MONROE, La., March 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is dedicated to celebrating diversity in the workplace. This month, the company is recognizing Women's History Month and International Women's Day with expanded celebrations to highlight the contributions of pioneering women's historical accomplishments, as well as share inspirational examples of today's women in the workforce and their eyes on the prize as they help create tomorrow's opportunities.

Throughout March, CenturyLink's employee resource groups (ERGs) will host celebratory and educational events across the U.S. and at a number of international locations. The purpose of these groups is to foster a diverse, inclusive and engaged workplace aligned with business objectives. The ERG events will feature employee breakfasts and lunches, executive guest speakers and roundtable discussions designed to highlight the contributions of women and the importance of Women's History Month. "CenturyLink ERGs are a great way for employees with similar interests to learn and grow while also enjoying each other's company," said Emily Masters, lead project manager and global chair for Women Empowered.   

"Equality is not a women's issue; it is a business issue and an equal world is an enabled world," said Laurinda Pang, CenturyLink's president of international and global accounts management. "Individually, we can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements."

Local chapters of Women Empowered, the company's largest ERG with more than 2,700 members in 43 states and seventeen countries, continues to grow. With membership increasing by approximately 35 percent in the past year, the company recently launched a chapter in India in which several hundred employees joined on the day of the launch. Women Empowered chapters are hosting development opportunities for members and employees through "Lunch & Learn" events. Attendees will hear presentations titled Why Stay?, Breaking the Rules and Believe, Do, Succeed. Guest speakers include leaders from some of today's best-known companies, including Bechtel, Blue Origin, MIT Media Lab, Shell and others.

During the month-long celebration, CenturyLink employees will be encouraged to show their support of women in the workplace by posting pictures online using the hashtags #EachForEqual and #CTLInclusion.  

A Video Sampling of a Few of our Women Thought Leaders

CenturyLink has also produced a series of videos (see below) to help highlight the month-long celebration. Among them, #CTLHerStory shows how the accomplished women of CenturyLink got their start, illuminates their love of technology, and serves as encouragement for the next generation of women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

• Laurinda Pang kicks off CenturyLink's celebration of International Women's Day: https://youtu.be/8oCVzGZZ5FY
• CenturyLink celebrates Women's History Month: https://youtu.be/PZElIPoMsSw
• #CTLHerStory highlights women within CenturyLink: https://youtu.be/nT6hLGYrok0

Women Thought Leaders at CenturyLink

• President - Wholesale, Indirect Channels and Alliances: Lisa Miller
• President - Consumer Markets: Maxine Moreau
• President - International and Global Accounts Management: Laurinda Pang

About CenturyLink
CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a technology leader delivering hybrid networking, cloud connectivity, and security solutions to customers around the world. Through its extensive global fiber network, CenturyLink provides secure and reliable services to meet the growing digital demands of businesses and consumers. CenturyLink strives to be the trusted connection to the networked world and is focused on delivering technology that enhances the customer experience. Learn more at http://news.centurylink.com/

SOURCE CenturyLink Inc.