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Every February 11, the world marks the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a celebration that recognizes the critical role women play in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At DP World, women aren’t just participating — they’re leading, innovating, and reshaping the landscape of logistics, port operations, and engineering against the odds of a historically male-dominated sector.

From Port Cranes to Boardrooms: Driving Change Across the Globe

At DP World, initiatives aimed at increasing female representation are gaining traction across multiple countries, demonstrating that change isn’t just possible — it’s already happening. In Argentina, workshops addressing gender stereotypes and workplace biases have encouraged employees to challenge traditional norms. Meanwhile, Canada’s MentorHer program fosters professional mentorship opportunities for women in STEM, spotlighting talents like Amy Ling, a maintenance engineer dedicated to improving terminal efficiency.

Moreover, leaders like Bronwyn Pountney, Environmental Manager at DP World Canada, are also leading change every day. By championing decarbonization, spearheading sustainability initiatives, and securing funding for environmental projects, she ensures that DP World’s operations in Canada balance global trade with environmental responsibility.

Elsewhere, Chile’s targeted training programs have propelled women into operational roles, including Lilian Cortés, a Portruck driver in training, and Fabianna Leal, a Port Lashing Specialist who overcame skepticism from male colleagues to prove her capability. Meanwhile, Kamila Naranjo broke stereotypes by becoming a certified chainsaw operator, excelling in a role that was once considered exclusively male. The Dominican Republic has launched transformative recruitment efforts, training women to operate Internal Transfer Vehicles (ITVs) and cranes, including Mary Sosa, the country’s first female RTG and gantry crane operator.

In Ecuador, programs like Operators of the Future and UAFTT ESPOL are helping women break into heavy machinery and technical roles. Lesly, a forklift operator, and Sharon Baque, a mother pursuing a degree in Port Logistics, embody the spirit of these initiatives. Similarly, in Suriname, the DP World 4Women program highlighted role models like Priscilla Pique-Edoo, the first female HSE Supervisor, through the inspiring “S(he) as a Beacon” campaign.

These are not token efforts — they are concrete, strategic investments in gender equity, with women breaking real barriers.

Against the Tide: Women Who Are Paving Their Own Way

The stories of DP World’s women employees are as inspiring as they are instructive. Take Patrícia Silva de Oliveira in Brazil, where she defied expectations by transitioning from bus driving to becoming an ITV operator, and then climbing further to become an Operations Supervisor. “Even if your dream seems crazy to others, you should go for it,” she says.

In Bronwyn Pountney’s case, her upbringing in Calgary, Alberta nurtured a deep appreciation for resource-based industries as well as a strong commitment to sustainability. She pursued a Bachelor of Social Science in Geography and a Master of Environmental Management, equipping herself with the tools to lead impactful environmental initiatives. As Environmental Manager at DP World Canada, she is now driving decarbonization efforts, piloting zero-emission equipment, and expanding Green Marine certifications across three terminals. “This perspective allows me to work effectively within DP World, helping balance the needs of global trade with the necessity of sustainability and environmental leadership,” she says.

In Peru, Cynthia Benites Virhuez carved out a space in IT leadership after years in logistics, demonstrating the vital intersection of technology and operations. Similarly, Olenka Cobos in IT services spearheads the Tech4Women initiative, providing digital skills training to hundreds of women across the region.

Meanwhile, in Ecuador, Verónica Plúas, a mother of five, has returned to study mechatronics at ESPOL University through a DP World-sponsored program, proving that education — and ambition — has no expiration date. Sharon Baque, another participant in the program, is breaking barriers in port logistics while setting a precedent for women in her community.

More Than Just a Seat at the Table

Women at DP World aren’t simply being invited into the industry — they are reshaping it. Fabiana do Nascimento Almeida, the first female quay crane operator in Brazil’s Port of Santos, is proving that women can command the heaviest machinery with as much precision as their male counterparts.

