Stories

Inspirational women across KBR and partner organizations came together to share their experiences and explore what this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, #ChooseToChallenge, meant to them.

The event, organized with the support of KBR’s ASPIRE Employee Resource Group (ERG), aimed to recognize the incredible women that work for and with KBR. Panelists included colleagues from Saudi Arabia and India, alongside industry partners based in the UK and US, and was streamed to a global audience through Facebook Live. 

Hosting the panel was KBR’s Saudi Vision 2030 Realization Manager Reem Seraj, who has established the KBR Special Needs Program in the Kingdom since joining in 2018. She was joined by colleagues Dr. Gayathiri Gowri Shankar, a Principal Environment and Sustainability Specialist for KBR Aspire Defence, one of KBR’s Government Solutions EMEA’s flagship projects; HR Generalist Rasshmi AS, a member of the ASPIRE Chennai Chapter; and Sarah Kirby, one of KBR’s Technical Writers and founder of one of the first ASPIRE chapters in the Government Solutions Engineering Business Unit based in Oklahoma.

Hania Mohiuddin, an Aerospace Systems Engineer at Leonardo and Dr. Kate Gill completed the panel. Dr. Gill was a 2020 finalist in the UK Women in Defence Awards, proudly sponsored by KBR, and is currently based in the U.S. as the lead engineer for all UK software engagement on the F-35 program.

The discussion offered an insight into each of the panellists inspiring life journeys and moments they have ‘chosen to challenge’ others at all levels to improve gender parity and call out bias. An insightful Q&A explored the men and women that inspired each participant, what gender equality means to them, and what significant barriers they have faced and overcome as female leaders.

As outlined by our Chief People Officer Jenni Myles in an article published on the day, KBR believes that our individual differences and perspectives bring enhanced value to our teams and understand that by embracing those differences and working together, we are a more innovative, resilient and sustainable business.

KBR’s ERGs, each with a specific area of focus, act as outlets for employees to connect, network and build relationships, while also focusing on professional development and social activism. Our ASPIRE group have been critical to the support of the gender parity journey we are on – supporting KBR’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Building on our commitment to the UK Women in Defence Charter, signed in 2019, KBR further marked this year’s International Women’s Day, by proudly signing the Women in Nuclear UK Industry Charter, reaffirming our commitment to gender equality.

KBR recognizes that individual differences make us better and stronger and will continue to deliver on our promise to build a safe and positive culture that equals a safer, more innovative and resilient organization.

If you were unable to watch live, you can watch the event back here.

KBR Employee Testimonials:

"Very impressive and inspiring! Hania, Dr. Kate, RA, Sarah K, Shankar, and the panel at large provides such fact-based content and wide array of experiences and perspectives. So very proud to be part of KBR!!! Thank you for your candid approach and humility." – Attendee

"Amazing panel and some humbling experiences being shared. Thank you all for taking the time and the thought process to deliver positive messaging in such an engaging manner. We all have lots to learn and such sharing experiences will ultimately improve our work and life experiences exponentially. Great job for those organizing."​​ – Senior Leadership Team Member

"Thank you all for a wonderful panel discussion. Very inspiring." – Attendee

"This has been an excellent event and I thank everyone for sharing their experiences with us. Truly inspired to #ChooseToChallenge, myself and others." – ASPIRE Chair

"It has been great to get an appreciation of all you do in KBR. You are an amazing group to work with, showing day to day what diversity and inclusion is all about." – Panelist