2021 Annual and Sustainable Performance Report

“I started my career in 1995 as a Production Operator, on a rotating 12-hour shift system. With a degree in microbiology, I was responsible for the control desk, collecting samples and taking care of problem-solving and labeling. After 25 years at Arkema, I was promoted to Facility Manager two years ago.

My progression has been gradual. With experience, I became more aware of my abilities and started to perform management duties, before being appointed as Security Manager. In order to progress further, I went back to school and obtained an MBA in supply chain management. I owe my position to a HR process. One day a Facility Manager contacted me and said: ‘How would you feel about becoming Facility Manager?’ Chemical companies usually promote mainly chemical engineers, but Arkema has a different policy; the Group considers skills above all and endeavors to advance all kinds of talent. From Production Operator, I became Facility Manager! I never forget that in my family, I’m the only one who’s gone on to higher education; my mother was a caretaker and my father was a truck driver.

At my level, being a woman in a male-dominated environment could have been a personal challenge. But this hasn’t been the case, and I’ve never had to report any problems in my professional relations. During discussions with other Facility Managers, I feel completely at ease and I’ve never had to complain about any type of discrimination. Arkema is doing a great job of promoting women to senior positions and, more broadly, promoting diversity. As an African-American, I’ve always been treated equally. I’ve never felt that I had to work 200% to be properly valued. In meetings or discussions with colleagues, I’m comfortable saying what I think, and I feel that my opinions are considered and respected.

When I look at the people in an Arkema meeting room, I realize that we have a broad range of experiences, types and backgrounds. We often joke that we’re like a little family, but it’s the truth!”