Fostering a Culture of Inclusion

March 28, 2024

Fostering a culture of inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. Successful organizations know that creating an environment where every employee feels valued, respected and empowered is essential for driving innovation, productivity and employee satisfaction.

Closing the gender gap and fostering future leaders is no longer just an aspiration, it's an imperative. Recognizing this, AspenTech recently celebrated the graduation of 32 women from its inaugural Women in Leadership Program (WILP), a unique initiative designed to propel them to the forefront of the company's success.

Developed in a powerful collaboration with Cornell University, the WILP curriculum went beyond traditional theory. Over nine intensive months, participants tackled a rigorous program of five MBA-level courses. This wasn't just about textbook knowledge, it was about equipping participants with the practical skills to translate learnings into real-world impact. Participants actively applied their newfound capabilities by tackling critical business challenges and proposing innovative solutions through a culminating capstone project.

The WILP transcended traditional leadership development programs with its core focus on empowering women to own their impact on the company's bottom line. By equipping graduates with the strategic thinking and problem-solving skills needed to navigate complex scenarios, AspenTech is ensuring a future pipeline of female leaders who can drive impactful initiatives.

This program reflects AspenTech's unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It not only celebrates the achievements of its talented female workforce but also accelerates the company's journey towards gender parity. The innovative solutions proposed through the WILP are a testament to the program's success and many of these ideas are being actively incorporated into AspenTech's corporate strategy with the program graduates at the helm, leading the charge for implementation.

The WILP is a powerful example of how targeted leadership development programs can bridge the gender gap and unlock the full potential of a diverse workforce. By investing in the future of its women leaders, AspenTech is not only empowering individuals, but also ensuring its own sustainable success.

We are AspenTech: Fostering Inclusion Across Global Offices

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s look at what inclusion means to our Women’s Leadership Forum regional leaders and the results of a leadership program that AspenTech has developed—specifically to develop women leaders.

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	Sarah Barnes, Chair, Houston "For me, inclusion at AspenTech means everyone has a seat at the table. There is room for everyone’s voices and experiences. I think it also represents that we can see ourselves in this space and the company’s future."
	Megan Blumenshine, Chair Medina "True inclusion creates trust which leads to organizational safety. It is in this environment that creativity, accountability and results are unleashed. This is what guides and drives my interaction with colleagues in AspenTech."
	Bridget Chukwumah "The recognition and celebration of differences. It’s about embracing diversity in all its forms and leveraging these unique perspectives to cultivate a richer, more dynamic work environment."
	Adriana Gulino, Global Co-Chair "Inclusion means a place where everyone is valued and respected, and has equal opportunities to participate and contribute."
	Donara Jaghinyan, Chair Bedford "Inclusion at AspenTech to me is working in a team with people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, sharing ideas and creating great teams to meet common goals! It is showing respect and listening to each other despite gender, religion or origin"
	Justyna Leniec "It means being part of a safe community providing equal opportunities and resources regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, gender, physical or intellectual ability and personal preferences."
	Sharmaine Serrano, Chair, MEA "Cultivating a culture of inclusion is an ongoing journey that requires commitment and continuous learning, By embracing diversity, fostering open dialogue and championing inclusivity at every turn, organizations can create workplaces where all employees can thrive and reach their full potential, driving not only business success, but also societal changes."
	*Lillian Flores, Global Chair* "Inclusion at AspenTech means the capacity to ensure that everyone, regardless of differences or backgrounds, feels respected, valued and empowered to participate fully in all aspects of our organization."
	Angelica Fuenmayor, Chair, LATAM "I link the word inclusion to our motto: We are AspenTech. The development of a strong sense of belonging to the AspenTech family is the result of an environment in which everyone feels valued, respected and included. We should all be empowered to feel part of AspenTech."