CCFWG Breakfast Inspires Local Business Community to Elevate Women in the Workplace

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West Pharm Employees
Employees at West Pharmaceutical Services pose with the company’s Corporate Champions of Change Award.

The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls recently hosted its second annual Champions of Change Breakfast at The Farmhouse Bistro at People’s Light in Malvern.

The event honored Roberta Torian and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. for their breakthroughs in shattering the glass ceiling.

“Roberta and West operate with the understanding that when women succeed, business succeeds, the community succeeds, everyone succeeds,” said Tricia Lefkof, CCFWG Board Chair.

Sandy Keller, Vice President of Human Resources and head of West’s diversity efforts, accepted the Corporate Champions of Change Award on behalf of her company.

“We are proud that West’s support of CCFWG has helped this organization make numerous grants to nonprofits across our region to support girls and young women, including the Girls Advisory Board,” she said. “Through this innovative program, CCFWG is developing the next generation of community leaders.

“At West, we are also committed to developing our team members and to creating a culture rich with diverse people, talent, and ideas in order to deliver the best products and services to our customers. We are proud and grateful that our company was recognized by CCFWG for the work we specifically do to support and develop the women of West.”

West encourages women to pursue leadership roles. It offers employees regular workshops and internal and external development opportunities, including a nine-month coaching cohort for high potential female employees. To assist with work-life balance, West provides all employees with options for flexible hours, the ability to work remotely, and a reduced schedule for those returning from a leave of absence.

As a further testament to its support of women, more than 20 percent of West’s Executive Team and Board seats are held by women. The company was even named as a 2020 Women on Boards Winning ‘W’ Company in 2017.

Torian, a Partner at Reed Smith LLP, accepted the Gladys Black Woman of Distinction Award for her longstanding commitment to mentorship and support of fellow women in the legal profession. She shared pieces of her journey to becoming such a key champion and mentor for women in the field of law.

“Everyone needs support and someone to believe in them,” Torian said. “Just as we all want that, we can all give that to others.”

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