Detroit Regional Chamber > Racial Justice & Economic Equity > Hershey Launches Leadership Program for ‘Future CEOs’

Hershey Launches Leadership Program for ‘Future CEOs’

October 13, 2022

Bizwomen
Anne Stych

Oct. 11, 2022

The Hershey Company has launched a “Future CEO” program to help drive mentorship for young girls along with nonprofit partners Girl Up and Girls on the Run.

Hershey (NYSE: HSY) will partner with the two organizations to identify girls who have “the potential and drive to become one of the next great women leaders in business,” the company said.

Ten girls will be chosen to participate, five from Hershey’s international markets and five from the United States, identified by Girls on the Run.

Each participant will receive a scholarship to further their education and develop their leadership skills and well as hands-on education and mentorships. The program will culminate with a March event hosted by Hershey Chief Executive Officer Michele Buck and additional women leaders.

Hershey said it believes the company and its leadership team also will benefit from the program through reverse mentorship by gaining better understanding of the next generation and their thinking.

“We are committed to supporting young women and girls by helping them harness their potential and giving them a platform to achieve their dreams,” said Michele Buck, chief executive officer of The Hershey Company. “By providing access to opportunities and resources, we’re also helping build a workforce of the future that reflects the global landscape and creates a more inclusive world.”

Hershey kicked off its formal partnership with Girls on the Run in 2022 and has renewed its partnership for 2023. In addition to supporting the national program, Hershey this year also will provide funding to at least five local Girls on the Run councils.

Hershey International also will continue to support Girl Up, a non-profit committed to advancing girls’ skills, rights, and opportunities to be leaders, the remainder of this year through its ongoing mentorship program

“Girl Up is thrilled to be in partnership with Hershey and contribute to the success of their exciting new ‘Future CEO’ program,” said Girl Up executive director, Melissa Kilby. “The world needs new solutions and new leadership now. And with the right training, tools, and platforms, we can reach empowered girl changemakers around the world and support them to become the innovative, inclusive, and intentional leaders of a better tomorrow.”

Mackinac Future Leaders

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