Today, we celebrate the 10th year of the Women on Boards campaign, the 3rd year of the Seattle conversation on board diversity, and of course, the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote.
Women In Cloud community had an opportunity to participate and explore ways to impact the board’s diversity and inclusion.
In the world we live today, corporations significantly impact the society we live in. However, these organizations are never run by one single individual. There is an established board that determines the future of the organization and its impact on the people. As a board member, you are given the opportunity to support the initiatives that resonate with your personal mission, expand your network, and contribute to the growth of the organization.
The percentage of women on Russell 3000 boards has steadily increased over the past four years, going from 16.0% nationally in 2017 to 22.6% in 2020. Over the same period, the percentage of women directors on Russell 3000 companies headquartered in Washington has increased from 19.3 to 24.9. Washington compares quite favorably against the US average. Checkout Gender Diversity Index Report.
We loved the takeaways shared by Emily Carrion, Chief Marketing Officer at Rubica from the Seattle’s 2020 Women on Boards event:
From Jessie W:
✨Pivot from networking to fellowship – what can you give, how can you serve
✨Prepare yourself for luck so when it presents itself you’re ready
✨Cultivate your power lane – know what you’re awesome at
✨Do your homework & know how you align with what the company is trying to do
✨ Be clear on what YOU want, your personal rubric
✨ If this opportunity isn’t right, share it with others
From Jocelyn Mangan:
✨There is no pipeline issue!
✨Refuse a candidate slate that isn’t diverse
✨A source outside your immediate network
✨Let your network know you’re ready for board service
From Magdalena Yesil:
✨Be open to getting your hands dirty, hiring, finding customers
From Charlotte Guyman:
✨Follow great people, find places to learn from, & be open to serendipity
✨The job of the board is to ensure the right people are in management, they are managing well, & risk mitigation
Programs that are available:
- Foster Women Board Directors Development Program
- OnBoarding Women
- Athena Alliance – A Virtual Community of Women Leaders
- Get on Board – Online Workshops
Loud Shout out to Joanna Lohkamp and Kelly Breslin Wright! Click here to learn more.
