In 2019, women are still underrepresented at every level in the corporate pipeline – from entry-level hires all the way to the C-suite. African American women are the most rare and underrepresented group of all. A recent study published by LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company reports that only one in five senior leaders is a woman, and one in twenty is a woman of color (2018). Here’s another eye-opening statistic: women of color represent 4% of C-Suite and SVP levels, compared to 19% of white women, 9% men of color and 68% white men.
Companies are not proud of this data, so it’s not published often. But transparency in these figures may go a long way in raising awareness. We need more individuals who are willing to take accountability, and develop, mentor and sponsor women to drive diversity and gender equality in the corporate world.
As part of my initiative to make a difference, I am passionate about promoting women of color in business; and I push for gender equality and multicultural diversity to represent the global clients and customers Foundever serves.
Growing up in a multiracial family presented its challenges over the years; but, it taught me the importance of supporting other women of color in their journey ahead. My mother was the first National Honor Society African American female recipient at West Virginia University (WVU), and the first African American female to be recognized at the White House under the Bush Administration for launching a local youth development program for minorities to a nationally endowed program: the Jesse Owens Youth Development Program. Today, I proudly serve on the Board of Directors.
I also mentor women in non-traditional situations who are returning to school to earn their degree – a majority of them in Business school. As part of Women Executives (WE) in Charlotte, I serve as the Mentor Chair on the Board of Directors for WINGS, a non-profit scholarship fund and mentor-ship program that supports female college student who are pursuing degrees in the area.
My goal is to help the women I mentor establish a clear vision and plan for her education and career goals; leveraging my experience through coaching, friendship and support during her college years, and beyond. One by one, making a difference!
In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the bold and powerful women of Foundever by sharing their stories – about balance, about success, about gender equality, about change, about what it feels like to be a woman today.