IP Women Come Together To Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Forest Sector

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., November 21, 2022 /3BL Media/ – Women’s Forest Congress brings a voice to women looking to address the biggest challenges facing forests and the forest sector, today and in the future. The inaugural event touched on critical topics such as leadership for equity and inclusion, the gender and diversity gap in the sector, and workforce opportunities for increasing recruitment, retention and advancement of women and people of color.

As a sponsor of the event, IP created a creativity space where attendees could take a break from the conference and utilize creativity and relaxation through art. IP provided coloring sheets from our internal “Water is Wonderful” curriculum and painting canvases that were sent to a local hospital. Women from our Fiber Supply team, Government Relations, and our Chief Sustainability Officer, came together to participate in the Women’s Forest Congress and advocate for underrepresented voices in forestry. This one-of-a-kind conference welcomed a diverse community and provided a space for women to be heard, to listen, and to act for the benefit of forests.

“It is difficult to put to words how truly moving it was to share a room with so many incredible women, who all share a passion for forestry and natural resources,” said Lauryn Watkoske, fiber supply associate, Mansfield, La. “Many panels at the congress highlighted the challenges that women, people of color, and underrepresented groups face within their careers and hobbies, as well as their resounding triumphs and strides taken to overcome them. It was truly an honor to represent International Paper and to proudly sponsor what will be a strong first step in achieving equity and inclusion in the forest sector across the country.”