamlessly with its Beyond100 strategy.
At its core, the initiative is designed to inspire women to explore multifaceted career pathways within the realms of STEM and the automotive industry.
Selection and Mentorship Process
A select group of eight students hailing from the UK and Qatar will be chosen to partake in this enriching programme. They will receive individualised mentorship from distinguished female trailblazers, aptly referred to as “Pioneers”.
The culmination of this mentorship journey will manifest in a week-long immersive experience at Bentley’s renowned headquarters in Crewe, England, slated for June.
Showcasing Opportunities for Women
The significance of the programme lies in its ability to showcase the myriad of opportunities available to women in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Previous iterations of the initiative have witnessed participating students engaging with esteemed Pioneers such as Amanda Levete, a Stirling Prize-winning architect; Mishaal Ashemimry, the Gulf region’s first female aerospace engineer; and Amna Al Hashemi, a prominent Emirati thought leader and serial entrepreneur.
This year, Sara Davies MBE joins the esteemed cohort of Pioneering women, set to mentor a student from the UK. Renowned as the founder and owner of Crafter’s Companion, a globally recognised craft supply company, Sara brings a wealth of inspiration and expertise to the programme.
Her dynamic presence extends beyond the business realm, as showcased by her role as the youngest female investor on the BBC One show, Dragons’ Den.
In her own words, Sara expressed her enthusiasm for Bentley’s initiative, stating, “I love what Bentley is doing, celebrating the achievements of female talent; and most importantly supporting the growth of exceptional young females through their Extraordinary Woman initiative. I cannot wait to get started and meet the student I shall be personally mentoring”.
Endorsement from Bentley Leadership
Karen Lange, Bentley’s Board Member for Human Resources, lauded the continued success of the Extraordinary Women programme. She remarked, “It is a source of pride and inspiration to everyone within Bentley to see the Extraordinary Women programme going from strength to strength, as it enters its third year and expands to a fourth country. Our aim for this extraordinary initiative has been to build a legacy for young women and support the success of the next generation of future leaders, and with past participants progressing to undertake placements with Bentley, we are already witnessing the positive impact it is having.”
The Extraordinary Women programme exemplifies Bentley Motors’ steadfast commitment to championing gender equality, empowering women on a global scale, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.
As an integral component of its Beyond100 strategy, Bentley strives to emerge as the epitome of diversity within the luxury car sector, with a workforce as diverse and distinctive as its iconic automobiles.
