At ABB, we know that diversity and inclusion in the workplace build the foundation for innovation. Our 125-year history as global technology pioneers is deeply rooted in many different countries and cultures. This month, we further commit to this legacy as we join with the #BalanceforBetter International Women’s Day 2019 campaign to uniquely celebrate the women at ABB who work to create the future of tomorrow, today.
The #BalanceforBetter campaign is a call to action to drive gender balance across the world, recognizing that gender equality is a key component of universal economic success. And at ABB, it is also a crucial component of innovation. Amina Hamidi, Electrification Products division Head of R&D at ABB, explains: “Customers are diverse and to be able to support them the best, we have to understand the world they are in. Diversity is always a plus, be it gender or background or cultural.”
Amina, who holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the French National Research Institute for Transportation Systems (INRETS), first joined ABB in 1998 as a Research Scientist and Project Manager. “That first year at ABB,” she describes, “was so exciting… I loved it from day one and I’m still there.”
Since then, she has held a variety of management positions within the company, most recently as the Head of Research and Development for ABB’s Electrification Products division. “Innovation is at the core of ABB and in what we do, and being in this research and development section, I really like the feeling that we are preparing the ABB of tomorrow. It is really exciting for me.”
Working at ABB’s headquarters in Switzerland, Amina credits ABB’s supportive culture for facilitating for growth in her early career when she also had young children. “There was childcare in the research center, in the same building where I had my office. I think without that, I don’t know how I would have managed,” she explains.
She also has had numerous coaches she turned to for guidance as she transitioned between roles at ABB and now, has “an open door whenever someone needs support” in her own team. Most importantly, she explains, “I think the best I can do is to treat every person equally and just look at the results and capabilities of the people.”
What advice would Amina give to other women as they navigate their careers? “No fear – you are capable… Self -confidence is very important. If you like it, if you want to do it, you can do it.”
When she’s not working at ABB, Amina enjoys spending time with her two children, swimming, reading and discovering other cultures when she travels.
At ABB, we’re writing the future of equality and diversity. Together.
