PBN Diversity Equity & Inclusion 2023 Awards
Manufacturing: Amgen Rhode Island
TOGETHERNESS LEADS to innovation. That is what Amgen Rhode Island feels is a crucial element in bringing people together from different backgrounds, according to Kimberly Cordeiro, the West Greenwich-based biomanufacturer’s senior manager for human resources.
“For us, it’s really grounded in our belief that our differences lead to better science and innovation,” Cordeiro said. “We also work to create an environment where people can bring their authentic selves, they can speak their mind, and they can speak their voice. … I really believe our success depends on those voices.”
Amgen operates under the concept that its diverse workforce reflects its diverse customer base. The company is currently focused on its diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives. The company manufactures protein therapeutics and other products for people with major injuries, especially those injuries that currently have limited treatment options.
Amgen’s employee resource groups are all centered around a diversity element, including one dedicated to veterans. The groups focus on employee development, inspiration and professional growth. Some activities that employees participate in include community events, public speaking events and mentoring programs. Employees can join any group, even if they are only an ally and not a member.
Shana Mancinho, Amgen’s senior manager for corporate affairs, truly believes in the groups’ power. From a communication standpoint, the groups, Mancinho says, are vital in amplifying the company’s message.
“They are so passionate, and they have such a diverse audience,” she said. “It really brings people together and it really helps us as a collective team learn about different cultures, try different foods [and] have fun, different experiences that we wouldn’t normally have.”
Cordeiro agrees. She supports the company’s groups and ensures that they “have the tools and the resources they [need] to be successful.
“Those [groups] are so vibrant in leading diversity efforts here at the organization and within our community and really promote employee development as well,” Cordiero said.
Amgen has recently created a diversity, inclusion and belonging talent council. The company has also asked its leaders to make a diversity and inclusion commitment to their staff at the senior manager level or above, Cordeiro said.
Part of the talent council’s mission is to discuss the continued development and professional growth of the company’s diverse talent, especially where it may have hidden gems within the organization, she said.
Amgen had celebratory events for PRIDE, International Women’s Day and Juneteenth, among others. The West Greenwich facility also hosted an event for employees to show off their professional and personal talents, as well as workshops for leadership, career coaching and psychological safety. This year, the company introduced a Diwali celebration.
“Our programming is very robust and there’s something happening all the time,” Cordeiro said.
The company also has a supplier diversity program, dedicated to working with small and minority suppliers, including those owned by women and veterans.
Amgen has also supported programs that promote social justice and education within diversity, inclusion and belonging, such as Year Up Inc., the YWCA of Rhode Island and Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island. Through the company’s foundation grant program, Amgen gave more than $400,000 to support those programs last year, Cordiero said.
“So [it’s] sort of putting our money where our mouth is,” Cordeiro said. She also said the company encourages employees to volunteer at those organizations.
Monika Soban, Amgen’s senior director of manufacturing and a company leader for diversity, inclusion and belonging, says she wants to impact the community by continuing to partner with corporations and launch programs to ensure greater diversity in fields where it doesn’t yet exist.
“Let’s continue to embark to make Rhode Island a [science, technology, engineering and math] industry-friendly state,” she said. “Together we can have a higher impact in shaping our community and to build a more just and equitable society. Companies like Amgen can enable access to best-in-class science education resources to teachers and students, which could be a game changer for low-income and disadvantaged learners.” n