Women are also pioneering change in leadership roles. Daniela Zicari di Monte, Director of DP World Logistics in Brazil, is using her engineering background to drive strategic growth in logistics. Her journey reflects the increasing presence of women in senior roles, reinforcing the importance of sustained corporate investment in female leadership. Bronwyn Pountney’s work in Canada further exemplifies how women are influencing environmental and sustainability strategies that align global trade with environmental stewardship.

The ripple effect of these breakthroughs is felt in company culture. Suriname’s “S(he) as a Beacon” campaign highlights career journeys like that of Priscilla Pique-Edoo, the country’s first female HSE Supervisor, ensuring that workplace safety is a conversation led by women as much as men.

The Industry’s Gender Challenge

While progress is undeniable, the global logistics and maritime industry remains a challenging environment for women. Representation remains low in many regions, and workplace biases, hiring practices, and outdated gender norms still present obstacles. Roles like quay crane operators, chainsaw operators, and environmental managers are still seen as anomalies when performed by women.

Efforts such as mentorship programs, leadership training, and STEM outreach are making headway, but the pace of change must accelerate. In Peru, for example, initiatives such as Women’s Leadership and Women Truck have proven effective in training and retaining female employees. Yet, the slow pace of change underscores the need for broader industry-wide efforts. The industry as a whole must commit to structural reforms that actively address historic gender disparities and create pathways for women to succeed.

Celebrating Women the Right Way

The UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science isn’t about empty platitudes or virtue signaling. It’s about recognizing the incredible contributions women make to STEM and committing to a future where their achievements are the norm, not the exception.

At DP World, women are breaking ground, operating cranes, leading logistics teams, and driving innovation in sustainability. But their success isn’t just about individual accomplishments — it’s about challenging an entire industry to do better.

So here’s to all the women in STEM at DP World — breaking ground, lifting cranes, and changing the rules of the game. And here’s to ensuring that, in the not-so-distant future, they are no longer the exception, but the norm.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

If there’s one thing fans and media have learned by now, it’s to always expect the unexpected with University of Colorado Head Football Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. Known for keeping things interesting, like being the only athlete to play in both the Super Bowl and the World Series, Coach Prime never misses a chance to surprise.

On Sept. 17, at the news conference leading to the Colorado vs. Baylor showdown, Coach Prime added another twist. In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, he introduced 8-year-old cancer survivor and lifelong Buffs fan, Piper Lardes, as the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game.

Piper, a true Buffs fan through and through, took a few questions from reporters with confidence and shared how excited she was to team up with Aflac and Coach Prime to help support the Buffs in their upcoming game. Sporting her Blenders sunglasses and wrapping up with a heartfelt “Sko Buffs!,” Piper stole the show.

Piper’s connection with Coach Prime goes back to this past summer when they met at a children’s hospital during a My Special Aflac Duck® delivery, but Piper’s journey started much earlier. At just 4 years old, she began experiencing unexplained arm pain, which led to an emergency MRI. On Halloween 2020, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare tumor pressing against her spinal cord.

After enduring 28 weeks of biweekly chemotherapy and 31 days of radiation, Piper was declared cancer-free. Today, she enjoys reading, playing softball and helping raise awareness for pediatric cancer. She even had the chance to do just that during the first quarter of the Colorado vs. Baylor game on Sept. 21.

On the field, Piper wore the first-of-its-kind Aflac-branded coaching staff custom headset that coordinated with the team’s helmets. Piper and her family were honored on Folsom Field, where her story was shared with fans. The stadium erupted in applause and cheers when it was announced that Piper is now cancer-free. Fans congratulated her and took photos with her as she made her way to her seat.

As the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game, Piper now boasts a perfect 1-0 coaching record after the Buffs fought hard and clinched a thrilling overtime victory against Baylor. It’s a game — and an experience — Piper and her family will never forget.

These memorable moments serve as powerful reminders about the importance of supporting children with cancer. Watch below for a special message from Piper to Team Aflac.

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