Bentley Motors' global ‘Extraordinary Women’ initiative continues to expand with the next selection of extraordinary students. For the first time, the brand has provided an opportunity to the students of Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to experience a week-long visit to Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, UK, as the final stage of their bespoke mentorship programme.
The 'Extraordinary Women' program is a continuous initiative by Bentley, aligning with the brand's broader Diversity and Inclusion commitment as part of its Beyond100 strategy. The programme seeks to identify and nurture young female talent in business, design, and engineering, and to motivate them to pursue professions in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Automotive fields. The initiative has brought together eight students and eight mentors from Saudi Arabia and the UK who have participated in the 2023 programme as a result of the first edition's success.
After a thorough selection process in collaboration with Bentley's partner universities, the selected students were paired with their mentors, known as Bentley Pioneers. They had regular interactions with their mentors before visiting Bentley's facilities. During the visit, they had the opportunity to explore Bentley's manufacturing operations, meet senior automotive leaders, and present their ideas to a panel of Bentley experts.
The Saudi Pioneers, comprising Mishaal Ashemimry, an aerospace engineer and founder of MISHAAL Aerospace; Noha Zagzoug, a member of the Women in Leadership Deliver (WILD) Network; and Nicola Gough from Bentley Motor's product strategy team, were introduced to their mentees in May during a private luncheon held at the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah.
The four Dar al-Hekma University students who took part in the program were Nada Ayman Alzahrani, studying Computer Science and mentored by Mishaal Ashemimry; Sarah Nahill Alrawi, specializing in Finance and mentored by Noha Zagzoug; and Reem Mohammed Alsamkari, focusing on Cyber Security and mentored by Nicola Gough.
A word from the Officials and Students
Commenting on her role as one of the Pioneers, Noha Zagzoug said, “I am truly grateful to be a part of a programme that aims to inspire and develop the next generation of young female leaders. Not only does it provide exceptional guidance and mentorship, but it offers students the chance to explore and learn before they embark on their new path. This programme is instrumental in helping them develop the necessary skills to succeed on both their professional and personal journeys.”
Nada Alzahrani, student at Dar Al-Hekma University, said, "Participating in Bentley's Extraordinary Women programme has been a life-changing opportunity. I am so grateful for the mentorship and guidance provided by the many experts I have met, and for the truly unique opportunity to visit the company's headquarters. This experience has really ignited my passion for STEM and automotive, and has shown me the limitless possibilities that lie ahead."
Member of the Board for Human Resources, Dr Karen Lange, explained, “This is the second edition of the ‘Extraordinary Women’ programme, and we are delighted to welcome even more inspirational young women to our head office this year. I’m particularly pleased to welcome our first group of students from Saudi Arabia. Empowering the future generation of female leaders is a key focus for us, and aligns with the stated vision for the future of the Kingdom under Vision 2030.”
