In support of our commitment to advance social justice within our company and community, 3M has created a new leadership role. 3M is proud to announce our first-ever director of social justice strategy and initiatives, Garfield Bowen. In this role, Bowen will work with leaders across the company to develop and execute 3M’s social justice strategies.

“We created this role to ensure alignment of social justice initiatives across 3M for impact and sustainability,” said Kristen Ludgate, senior vice president of 3M Human Resources. “We knew we needed a social justice leader who could connect people across the company and who’s passionate about community engagement. With his experience in project management and Lean Six Sigma, his leadership in 3M’s African American Network and his service with community organizations like Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Garfield is the perfect person for this role.”

3M is uniquely positioned to lead the manufacturing industry in the design and implementation of workforce development initiatives that advance racial equality, empower an inclusive culture and model social justice in the future of work.

“Companies like 3M can use their influence, resources, and capabilities to reduce the education and economic disparities experienced by communities of color, while advancing racial inclusion within the workplace. This is exactly what 3M intends to do and I am proud to see our CEO leading the way in manufacturing and top leaders equally committed to this mission,” Garfield explains.

Initial focus areas will include strengthening an inclusive culture and eliminating internal systemic barriers, advancing STEM and manufacturing workforce development initiatives for underrepresented groups within our communities, and empowering diversity and inclusion advocacy inside and outside 3M.