Invest Ahead

We've seen the headlines. We understand that these are polarized times. Still, the fact remains: common-sense investing principles provide investor returns. Not ideology. Not partisanship. Not empty rhetoric. Invest Ahead is a non-partisan group of investors who know that highly capable, well-composed boards drive company performance – and ultimately, American competitiveness. We provide a national forum for members to actively collaborate and share investor-driven strategies to create more demand for diverse perspectives on corporate boards. Members include more than 90 institutional investors, state treasurers, corporations, professional services firms, advocacy groups, private equity firms, and individuals With over $8 trillion in assets under management, we're committed to board excellence. Are you? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gNdZQAp6

In his response article for Forbes, As You Sow CEO Andrew Behar explores a shared belief among DEI opponents and supporters alike: that people should be hired and promoted based on merit. To unite the conversation, he proposes a simple definition of DEI: “organizational frameworks that seek to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people based on merit.” Here’s how we can move forward: https://lnkd.in/gA4kSG5p

DEI isn’t disintegrating. Here’s what the data says: https://lnkd.in/eEgPYrq7 (via Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D. for Forbes)

Good guidance on board diversity for private and public companies alike: https://lnkd.in/gUGezNkB (via Forbes Nonprofit Council, Forbes)

Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are alive and well at The Coca-Cola Company: https://lnkd.in/eYAjE6JZ (via Sharelle McNair for Black Enterprise Magazine)

“Shareholders understand that diversity and inclusion are material to profitable growth,” said Andrew Behar, CEO of As You Sow. ?????? “While some of America’s most powerful companies have rolled back their DEI initiatives over the past year, investors are rejecting anti-DEI proposals in overwhelming numbers.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/etBYVmS8 (via Sara Braun and Azure Gilman for Fortune)

As some companies dismantle DEI initiatives, more forward-thinking companies have reinforced their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – such as Ben & Jerry's, Delta Air Lines, Microsoft, JPMorganChase, and others: https://lnkd.in/gmtW6uy8 (via Miranda Jeyaretnam for TIME)

Every February, Black History Month in the US honors the history, achievements, and impact of Black Americans. The month-long celebration began as "Negro History Week" in 1926, founded by historian Carter G. Woodson and the ASALH, chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, President Gerald Ford extended recognition to Black Americans' contributions, making it an official month-long observance. How is it celebrated across the globe? ?? Canada: After the Ontario Black History Society's successful petition in 1993, Black History Month was officially recognized nationwide in Canada in December 1995, following a motion introduced by Dr. Jean Augustine. ?? Germany: Black History Month was established in Germany in 1990 by the Initiative Schwarzer Deutscher (ISD). ?? Panama: May marks the celebration of Black Heritage Month in Panama. May 31 is known as Día de la Etnia Negra Nacional (National Black Heritage Day). The month celebrates the arrival of Africans and Antilleans to Panama and their impact on Panamanian culture. ?? The United Kingdom: Black History Month is celebrated in October, with Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo marking it an “annual celebration of the contributions of Africa, Africans and people of African descent to world civilization from antiquity to the present.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eSpRGrmg #BlackHistoryMonth

Opponents of DEI argue that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives prioritize identity over merit. In truth, it’s the opposite. Casting a wider net across the talent pool opens more doors to success and innovation. DEI is good for people – and that’s good for business. At its core, DEI is about carrying out “a legal commitment to workplace practices that provide equal access to good jobs and fair wages.” This article offers ways to reaffirm DEI strategies so they remain anchored in fairness and success: https://lnkd.in/gqGgBg_Z (via Jenny Yang and Pamela Coukos for Fortune)

Whether or not they set out to, Costco offers a masterclass in how to address corporate DEI despite the pushback. In the company’s own words: “Our success at Costco Wholesale has been built on service to our critical stakeholders: employees, members, and suppliers. Our efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion follow our code of ethics … and reinforce with everyone at our Company the importance of creating opportunities for all. We believe that these efforts enhance our capacity to attract and retain employees who will help our business succeed … As our membership diversifies, we believe that serving it with a diverse group of employees enhances satisfaction … And we believe (and member feedback shows) that many of our members like to see themselves reflected in the people in our warehouses with whom they interact. Having diversity in our supplier base, including appropriate attention to small businesses, is beneficial for many of the same reasons diversity benefits our Company. We believe that it fosters creativity and innovation in the merchandise and services that we offer our members.” Learn more, via Doug Melville for Forbes: https://lnkd.in/endjiEDc