Kennedy: Cummins Shows Commitment to Empowering Women

A top executive at Columbus-based Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) says the commitment to inclusion and diversity is a key priority for the manufacturer. Melina Kennedy, vice president of product compliance and regulatory affairs for Cummins, says that commitment starts with the company’s leadership. “Our CEO, Tom Linebarger, is very committed to making sure that women have a voice and a place of leadership in Cummins.”

Kennedy discussed Cummins’ efforts to empower women on a special all women’s edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick.

“In fact, our top leadership is represented by approximately 40% women,” said Kennedy. “Our board of directors has three women and we have a number of initiatives and other things are more than just talk; they really contribute inclusion and diversity, particularly women.”

Two years ago, Cummins unveiled its “Cummins Powers Women” initiative, which is the largest community effort ever undertaken by the company. Kennedy says the initiative is a global effort.

“As a global company, we’re trying to make a difference in the lives of women and girls all over the world. We’ve invested over $11 million in a number of programs that are evidence based to help women achieve success in a variety of conditions, also advocate for legislation and government changes and policy changes that help women and girls all over the world. It’s something that’s just really exciting.”

Kennedy, an Indiana native, was a partner at the former Baker & Daniels law firm and served as director of economic development and deputy mayor for Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson. She says while she’s seen a lot of positive progress over the years, including her time at Cummins, but there’s still room for improvement when it comes to empowering women.

“I think awareness – so things like the Indiana Conference for Women bringing awareness to the table and talking about how we can promote women and work together, but also being able to see women in leadership roles is really important. So, seeing companies like Cummins who have a lot of women in leadership roles and seeing other companies do that as well, is really important for people to understand that women have a lot to contribute.”