2014: Baxter Women Leaders Business Resource Group

Baxter International’s Baxter Women Leaders (BWL) business resource group was the winner of the 2014 HBA ACE award.

The first of eight business resource groups established at Baxter, BWL fosters a culture that creates professional growth opportunities for women at all levels and stages in their careers. As captured in the group’s tagline, ''inspire, connect, advance,'' one of its main goals is to support an environment that increases education and networking opportunities for women across Baxter while also increasing representation in leadership positions. BWL’s other goals include advocating on behalf of women and engaging in women’s business issues as well as community-related activities.

Ludwig Hantson, corporate vice president and president of Baxter’s BioScience business, and Jill Schaaf, corporate vice president and president of the company’s Renal business, are BWL’s executive sponsors. BWL has a strong governance model in place that allows for rotation and succession of leadership, as well as consistent contact with several levels of management across Baxter.