2010 Sustainability Report - Cummins.com

Putting diversity into action
As a purchasing manager focused on Europe,
the Middle East and Africa, Sara Vasey knows the
importance of diversity in the global marketplace.
As the leader of the Women’s Affinity Group at Cummins’
facility in Darlington in the United Kingdom, Sara
demonstrates her commitment to helping Cummins
create a workplace where diversity fuels innovation.
Cummins Darlington (U.K.) employee Sara Vasey.
“Having the opportunity to work with so many people
from different backgrounds and cultures has been one
of the most interesting and rewarding aspects of working
for a global company like Cummins,” Sara says. “Being
part of a Local Diversity Council or Affinity Group enables
you to feel like you are really making a difference.”
Like many employees, Sara integrates her diversity
work with her business responsibilities. Cummins
depends on its employees to create a safe and
inclusive work environment through a network of
site-based Diversity Councils and Affinity Groups
typically organized around a specific demographic.
Under Sara’s leadership, the Women’s Affinity
Group at Darlington, created in 2006, has worked
successfully to improve the workplace for part-time
employees, sponsored health awareness events,
raised awareness about domestic abuse and
implemented several career development initiatives
such as mentoring circles and training on assertive
communication that have been attended by a
diverse audience of men and women.
The Affinity Group, along with plant management,
was recognized in 2007 by the prestigious Institute
of Mechanical Engineers in the U.K. for its involvement
in recruiting and developing women in engineering.
“Without a doubt being part of the diversity initiative at
Cummins has enriched my career,” Sara says. “It has
offered so much growth potential in terms of personal
development and provided me with a unique set of skills
relative to communication and people development.”
The benefits of diversity
Cummins Business Case for Diversity was updated in December 2008, strengthening the link between
diversity and innovation. It includes a definition of diversity, goals to get the most out of diversity and
it lays out the benefits of developing a diverse workforce. Those benefits include:
Attracting and retaining the best talent.
Creating a safe and inclusive work environment
that fosters innovation.
Cummins mins Inc. Sustainability Report 2010
Promoting differing viewpoints to enhance
problem solving and decision making.
Developing a positive reputation in the
communities where Cummins does business.