In celebration of the week of International Women’s Day, AMCHAM’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee organized ‘Balance For Better – Driving Gender Balance at the Workplace’ on Tuesday, March 5th, 2019, in Mumbai. The event began with a welcome address by Ms. Surabhi Wahal, Regional Director -Western Region, AMCHAM. Through his remarks Mr. Hitesh Sharma, Vice Chairperson – Western Region, AMCHAM and Partner, National Head of Life Science Industry, EY India, spoke on the initiatives and vision of the D&I Committee. He urged AMCHAM members to actively participate and nominate leaders to be a part of the committee.

Ms. Wahal introduced the panelists of the fireside chat: Ms. MaryKay L. Carlson, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Ms. Emily McNeal, Senior Vice President, Group CFO, Flipkart, Ms. Ursula Thakkar, Chairperson – Western Region, AMCHAM and Managing Director, Lubrizol Advanced Materials India Pvt. Ltd. and the conversation facilitator of the session, Ms. Kaku Nakhate, Chairperson – Diversity & Inclusion Committee, AMCHAM, Vice Chairperson, AMCHAM and President & Country Head (India), Bank of America N.A. The fireside chat was very engaging with panelists candidly sharing their professional journeys while also covering important issues, such as building an ecosystem, mentoring other women, overcoming obstacles, male advocacy and a changing scenario of gender balance in the workplace over the past years. The Q&A session saw participants seek advice and encouragement to build the D&I agenda, not only in their organizations, but also personally. Ms. Nakhate once again invited CXOs and D&I leaders of AMCHAM member companies to spread the word and actively participate in the committee’s forthcoming initiatives.

The event concluded with closing remarks and vote of thanks by Mr. Rachid Fergati, Managing Director – Indian Sub-Continent, UPS, who thanked the panelists and participants for the dynamic dialogue. He thanked Bank of America for hosting the event and AMCHAM for the wonderful initiative.