Celebrating Women's History Month - Driving Innovation Through Diversity

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

Employee Highlight: Khadijha Stewart, Mechanical Development Engineer – Cost Reduction
Time at Cummins: 4.5 years 

“Women’s History Month supports equal opportunity for women globally. It is also an opportunity to learn and celebrate the lives of women who have made monumental contributions to society. Some women include poet, writer, actress, dancer Maya Angelou, pilot Amelia Earhart, innovator behind the invention of caller ID Shirley Jackson, and the developer of the theory of radioactivity and discoverer of radium Marie Curie.”

Understanding the value of diversity at Cummins…
Diversity is important inside my job because it breeds innovation. In my specific function, we are challenged with finding new ways to create cost savings for the company without jeopardizing the integrity of the products we change. Having a diverse team of people is key in helping create new cost reduction ideas and having people challenge those ideas when they are presented.

Feeling pride working within an inclusive environment…
Recently, I worked on a project that affected change in current product, VPI, and service if implemented. Being able to meet with the members from each unit in one forum was, and still is, key in mitigating risks for the project. I was proud these meetings sparked technical discussion for the future direction on a product. The exchange of ideas and data was invaluable to me.

Living your values at Cummins…
Since innovation is very important to me, I value that Cummins provides an environment where one can openly question processes and ideas. I also value that my ideas are challenged because it encourages me to think deeply about the impact of changes I make.  Lastly, I value the impact Cummins has on the community. Until I started volunteering at Turning Point, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, I didn’t realize how many employees were involved in helping with the facility and its’ participants. I am happy that Cummins supports us in working with this organization.