Star Energy Geothermal in collaboration with America’s Ivy League university, Cornell University, launched the Woman’s Leadership Program on Friday (22/10). This five-month program aims to support and empower accomplished professionals and women leaders at Star Energy by providing the necessary strategic and technical training for female workers to attain higher levels of leadership in the company.

Group CEO, Hendra Soetjipto Tan, opened the program explaining three reasons Star Energy Geothermal runs the program. “First, to create more leaders. We are working in the energy sector; you can see more men than women. Second, to boost leadership skills for all the women in our organization. Third, the strongest message is to all the men in our organization to be careful to watch out for the next women leaders in our organization. They can’t just sit and lay back. The competition is coming from women and I hope you men will all be ready for that challenge,” he said.
Professor Chris Marquis from Cornell University welcomed Mr. Hendra’s remarks. “It is really wonderful hearing the CEO’s comment wanting women to rise through the rank.” “Many companies that I’ve talked to have said having more women in the senior leadership ranks lead to a more cohesive company and one that is managed much better,” he added. Professor Deborah Streeter from Cornell University said the program allows participants to interact and have discussions with women from all over the world in different industries. “Moreover, through the activities and projects, it allows the participants to adapt the concepts and adjust them to their work needs,” Deborah explained.

Cornell University ran the program virtually, in collaboration with Genashtim Innovative Learning. The program will be conducted into two batches; batch 1 is  training that started from 27 October and is expected to last for three to five months. After completing the program, participants will receive a Women and Leadership program certificate from Cornell University. Fabiolla Marella Pardede, one of the participants who holds a position as a reservoir engineer, was very happy with the opportunity that Star Energy provided. “I feel like there’s a lot of opportunity for the women to join the level of work as what Bu Merly is doing right now,” she said. “I feel like I’m on the right spot to follow the track!” she added enthusiastically.