Sophia Meza Vergara

December 2022 - Current

Simmons & Simmons – Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Düsseldorf/ London,

Germany/UK

· Strategy Development: Crafted and executed diversity plans aligned with organizational goals.

· Policy Enhancement: Updated policies to enhance workplace diversity and inclusion.

· Training Programs: Led diversity awareness and training sessions with an international audience.

· Stakeholder Collaboration: Partnered with leadership and teams to promote diversity efforts.

· Data Analysis: Analyzed diversity data to guide and report on initiatives.

· Inclusive Recruitment: Advocated for diverse hiring and retention practices.

· Employee Support: Provided guidance on diversity and inclusion issues.

· Trend Monitoring: Stayed informed on diversity trends and best practices.

· Event Organization: Managed diversity events and communications.

· Budget Management: Oversaw and allocated budgets for diversity initiatives to ensure effective use of resources.

• Active support to Bayer international assignees and their families while acting as main point of contact for employees, managers, HR Business Partners and local HR departments of all Bayer divisions in all Crossborder Workforce related topics (selection of the best HR Policy, consultation on international tax and social security, explanation of salary calculation).
• Responsible for Vendor Management and process optimization - Proactive exchange with local Business and Vendors to understand and implement the needs of the assignee and the business, and therefore ensure a smooth and efficient cross-border experience aligned with organizational needs.
• ensure that Global HR Policies are met. Clear and deep understanding of internal policies and external regulations related to international expatriation. Assess and consult the business on the best HR Policy for their need.
• Coordination and collaboration with different HR Teams, including Local HR Business and the Center of Expertise. Escalation Management with top management level working under high pressure.
• Projectlead for I&D at Crossborder Workforce: focus on gender equality measures. Qualitative and quantitative study on female assignees and their needs. Implementation of Role Modelling Stories (#MyAssignmentStory at LinkedIn). Responsible for internal and external communication on I&D topics.
• Projectlead for I&D topics at SCGer: creating a network on Diversity topics (cultural, gender, LGTBQ+, disability). Creating Role Modelling Formats (MyDiversityStory). Responsible for internal and external communication on I&D topics.
• Key Contact for the Total Rewards team from the Philippines: act as main contact person for process optimization and relationship building to ensure a smooth transition of Comp&Ben processes.

• Intercultural Consultant: giving trainings to executive management leaders on "Living and Working in Mexico/Germany/ Latin America". Giving Intercultural Awareness Trainings on basics for Intercultural Management.

• Account Manager: selling products from portfolio to clients fitting their needs.
• Intercultural Consultant: giving trainings to executive management leaders on "Living and Working in Mexico/Germany/ Latin America". Giving Intercultural Awareness Trainings on basics for Intercultural Management.
• Networking beyond global offices and ensuring a smooth collaboration and communication.
• Assessing on market entry for the Mexican market with the purpose to open a business in Mexico.

• Responsible for networking with stakeholder in Latinamerica (communication in english, spanish, german).
• Learned new materials, processes and programs quickly.
• Increased training efficiency by working closely with supervisor and coworkers, asking questions, and giving honest, detailed feedback.

• Reviewed and screened applicant resumes to identify qualified candidates.
• Liaised between management and employees to deliver conflict resolution, alleviate problems and interpret compensation and benefits policies.
• Planned and managed recruitment activities for new hires using strategic personnel, staffing and position management practices.
• Primary contact person for international apprentices and trainees to ensure a smooth onboarding.