Corporate news

Trailblazing Women in STEM: Spotlight on Melissa Dietz

In celebration of International Women's Day, we spotlight Melissa Dietz. Recently recognized by the Manufacturing Institute through the Women MAKE Awards, Melissa is a key member of the Imerys Americas Leadership team.

women-make-awards

Melissa Dietz's career, grounded in chemical engineering and elevated by an MBA from Wharton, epitomizes strategic innovation and operational excellence.

Currently sponsoring the inventory initiative within a significant cash optimization project in North America that is projected to realize substantial savings in the following years, she is working to enhance the company’s financial position. Additionally, her collaborative work with her team to refine internal processes has yielded impressive results, notably a 10% reduction in quoting time. "My role at Imerys presents an invaluable chance to positively shape the business" Melissa explains.

Melissa’s community engagement is also as profound as it is impactful. Melissa enjoys mentoring young students in essential skills like math and reading. As a mental health advocate and President of the Board for Mental Health America of Georgia, her contributions helped see the enactment of the Mental Health Parity Act in Georgia. "My community work, particularly in mental health, is deeply rewarding," she states, highlighting the interplay between corporate success and societal welfare.

At Imerys, Dietz actively supports and champions women’s roles, as part of the senior leadership team, working to drive toward gender equity.

A focus on gender diversity reflects the wider ambitions of the Group. Imerys’ CEO, Alessandro Dazza, signed the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles for Imerys, in 2022.“We commit Imerys to take bold steps to advance gender equality in our workplace, marketplace, and community and accelerate our efforts to create a more gender-inclusive and equal organization aligned with our long-term ambition,” reinforces Dazza.
 

By 2025, Imerys is committed to increasing the number of women in senior manager roles to 30% and in manager, expert, and professional roles to 35%.

Women MAKE Award

Melissa Dietz's acknowledgment by the Manufacturing Institute via the Women MAKE America Awards is a testament to her profound impact and leadership in the manufacturing industry.
The Women MAKE America Awards, previously known as the STEP Ahead Awards, celebrate women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) across various levels, honoring those who have made noteworthy contributions to their organizations and communities. These awards play a vital role in empowering women, offering a platform for inspiration and mentorship.

Her recognition highlights Melissa's exceptional contributions to her field and her commitment to empowering and inspiring others, especially women, in the sector.

As we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, Melissa’s story accentuates the critical role of diversity and inclusivity in shaping the future at Imerys and the manufacturing industry. Embracing these fundamentals not only drives innovation but also paves the way for a more equitable and thriving industry. 

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