Bentley Motors Empowers Future Female Leaders With 2024 Extraordinary Women Initiative

Bentley Motors has unveiled the third iteration of its Extraordinary Women mentorship programme, a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing the next wave of young female leaders. This year, the programme extends its reach, involving students from both the United Kingdom and Qatar, in a collaborative effort with five partner universities. The initiative is part of Bentley's broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, encapsulated in its Beyond100 strategy.

The programme is tailored for female students pursuing studies in engineering, design, technology, and business. It represents Bentley's dedication to encouraging women to explore diverse career paths within the STEM and automotive sectors. A select group of eight students from the participating universities will have the unique opportunity to receive one-on-one mentorship from extraordinary women pioneers. These mentors are high-achieving professionals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

This year's cohort includes Sara Davies MBE, a renowned entrepreneur and the youngest female investor on BBC One's Dragons’ Den. Davies, who will mentor a UK-based student, is celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and her role as founder and owner of Crafter’s Companion. Her involvement underscores the programme's aim to inspire and support exceptional young women in their professional development.

The mentorship experience will culminate in a week-long visit to Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England, this June. This aspect of the programme highlights Bentley's approach to providing practical insights and exposure to the automotive industry's inner workings.

Past editions of the programme have seen participation from students in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Notable mentors have included Amanda Levete CBE, a Stirling Prize-winning architect, Mishaal Ashemimry, the first female aerospace engineer in the Gulf region, and Amna Al Hashemi, an Emirati thought leader and serial entrepreneur.

Karen Lange, Bentley’s Board Member for Human Resources, expressed pride in the programme's growth and its positive impact on participants. She highlighted that past participants have progressed to undertake placements with Bentley, demonstrating the initiative's success in fostering future leaders.

The Extraordinary Women mentorship programme is among several initiatives by Bentley Motors to promote gender equality and empower women globally. Through its Beyond100 strategy, Bentley aspires to become the most diverse luxury car company, reflecting its commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Bentley Motors stands as a paragon of British manufacturing excellence, combining fine craftsmanship with engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology. The company’s operations encompass design, R&D, engineering, and production of its five model lines at its Crewe headquarters. With approximately 4,000 employees in Crewe, Bentley continues to be a leading example of high-value British manufacturing.