Celebrating Women's History Month - The Effects of an Inclusive Work Environment

Women’s History Month is a time for recognizing the central role of women in US history, for Cummins, it is also about highlighting the significance of diversity & inclusion. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve invited employees to share their personal stories, helping others to understand what this month represents, as well as the importance of an inclusive workplace year round.  

Employee Highlight: Kelli-Brook (K.B.) Totten, Sourcing Manager – Corporate Indirect Purchasing

Years at Cummins: 10

“Women’s History Month celebrates and acknowledges all of the wonderful women who have stood up and represented a voice for women in our society by breaking down barriers, changing perceptions, biases, and rules/laws. This month we can show our gratitude to all of the courageous women who have made a difference for women. The power of women – not to be underestimated!”

Understanding the value of diversity inside Cummins… 

“Diversity plays a role in every department at Cummins. Diversity includes diverse personalities and ideas in addition to gender and background.  Indirect Purchasing is comprised of a diverse team which also supports diversity procurement through sourcing from a pool of suppliers.  This includes several types of diverse owned suppliers. Cummins currently spends $1.4B with diverse owned suppliers, including women owned businesses. This has created opportunities for diverse owned suppliers in addition to increasing the diversity of our supply base.”

Feeling pride working within an inclusive environment…

“Not every company is truly supportive of an inclusive environment. I have worked for a few companies where I felt the effects of misrepresentations and stereotypes.  It was through working at Cummins that I came to realize my value, confidence, and potential.  I began my career at Cummins as an hourly employee and moved to an exempt position. I have grown my career through hard work, determination, and support. I am thankful for the managers, mentors, and peers who understand the true power of an inclusive environment and assist with reducing some of the challenges that women often face. Without properly trained managers who demonstrate core values through their support and actions, a company’s values are just words on paper. Cummins encourages employees to self-realize who you are, why you do the things you do, and identify/understand your strengths and areas of improvement. This is a very important step in your personal road to success.

Another key to the inclusive environment at Cummins is the support of the very successful Women’s Affinity Group (WAG). WAG started in 2001 with the aim to look into Women’s issues and create a network of support at Cummins. I truly value the inclusive environment at Cummins and feel blessed to be part of the Women’s Affinity Group leadership team.”

Living your values at Cummins…

“Family, Responsibility, Success and Integrity are a few of my values which are supported in the Cummins work environment. Being a working mom is challenging at times. However, at Cummins I can be a mom and accomplish a successful career through work/life integration. Cummins recognizes the strength and potential of individuals and creates opportunities for success by fostering an inclusive environment that removes barriers produced by stereotypes and biases. However, it is up to each person to work hard, earn trust, demonstrate their value and build their own individual success. Success is personal and means something different to each employee.  Cummins values individual differences and practices equal opportunity including the support of women in leadership. Be Woman, Be You, Be Successful!”

Learn more about how our employees make a difference and how you could make an impact at Cummins by visiting careers.cummins.com, and check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.