The program features comprehensive mentorship, cross-functional rotations, leadership workshops, and hands-on project management experience. This integrated curriculum develops both the technical expertise essential for manufacturing excellence and the interpersonal skills necessary to lead diverse teams with confidence and effectiveness.
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CHAiNGERS: Building Tomorrow's Female Plant Managers
Developing Future Leaders
Two years ago, Maria Nassif was one of only three women among forty manufacturing professionals in her first production meeting. Today, as Henkel's Sustainability Project Engineer, she drives the plant's environmental initiatives, from water and energy optimization to waste reduction strategies. Her role spans process improvements, sustainability roadmaps, and circular economy projects.
"Every day brings new challenges and opportunities," Maria reflects, "whether analyzing environmental data, leading cross-functional teams, or presenting to leadership. CHAiNGERS didn't just build my technical skills, it gave me the confidence to lead complex, multifaceted projects.”
Her journey exemplifies the impact of CHAiNGERS', which is Henkel's comprehensive 18-month long talent development program designed to empower future female plant managers.
Beyond Technical Skills
Leanne Shahin was also part of the intensive CHAiNGERS program. Now serving as a Process Safety Engineer, she emphasizes how the program transcends traditional training. "The program developed our technical capabilities while equally emphasizing leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. Henkel's bold commitment to equal opportunities in historically gendered roles is transformative. The program's holistic approach prepared us not just as engineers, but as future leaders who inspire change. I'm proud that CHAiNGERS breaks down these barriers and proves what's possible."
From Mentees to Mentors
The program's second cohort participants, Ola Bukhamsin and Zeina Yasin, now receive mentorship from Maria and Leanne, establishing a sustainable cycle of professional development. "Seeing Ola and Zeina master intricate production systems while evolving into confident leaders validates CHAiNGERS' transformative impact," Maria observes. "We're not simply filling roles, we're cultivating leadership that reflects our diverse communities and drives meaningful innovation."
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"The CHAiNGERS program not only taught us valuable skills directly applicable to our UAE plant, but also provided the opportunity to explore operations in countries like India, Turkey, and Kenya,” Leanne states. “I'm truly grateful for this transformative experience."
Creating Generational Impact Through Strategic Expansion
CHAiNGERS embodies Henkel's fundamental belief in investing in our people for the good of generations. True innovation emerges when we embrace diverse perspectives and develop talent holistically. This program builds leadership capabilities that will further drive Henkel's manufacturing excellence.
Simon Ulmann, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain for Henkel Adhesive Technologies IMEA
This investment approach creates a sustainable pipeline of diverse talent through continuous knowledge transfer and capability enhancement, strengthening Henkel's long-term competitive advantage. The program continues evolving strategically, while the first two cohorts focused on fresh graduates, the upcoming third cohort in Dammam will target early-career professionals at our Henkel Industrial Company and Polybit sites.
As the initiative expands across GCC operations, it demonstrates that investing in both technical and personal capabilities creates lasting impact benefiting generations of leaders, communities, and the business itself.
