The team at Amazon in Coalville is shining a spotlight on one of their colleagues this week as part of Amazon's UK-wide celebration of International Women's Day 2024.

International Women's Day celebrates women's achievements, raises awareness about discrimination and works to promote a world that's diverse, equitable and inclusive, and where difference is valued and celebrated.

The theme of this year's campaign is Inspire Inclusion, which seeks to promote belonging, relevance, and empowerment for women. 

In recognition of the celebration, Amazon is focusing on one of the women working in its network, showcasing the positive things the company does to make it a great place for women to work.

Lisa Swan, from Sutton Coldfield, works at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Coalville as a Senior Operations Manager.

She has been with the company for over three years, and previously worked in manufacturing in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Outside of her work regionally, Lisa leads Amazon's International Women's Day activities across the UK, and it is one of her career highlights.

Lisa said: "This is the third year I've led International Women's Day for Amazon in the UK, and it's been such a rewarding experience. I've worked with so many amazing people both internally and externally.

"It's been inspiring to showcase some of the positive things Amazon does to make our company such a great place for women to work, such as how to navigate your career path, but also supporting different life experiences, from fertility through to menopause and everything in between.

"For instance, as a mum of three, balancing work and the demands of having a family can be tricky and there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach businesses can take to support everyone! One week is never the same as the next."

Lisa is also a board member for the Women at Amazon employee resource group, which works on attracting, retaining and developing women in both tech and non-tech roles across all of Amazon's businesses.

"I joined the board quite soon after I joined Amazon," Lisa says, "it's something that I'm super passionate about. I believe people should be given opportunities regardless of gender. It should be about what they can bring to the table, and the more diverse we are, the more impactful our decisions are."

Through the Women at Amazon group, Lisa has helped raise awareness of important issues, and it has also given her a strong support system and invaluable networking opportunities, providing access to parts of the business she wouldn't otherwise have access to.

"I now have a network from so many different parts of Amazon which has helped with my progression. It's been a really positive experience."

To celebrate International Women's Day, Amazon is hosting a series of internal events, activities and programmes designed to promote and support the #InspireInclusion theme.

For more information about working at Amazon, click HERE.