Equate Scotland Welcomes the 3M Skills-Based Volunteers
3M Impact Programme 2025
A Transformational Two Weeks
Recently, Equate Scotland had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the 3M Impact Programme — a global initiative that connects 3M employees with social impact organisations around the world. For two full weeks, a team of exceptional 3M skills-based volunteers from the United States, Costa Rica, and Turkey joined us in Edinburgh to help strengthen our organisation and expand our capacity to support women in STEM across Scotland.
Although we are a small organisation with limited resources, our mission is steep: to drive change for women in science, technology, engineering, and the built environment. The 3M Impact team approached this with astounding empathy, commitment, and professionalism. From day one, they immersed themselves in our operations, culture, and challenges, working closely with our staff to understand every aspect of how Equate delivers coaching, training, mentorship, industry engagement, and policy work.
What impressed us most was not just their expertise — though they brought exceptional analytical depth, strategic clarity, and creativity — but the way they applied these skills with warmth, humility, and compassion. They asked insightful questions, observed our practices with care, and facilitated some of the most thoughtful, energising discussions we’ve had as a team.
Their final recommendations, beautifully delivered through a series of polished presentations, outlined a comprehensive roadmap of 67 strategic action items. These covered everything from refining our value proposition and improving internal processes to strengthening our partnerships, shaping marketing strategies, and unlocking new opportunities to support women throughout the STEM pipeline.
One message stood out powerfully throughout their time with us:
Be loud and proud about what you do.
3M Impact Programme 2025
In celebrating our achievements, they reminded us that the work we do matters — and that we are capable of even greater impact.
This programme has left a profound mark on our team. It has given us renewed confidence, sharper focus, and genuine excitement for what comes next: the evolution into Equate 2.0.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire 3M team for their generosity, dedication, and exceptional professionalism. Your efforts will influence our organisation for years to come, and the ripple effect will reach countless women pursuing careers in STEM.
A special thank you to Pyxera Global for organising and hosting this transformative engagement.
We look forward to the day we can welcome you back — and show you the impact you’ve helped create.
3M Impact Programme 2025
