Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors

Heading back home after an incredible week filled with inspiration and purpose! In Miami, we celebrated Latino leadership at LCDA’s 9th Annual Board Leaders Convening, the largest gathering of Latino corporate directors and executives yet. The energy, ideas, and camaraderie were unmatched, and it was a true honor to witness and be part of the momentum we’re building for greater representation in corporate governance. From there, I spent two days with an extraordinary group of leaders for a 2 day in-person board meeting for the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors. The conversations were insightful, and the collective commitment to advancing inclusion in boardrooms was nothing short of remarkable. What was most impactful of the last 2 days is living into the importance of intersectionality in leadership and representation. I have the honored to serve on the LGBTQ+ board with LCDA members Michael C. Camu?ez and Chiqui Cartagena and we welcomed several other LCDA members who joined as allies. These connections underscore the shared responsibility we have to champion equity across all dimensions of diversity. Grateful for these opportunities to connect, lead, and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our organizations and communities. Until next time, Miami! Now, time to recharge at home and reflect on all that was accomplished.

When the Nasdaq started requiring listed companies to include members of underrepresented groups on their boards of directors by 2026, LGBTQ+ executives gained unprecedented insight into their representation. Now, legal and regulatory challenges threaten the initiative. Fabrice C Houdart?and?Wouter Torsin?write that members of this community face significant hurdles as they rise through the ranks, resulting in a “lavender ceiling” that keeps them from ascending to the board.

NEW PODCAST Directors & Boards AND THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY IN THE BOARD ROOM I’m proud to share my conversation with Bill Hayes on the business case for diversity in the board room. It ultimately comes down to PERFORMANCE. Consider these opportunities with a diverse board 1. Better Decision Making Diverse perspectives allow for more comprehensive discussions and insights, reducing groupthink and allowing for innovative solutions. 2. Improved Financial Performance Research shows that companies with diverse boards often outperform their less diverse counterparts financially. Diverse teams tend to be more effective at solving complex problems, leading to better business outcomes and increased profitability. 3. Enhanced Reputation and Trust Board diversity reflects a company’s stakeholders, including shareholders, employees and customers, signaling that the company values inclusivity and representation. 4. Increased Innovation Diversity can spark creativity by bringing together different ideas, skills, and cultural perspectives. This can help the company to innovate more effectively and adapt to shifting industry trends. 5. Enhanced Employee Engagement and Retention In summary, a diverse board sets a tone for the entire organization, promoting an inclusive culture that values diversity at all levels. This can boost employee morale, leading to higher engagement and lower turnover rates. Boardroom diversity is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a strategic advantage. By embracing diversity, companies can better position themselves to thrive in a globalized and rapidly changing business environment. Here’s the podcast along with Michael Marquardt and Daphne Jones #future #leadership NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) NYSE Nasdaq Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors PODCAST?? https://lnkd.in/eGV3qfAH

I'm very happy to see spaces like this being created, where crucial conversations about rights, justice, equality, and diversity are happening. At the Concordia Annual Summit in New York, I attended a session titled "LGBTQIA+ Representation in Global Governments: Reflecting on Progress and Shaping the Future," where I learned some incredible statistics. For instance, only 1% of C-suites are LGBTQIA+, 3% hold board seats in Fortune 500 companies, and just 1.3% in Nasdaq. This is compared to the 7.6% of the U.S. population identifying as LGBTQIA+. Despite the progress, there's still resistance to sharing power. We need to keep advocating for greater representation, both in the public and the private sectors. You can join the cause of the LGBTQ+ Directors Association at https://lnkd.in/ezv9Nnem and watch the full conversation at https://lnkd.in/eZGfW2sZ. A big thank you for the incredible conversation: Shereen El Feki, Fabrice C Houdart, Paolo Rondelli, Charles Moran, and Luanne Peterpaul. #lgbtqai+ #concordia #diversity #inclusion