The KSB Women’s Network: Strengthening Teams at KSB GIW, Inc.

In July 2025, KSB GIW established a local chapter of the KSB Women’s Network, an internal group that provides connection, professional development, and mentorship. The chapter was launched by Co-Leaders Linda Clover, Manager, Analytics and Marketing, and Lauri Wiggins, Chief Engineer, Core and Commercial Engineering. 

While the group’s work often centers on the experiences of women in the workplace, it welcomes all employees who are interested in participating. Today, 52 members are enrolled in the chapter, with an average of 39 participants attending the group’s seven to eight meetings each year.

Clover and Wiggins were inspired to start a chapter of the KSB Women’s Network at KSB GIW after experiencing firsthand how mentorship and professional development advanced their own careers. “I’ve had great leaders over the years who believed in a learning culture, and in coaching and mentoring others,” says Clover. “I’ve done that informally for many years. This was an opportunity to expand those concepts even more into our company culture.”

Clover also recognized the value of creating a way for colleagues to build relationships in a highly technical field. “This network helps members to broaden connections and address challenges together,” she notes. Wiggins shared a similar motivation. “Early in my career, I often found myself navigating challenges alone,” she says. “Having a space to talk openly, share resources, and get advice would have helped me build confidence sooner.” 

Together, the leaders saw an opportunity to strengthen career growth for team members across KSB GIW.

From the start, the KSB Women’s Network chapter at KSB GIW has been guided by a clear mission: to provide a setting where participants can talk through common workplace challenges, share practical guidance and resources, and build meaningful connections. 

Central to the group is an environment of trust and collaboration. “We emphasize confidentiality and respect, so members feel safe opening up and discussing tough topics,” Wiggins explains. “We also encourage everyone to contribute ideas, which creates a culture of mutual support.”

The chapter meets throughout the year for workshops focused on professional development. These sessions are designed to be practical, giving participants tools they can apply in their day-to-day work. Recent topics have included imposter syndrome, communication skills, and strategies for defining and achieving career goals. 

In addition to training seminars, the group recently introduced a structured mentoring program that connects colleagues across experience levels. The program’s goal is to strengthen both professional and personal development for members through coaching and networking. 

For the chapter’s leadership, impact is measured not by membership numbers alone, but by members’ growth and advancement. “I consider our group successful if participants benefit from the training and networking to grow personally and professionally,” Clover says. Wiggins echoes that sentiment, describing success as “seeing members grow in confidence, take on new responsibilities, and openly support each other.”

The group’s long-term goal is to help members take ownership of their career paths. “I hope participants realize that they are in charge of their own choices and careers,” Clover notes. Wiggins adds, “I hope every member leaves feeling empowered to raise their hand for new opportunities, knowing they have both the ability and the support network to succeed.”

The KSB Women’s Network chapter at KSB GIW builds on KSB’s long-standing commitment to learning and diverse perspectives. KSB leadership supports the global KSB Women’s Network and is working to expand opportunities for employee advancement across the company. At KSB GIW, former President and Managing Director Jonathan Samuel, who now serves as President of KSB Mining, endorsed the local chapter from the outset and continues to be a strong advocate.

While the group was created to support individual professional growth, it also strengthens KSB GIW as a whole. By providing opportunities for mentorship and learning, the chapter helps prepare employees for leadership roles and improves collaboration across teams. As KSB GIW looks to the future, investing in its people helps the organization develop internal talent and remain competitive. 

“We can help KSB be even more successful because we’re broadening the status quo in a positive, constructive way,” Clover says. “New perspectives can bring powerful change.”