Groundbreaking scientific discoveries have been made by women throughout history. Yet today, a gender gap still exists in science and technology. This is something we must urgently bridge. The innovation central to progress in public health and the environment hang on workforce balance in these vital disciplines.
This ethos is at the core of the science and technology driving our transformation at Philip Morris International (PMI), as we focus on the research and development of scientifically-substantiated smoke-free products for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking. Only with gender-balanced collaboration across our science and tech functions can we achieve our vision of a smoke-free future.
Women in tech at PMI
The words appear on screen: Women in tech – Philip Morris International
A photo of Joanna Ensing, Project Manager IT, PMI Technology, appears on screen
Her quote reads: Working in the tech field means you can make a difference, because technology underpins business success today. At PMI, we’re always looking for new ways to do things so you can put your creativity to work.
A photo of Naima Zerrouki, Manager Enterprise Governance Systems, Enterprise Analytics and Data, appears on screen
Her quote reads: I was fascinated by technology as a kid during the floppy disk era and played Prince of Persia. Today, I am responsible for PMI’s data governance tool. For me, it’s more than an IT job: It’s working with talented colleagues and friends from nearly 30 countries and a chance to contribute to one of the most important business transformations.
A photo of Magdalena Luzak, Manager IT Solution Delivery, PMI Technology, appears on screen.
Her quote reads: I joined PMI 22 years and for the past 13 years PMI has given me fantastic opportunities in IT – as an IT analyst, team lead, project manager, regional planner, IT solution delivery manager, and most recently, moving to Buenos Aires as site manager. This range of IT jobs has meant learning soft skills too, so I’ve not had time to code… yet.
A photo of Sharmeen Fatima, Team Leader IT systems, PMI Technology, appears on screen
Her quote reads: An engineer by training, I joined PMI thinking, ‘I don’t know how to code… is this a good idea?’ Turns out it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was in the cockpit from day one, and it’s been a journey of constant learning ever since.
A photo of Anna Zientek, Manager IT Finance, Tax & Treasury Solutions, PMI Technology, appears on screen
Her quote reads: I joined PMI 13 years ago looking for a dynamic workplace that develops people. And that’s what I found. I love the global nature of my job. PMI also offers flexible work arrangements to support employees in balancing work-life commitments.
A photo of Natalia Gomez, Manager IT Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, PMI Technology appears on screen.
Her quote reads: I joined PMI’s IT department as an engineer without a background in IT. Sixteen years on, PMI has given me many new challenge and exciting career opportunities in IT beyond my wildest dreams.
A photo of Renata Olewinska, Manager IT People & Culture, Employer Information Management and Insights, PMI Technology appears on screen.
Her quote reads: A job in IT has always been my dream, and PMI made it come true. It’s exciting because technology is driving business change, including at PMI where technology touches on every part of our transformation.
A photo of Maurizia Costato, Solution Manager IT Consumer Commerce, PMI Technology, appears on screen.
Her quote reads: PMI is transforming its business and the tobacco industry so I’m proud to be part of this unique moment in our history. We are changing how we engage with adult smokers-from personalization to digital touchpoints to training experiences and more
A photo of Sara Kowal, Infosec Analyst, Risk Awareness, PMI Technology, appears on screen.
Her quote reads: I joined PMI for a new challenge to put my skills to use. At PMI, I’ve grown and developed in the fascinating world of technology. The passion and drive of employees in contagious and makes your feel excited about changing the course of history to achieve a smoke-free future.
A photo of Laura Granata, IT Analyst Finance, PMI Technology appears on screen.
Her quote reads: Global projects and learning about business processes beyond the SAP domain are just some of the things I love about my job. PMI is a great place to work where you never stop learning.
A photo of Priscila Bossi, Director IT Italy, PMI Technology, appears on screen.
Her quote reads: I joined PMI in 2005 after my second daughter was born because I wanted to work in a dynamic environment where I could balance my career with being a new mum.
Fifteen years on, I’ve worked in nearly 20 countries and met amazing colleagues who have shaped who I am today.
A photo of Karthikayini Pragasam, IT Service Manager, PMI Technology, appears on screen.
