French luxury group, Kering, is continuing its partnership with Black In Corporate, a supporting association for black individuals in the workplace. Together, they have launched a mentorship program aimed at boosting the careers of black minorities within the group. This new program, lasting for three months, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the company operates.
The second phase of the virtual program, led by Kering Americas and Black In Corporate, will begin on April 7th. Unlike the previous edition, which lasted for one month, this extended program will allow mentees to gain valuable insights and guidance for a longer period. The mentees will be paired with professionals from different departments within Kering Americas, such as marketing, advertising, project management, human resources, financial services, and media. The main objective is to provide tailored career coaching to support the mentees’ professional growth.
Candace Marie Stewart, the founder of Black In Corporate, emphasizes the importance of mentorship and is delighted to collaborate with Kering once again for the second phase of the program. Stewart believes that the extended duration will foster deeper relationships and provide mentees with a profound understanding of Kering’s inner workings. This understanding is crucial for creating more opportunities for black talent within the organization.
The partnership between Kering and Black In Corporate is also a strategic move for Kering to enhance its company image and attract potential new talent who prioritize social considerations in their career choices. Laurent Claquin, President of Kering Americas, highlights the company’s commitment to learning and development at all stages of an individual’s career. He acknowledges the obstacles and biases that BIPOC talent may face and recognizes the crucial role mentorship plays in navigating the industry.
Kering has gained recognition for its efforts in promoting diversity. In March 2022, Kering joined 31 other French companies in signing a charter focused on promoting the employment of individuals over 50 years old. Furthermore, Kering achieved a perfect score of 100% in terms of gender parity and wage equality, as highlighted by the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index.
Useful links:
1. Black In Corporate
2. Kering
