Fiona Tranter: Every time I work with students on a STEM outreach activity is a cool experience, especially when working with underserved communities. At one event several years ago, WLA ran an outreach event in partnership with North Chicago Community Partners that focused on science and engineering. One of the girls was so taken with our message that she talked to her teachers about what she needed to do to go to university to study science and/or engineering. I love being able to inspire the next generation of AbbVie employees!
Jennifer Filson: In 2019, our WLA Field Satellite Regional Leaders hosted 58 events across the U.S., reaching more than 800 employees, adding more than 100 subcommittee leaders and growing WLA field membership by more than 16%. We hosted more than 30 giveback events, grew WLA presence in 17 new local markets and co-hosted 11 “One ERG” events.
Brittany Johnson: I love my career, but I am also a mother, and my little girl is growing up in a world I could never have imagined. I am proud to tell her Mommy is doing what she can to make a difference in the world; that my WLA colleagues and I are actively pursuing change to help secure equal rights for all women.
Heather Hagy: I joined WLA because I wanted to find a network of powerful, professional women who I knew would have my back. Since becoming a dedicated, active member of WLA, I’ve come away with so much more than that. I’ve learned a lot about being a communicator, collaborator, ally and friend -- traits that carry over into my personal life every day. I leave every WLA event or meeting feeling inspired, supported, and determined to be a changemaker.
Hemalatha Kamaraj: In a normal workday, we tend to live in our own little bubbles. WLA brings us outside those bubbles. It allows us to develop more empathy, patience and skills to better listen and support our fellow community of women. There’s nothing better than getting to work alongside a membership diverse in thoughts, ideas and culture.
Amanda Munsen, WLA Lake County, IL, Communications Committee Chair: WLA encourages all women to speak their minds and take action in order to make real progress. Bringing in such a diverse set of minds offers both our WLA members, and all employees, ways to grow and continually improve our tight-knit AbbVie community.
Jennifer Filson: My involvement in WLA has gifted me with the wonderful opportunity to meet and form long-lasting bonds and friendships with people I may never have encountered otherwise. It has provided me with an opportunity to grow professionally as a leader and has helped me expand my knowledge and skillsets to be successful in my day job.
Christine Wiedmayer: I’m a big believer in the idea that to be successful professionally and personally, it takes a village. I joined WLA looking for my village and have gained so much from this amazing group of thoughtful, passionate, strong and determined women. This truly is a group of people who lift each other up and take pride in one another’s accomplishments. It’s a real pay-it-forward kind of feeling and I’m constantly reminded of the power of having a community of people who believe in you and are rooting for your success. I believe it’s my responsibility to share that example with the next generation of emerging female leaders and to remind them to Be brave. Be bold. Be fearless. Be the catalyst for the change you want to see. And whatever you do, be sure to leave your mark!
Learn more about AbbVie’s commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
AbbVie is committed to advancing racial equality, through our continued growth and acceptance of each other, our way of doing business, our attraction and development of talent, and our service to the community. Read AbbVie's statement on racial injustice.
Learn more about AbbVie’s Employee Resource Groups.