Medtronic's Diversity Networks and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) help model inclusion and diversity and, through unique partnerships and volunteer efforts, help amplify the company's impact in communities. So, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Medtronic Women’s Network hosted its annual Pink October event with guest speaker Tarryn Fowler, Community Ambassador from the National Breast Cancer Foundation Australia (NBCF) who shared her experience with breast cancer.
Marking Pink October
Pink October is a global effort to raise awareness of breast cancer and breast cancer research throughout the month of October. The campaign advocates for prevention and aims to increase the early detection and diagnosis of the disease.
"We are proud to support an important cause," said Medtronic.
Raising awareness about breast cancer
NBCF is Australia's leading community-funded organization funding game-changing research towards Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Its mission is to stop deaths from breast cancer by identifying, funding and championing world-class research, research that will help detect tumours earlier, improve treatment outcomes, and ultimately, save lives.
Breast cancer develops when cells within the breast grow abnormally and multiply to form a tumour. Thanks to medical research, breast cancer that is contained within the breast is now largely treatable. Since the NBCF started funding research in 1994, five-year breast cancer survival rates have improved from 76 per cent to 92 per cent. NBCF is focusing on how it can do more with less in order to achieve great outcomes that will impact the longevity and quality of life for patients with breast cancer. For NBCF, this means identifying new and effective models of funding and ensuring that it doesn't stand alone but works collaboratively and creatively to achieve its mission of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Targeted, world-class research is the only way to people dying from breast cancer. By gaining a better understanding of how breast cancer tumours originate, grow and spread, NBCF can save more lives.
Inspiring hope and possibility for people worldwide
Medtronic provides groundbreaking healthcare technology solutions for the most complex and challenging conditions, inspiring hope and new possibility in people all over the world.
It's internal Diversity Networks provide employees from under-represented populations a voice and pave a path toward advocacy, exposure, development, and change empowerment. They help create opportunities for shared identity groups and allies to empower change. Medtronic's Diversity Networks are always looking for more intentional opportunities to increase allyship and intersectionality.
ERGs represent both local hubs of Medtronic's Networks and additional shared-identity groups with the company. With more than 26,000 members across 70 countries, these grassroots, employee-led groups help recruit diverse talent and foster belonging within their particular community. Each group works with allies and partners to advance inclusion, diversity, and equity (ID&E) efforts.
Every year, new local ERGs emerge, and more allies join Diversity Networks, building a deeper, wider understanding and empowering change in Medtronic's communities. In just five years, the Medtronic Women’s Network has grown five times its original size, with members joining from around the world.
Forge a rewarding career at Medtronic and help changes lives
Help Medtronic bring the next generation of life-changing medical technology to patients worldwide.
Discover the wide range of career vacancies on offer.
Search jobs
Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.