Her quote reads: I joined PMI 20 years ago as a programmer analyst because I loved coding. Today, at PMI’s research laboratories in Singapore I manage scientific applications used for substantiating the risk reduction potential of our smoke-free products, to help us achieve a smoke-free future.
A photo of Dariia Zharkova, Manager IT Commercial Systems, PMI Technology, appears on screen.
Her quote reads: At PMI, you’ll find many IT roles to boost your career: Business analytics, project management, developing and testing surveys, delivery management, systems security and controls, and more. Plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself and succeed.
A photo of Fifi Fer, Support Manager IT Finance, PMI Technology, appears on screen.
Her quote reads: I like my job because I use the latest technologies, learn about new business processes and work with cross-functional team to ensure continuous improvement at PMI. The environment is great-everybody can speak up and share their ideas.
A photo of Elena Manova, Manager IT Consumer, Data Architecture, PMI Technology, is seen on screen.
Her quote reads: Since joining PMI 19 months ago, I have been able to put my skills and experience in data architecture, quality and integration, to use and learn new things. PMI is a dynamic place where everyone ha the same goal: getting stuff done. I love that.
A photo of Ines Pereira, Manager IT Commercial Italy, PMI technology, is seen on screen.
Her quote reads: I joined PMI after 6 years in IT consulting because I wanted to be part of a global multinational and see how my work contributes to our business transformation. Technology is everywhere today-in all of our interactions with the world, and I have chosen to be part of it.
Philip Morris International logo is seen on screen.
Music ends.
Read more on Inclusion & Diversity at PMI
However, the global pool of women with career aspirations in the fields of science and technology remains relatively small. Only 30 percent of researchers worldwide are women, and just 35 percent of all students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) study-fields are female, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
To counter long-standing gender stereotypes that dissuade women and girls from seeking a career in science and technology, the United Nations established the ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ in 2015. This is celebrated each year on February 11.
As we transform PMI into a science and technology driven business, we’re committed to achieving gender balance across the company to include, and benefit from, the collective talents of women and men. Half of the world is female so if we are not gender balanced in any field or domain, we are overlooking talent.
Women in STEM
Text appears on screen alongside the PMI logo:
Women in STEM at PMI
Classical music plays
Female employees appear on screen and speak, one after another:
I'm a molecular biologist
I am a chemist
I’m a trainee biologist
Aerospace engineer
Biochemist
Computer engineer
Words appear on screen: Who inspired you to explore STEM?
Christelle Haziza, Director Clinical Studies and Biostatistics speaks:
Nobody really inspired me. It was really a passion that I had
Catherine Goujon, Manager Chemistry Research speaks:
Marie Curie was, I think, the first scientist recognized
Words on screen: What unique traits do women bring to these fields?
Alice Vaskova, Director Analytics Demand & Capability, Enterprise, Analytics & Data speaks:
We are different people, with different thoughts and opinions
Dina Lombardi, Head of Third-Party Manufacturers and Middle East Africa speaks:
Organizational skills. Normally women are very well organized
Maryann Johnson-Hill, Director Industrialization speaks:
Inquisitive, curious, no fear of failure. We have humility we love to explore
Words on screen: What change are you driving at PMI?
Catherine Goujon speaks:
Research to propose an innovative solution for the smoke-free future
Cecilia Lindholm Delaloye, Senior Cigarette Design Engineer speaks:
I work with the deployment of new products to roll out new products on the market
Maryann Johnson-Hill speaks:
I'm in operations excellence development and operations excellence absolutely plays to my strengths as a scientist. You’re looking at systems, you're looking at tools you're looking at processes, how to be efficient, how to be effective, all within the operations environments.
Gizelle Baker, Director Global Scientific Engagement speaks:
I have the privilege of sharing all of the science created by R&D externally, so that people know and have access to information about why our products are a better alternative than continuing to smoke.
Words appear on screen, followed by the PMI logo:
Women in Science
Women in Technology
Women in Engineering
Women in Mathematics
Gender balance is a critical tool for adapting organizations to become more consumer-centric, innovative and high performing by reflecting the 21st century talent and market reality. From molecular biologists and chemists, to aerospace or computer engineers, we are proud to have so many inspiring women among our workforce. Discover what inspired them to pick a career in a STEM-related field – and what working at PMI and contributing to our mission to create a smoke-free future means for them.
