The Embrace Difference Council would like to take the opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the immense impact Angela Burgum has made over the many years she has been involved with us. And we extend our warmest wishes as she embarks on a new chapter in her career outside the drinks industry.
Burgum's dedication as a member of the Embrace Difference Council, particularly within the See Difference workstream, has been truly commendable. Her invaluable contributions include spearheading the development of a framework that measures and monitors the progress made in Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) within the drinks industry. Burgum's work has amplified the awareness of this crucial area and established a tangible way to track and improve the industry's ongoing efforts.
Sandra Gibbs, Chair of the Embrace Difference Council, said: "Ange has been committed to the Diversity & Inclusion movement since its infancy. She was one of the first people to put up her hand to say, 'I want to make a difference in this great industry and make it more equitable and inclusive', and she has been a cornerstone of the team ever since. We will miss her contribution and, more importantly, her friendship."
Burgum was recognised this year at the Drinks Association’s International Women’s Day event for her outstanding contribution to driving diversity, equity and inclusion in the drinks industry.
At the time, she said: "It's a really important tool because it's how we measure ourselves and our progress as a whole against key D&I metrics and policies. It's also a way to understand and share the progress we have made. And to engage industry leaders on areas in need of improvement."
"In 2023, women are still less likely to lead, less likely to be paid fairly, and less likely to have their achievements recognised," she added.
Sarah Abbott, Workstream lead for the See Difference Council, said: “‘I can say, without a doubt, that Angela’s dedication to building a scorecard that highlights the Drinks Association members’ progress in relation to gender equity, has directly created change. With this scorecard, members have been able to understand their progress against their peers and use it to start a conversation within their organisation for change. Angela’s impact will continue long after she has gone – the ultimate legacy.”
Gibbs added: “I wish Ange all the best in her new role – they are lucky to have her.”