Diversity is not only talk at IBM. IBM offers paid maternity leave in IBM US. They offer breast milk delivery in IBM Philippines. They offer same gender partner benefits in India. IBM Japan has a first-class program for people with different abilities to train them and stay in the workforce. In Russia IBM hosted the first Inclusive Forum in the private sector. There is a new Women Network in IBM Pakistan. Unconscious Bias sessions happen all over the world, in far away places like IBM Morocco. 80 bright, upcoming women in the Middle East and Africa got together in a session dedicated to building their leadership muscle and serving the community in Johannesburg. IBM Ireland has paid Paternity Leave. The list goes on. Net is: IBM gets things done.

Balancing personal life and work life is not an easy task. In fact many times the two can become one. Having an employer who encourages flexibility is critical. As an IBMer, we are fierce in our commitments and passion to deliver great work, but are equally passionate about delivering that in our personal lives too. I truly beleive IBM respects that and encourages a focus on resilience practices so we can refresh and take care of our selves to give our best inside and outside work. The key to remember is that we have to honor ourselves with boundaries and utilize the wellness tools that are available to us.

IBM is great place to advance your career - both as an individual and as a woman. In my 15+ years in the company I have never felt that my gender has held me back or prevented me from going after (and usually getting) and opportunity that I pursued. We have a strong culture of inclusion and continuous learning, and opportunities to do new things and advance in your career are available for anyone who has the aspiration and ambition to go after them. The maternity (and paternity) leave policies are also very generous, and actually doubled last year, which makes it a great place to balance a career and a family.