Fortinet and Panelle proudly announce a transformative partnership aimed at advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the tech industry and beyond. Fortinet, renowned for its cybersecurity expertise, brings its vast resources and influence to the table, signalling a commitment to leveraging its platform for social good. Working alongside Panelle’s mission to empower women in leadership roles, Fortinet commits to creating roundtable environments where every voice is valued and respected. Through shared experiences and synergies, both come together in the endeavour to effect lasting change, creating a safer and more inclusive digital world for all.

"Creating a safer and more inclusive digital world for all"

Why did you choose to work with Panelle? 

We chose to work with Panelle because of how closely it resonates with our need to bring more women, specifically women leaders, into the cybersecurity space. And doing it through empathy and shared experience taps into a side of the equation not often discussed at large. Panelle’s mission to help women carry the torch of change and challenge the status quo is extremely important and compelling to us. 

Why is DEI important to your business? 

Fortinet Is committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workforce within our organisation, and across the industry, to help empower individuals to reach their full potential. Diversity in the workforce is crucial for the improvement of planning, delivering excellent customer service, tackling obstacles, and innovating new solutions.

"Environments where every voice is valued and respected"

How is your company driving representation for women? 

Our Board of Directors has formed a global DEI Organising Committee; which, in conjunction with our DEI Council, has created our DEI Strategy. It provides Fortinet with a shared direction and commitment to recruiting and valuing a diverse workforce, fostering a culture of teamwork and openness, and building a more inclusive workplace. We are diversifying the avenues through which we hire by considering internship programs, job fairs, delivering presentations to NGOs servicewomen, and training women in cybersecurity. 

We have a voluntary, employee-led group called "Women of Fortinet", which promotes inclusion, collaboration, development and career growth through mentoring and networking. We just held our second International Women's Day event on March 6, 2024. Fortinet has also expanded its partnership with Women In Cybersecurity (WiCyS) to develop cybersecurity knowledge and skills and drive gender diversity within its membership - not only sponsoring their events but offering WiCyS's 5,000+ members our free training and free exam vouchers for certification.

We have also partnered with the LPGA and designated profits from the Fortinet Championship to benefit nonprofit organisations in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); diversity and inclusion; and reskilling programs. Fortinet also has a long-standing relationship with CRN's Women of the Channel organisation

"Diversity in the workforce is crucial"

How can Panelle help with your DEI goals? 

Panelle will enable us to gain more insight on what Fortinet can do to improve culture and make a more supportive, equitable place. We look forward to networking with women leaders who may be a good fit to join Fortinet.

What will you achieve through this series with Panelle? 

We are actively seeking to forge meaningful connections with women leaders across our key accounts. The existence of an exciting and dynamic opportunity is very encouraging, and it will contribute to improving collaborative efforts even more.

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