2020 Women on Boards Furthers National Conversation
I recently had the privilege of attending the 2020 Women on Boards event held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Following an idea that started between two female executives in 2010 in Boston, Mass., women and men across our country have been getting together to engage in a national conversation about the value and importance of the female voice and perspective on Boards of Directors. With the goal of increasing the percentage of women on U.S. Company Boards to 20% or greater by the year 2020, the duo’s grassroots efforts gained national traction in 2011. After the milestone of 2020 is reached, there will be a new name, goals and renewed focus to add more women on Corporate Boards.
CUNA Mutual Group was recognized at this year’s event in Milwaukee as a “Winning ‘W’ Company” for having a Board of Directors that is at least 20% female. We are very intentional about the diverse make-up of our Board; and are proud to say ours is 40% female.
While listening to the conversation at the event, I was struck by the progress we’ve made in recognizing the critical role diversity plays in corporate America, yet how much work still needs to be done. I also walked away thinking about how we can position our female leaders at CUNA Mutual Group to be more inquisitive about and ready for Board service.
I was happy to learn about this grassroots movement and the tools they’ve made available to prepare female leaders for Board service. Now all we need for these board-ready candidates are more opportunities!
A key takeaway from this experience for me is learning first-hand the barriers encountered by highly qualified female leaders, especially female leaders of color, who are seeking outside board opportunities. At CUNA Mutual Group we are working hard to breakdown those barriers at all levels of the company. But that isn’t the case everywhere. More work needs to be done. Our diversity, equity and inclusion journey, which began in 2015, with the addition of inclusion as a core company value continues…we cannot give up on the journey. It’s too important!
A day of learning and reflection, and another step forward as a more informed CEO.