DEI Archives

In the realm of board diversity, progress has not just stalled—it’s backsliding. According to a recent report by Heidrick & Struggles, the proportion of new female board members, particularly Black women, is dwindling at U.S. firms. This regression is happening despite the fact that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts have been at the forefront of corporate conversations. So, where’s the disconnect?

The conundrum stems from a conventional yet flawed approach: confining the search for board members to the C-suite. While it’s undeniably filled with accomplished and highly-qualified individuals, the C-suite pool is narrow and not nearly diverse as it could be. By setting our sights beyond the C-suite, we could unlock a wealth of untapped potential that could be key to achieving sustainable board diversity.

Breaking The C-Suite Barrier

C-suite experience has become a prerequisite for many board roles, with an increasing number of positions going to those with CEO or CFO backgrounds. The challenge? Only 26% of C-suite executives are women, according to a 2022 McKinsey & Company report. Furthermore, only 10% of Fortune 500 companies have women CEOs, and this percentage drops to 0.4% when considering Black women-led companies. This discrepancy doesn’t reflect a lack of qualified women; rather, it highlights the systemic barriers that keep them from reaching the C-suite in the first place.

The same structural issues that contribute to the gender and racial imbalance in the C-suite can manifest on boards, leading to a vicious cycle that keeps board diversity stagnant. Fast-tracking a few women into high-visibility roles or expanding board size to accommodate diversity may be quick fixes, but these measures are temporary and could even perpetuate opposition.

A diverse board of directors sitting around a boardroom table

Untapped Potential

Rather than restricting board member search efforts to the traditional pool of C-suite executives, it’s time companies broadened their horizons. As I’ve argued in my article on The Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, diversity brings about a host of benefits, including increased creativity and innovation, improved employee engagement, and a wider market appeal. The potential of these benefits does not decrease as we climb the corporate ladder. In fact, Senior Directors and other non-C-suite executives hold a wealth of experience and expertise that could greatly enhance board decision-making processes.

Elevating Senior Directors and similar roles to board positions not only increases diversity but also enriches the board with a range of experiences and skills that might not be present within the C-suite. Furthermore, it sends a powerful message about an organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels.

Sustainable Change

Sustainable progress in board diversity requires more than one-off initiatives or symbolic gestures. We need to overhaul the system that contributes to the lack of diversity in the first place. This might involve revising human resources processes, like performance reviews and hiring rules, to ensure they’re free of bias and foster diversity.

As Forbes rightfully highlights, improving board refreshment practices and leveling the playing field can foster durable progress in board diversity. These practices also enhance the bottom line by improving corporate governance and protecting human capital investments. Therefore, they are integral to the overall health and success of an organization.

Let’s not let board diversity be another box to tick or a trend to follow. It’s an essential element of a resilient, innovative, and successful company. By looking beyond the C-suite, we can tap into a wealth of potential and foster a more diverse and inclusive corporate landscape. Remember, diversity isn’t just a statistic—it’s a strategy for success.

A Setback for Educational Equality: Affirmative Action Overturned

In what is a shocking turn of events for some, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has overturned Affirmative Action in higher education, asserting that it was a form of racial discrimination. This decision is a blow to progress, a denial of the enduring effects of systemic racism, and a significant step backwards for our nation’s commitment to equality and inclusivity.

The SCOTUS decision suggests a fundamental misunderstanding (or blatant disregard) of why Affirmative Action was necessary in the first place. “Eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it,” they argue, failing to recognize that Affirmative Action was a direct response to deeply ingrained discrimination and systemic bias that has pervaded our society for centuries. The fallacy that we’re living on a level playing field is not just wrong; it’s detrimental to the advancement of those who have been historically marginalized.

Elevating Voices: Centering Communities and Showcasing Success Stories

United, we will fight tenaciously until every student — inclusive of every background — has equal access to higher education and the freedom to chase their dreams. Our nation could flourish if we harnessed the talents and potential of students from all races and ethnicities, fostering a culture of mutual respect. So, despite this ruling, we refuse to let it dictate our narrative.

Here’s what we’ll continue to do instead: We’ll choose to spotlight the communities most impacted by this decision. We’ll strive to honor the individuals whose triumphant stories of resilience and prosperity against all odds deserve applause, not repression. Now as much as ever, these narratives hold paramount importance. They’ll continue to kindle the spark within our youth, encouraging them to reach their fullest potential and debunking negative stereotypes that are often artificially attached to their identities.

We won’t just stand by as those in positions of power and privilege attempt to barricade the avenues of opportunity and leadership for our children, while keeping those same roads open for their own. Education is not a request—it’s a demand. We seek it for our people, insisting on an education system that fosters equity, inclusivity, and above all, justice.”

Paving Alternative Paths: Embracing New Mexico’s Free Higher Education

In response to the recent ruling, it’s time for us to seek out and highlight alternative paths to higher education. One such option is found in the state of New Mexico, which is leading the charge by offering free higher education to all its residents. Here’s a quick breakdown of what this means:

Full coverage of tuition and fees at all public colleges and universities in New Mexico
Includes both part-time and full-time students
Open to students pursuing credit-bearing career training certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees
Available to all New Mexico residents, irrespective of their background or financial standing

This could be a game changer, particularly for Black students and families aspiring to achieve a 4-year college degree. Cities like Albuquerque, with their welcoming communities and supportive environments, could provide the ideal backdrop for pursuing these aspirations. It’s opportunities like these that we must seize and champion in the wake of decisions that threaten to set us back.

The Responsibility of Universities: Expanding Opportunities

While states like New Mexico step up to champion the wellbeing of their residents, universities, too, hold a crucial responsibility to broaden opportunities. Despite the likelihood that the SCOTUS ruling will trigger a restructuring of admissions processes, it’s imperative that universities continue to dismantle the barriers obstructing the path to higher education and leadership.

Inclusion has to be a core tenet of higher education. This of course will require significant changes. Universities need to champion transparency in their admissions processes, ensuring they are fair and equitable. They should reevaluate the weight given to standardized tests (or the tests themselves), recognizing the inherent bias they perpetuate. Lowering tuition costs is another crucial step that will enable more students to access higher education. And it’s also time we confronted the privileged tradition of legacy admissions, working to phase out a practice that prioritizes lineage over merit.

In light of these challenges, universities should consider adopting a Targeted Universalism approach. This model allows for universal goals to be established while acknowledging that different resources and strategies may be needed to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or current situations, can achieve these goals. This approach helps ensure that everyone, especially those from marginalized or disadvantaged communities, has the support they need to access higher education

We can’t afford to let recent setbacks deter or dissuade us. Instead, we have to use them as the inspiration to double down our efforts, ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open to all, inclusive all of races or socio-economic statuses.

The Continuation of the Fight for Equal Opportunity

Regardless of the relentless attempts by anti-civil rights factions to sow discord among the people, our unity remains uncompromised. We are committed to equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination. We know that when everyone has access to higher education, we all benefit. Education is a well-established path to liberation. We understand the fundamental truth that when higher education is accessible to everyone, the benefits ripple through our entire society. Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we’ll persist in shaping a future that’s brighter and more inclusive.

Therefore, our struggle for educational justice and equal opportunity will not stop. We can’t stop, won’t stop. In a nation as diverse as ours, it’s crucial that students from all walks of life — uninhibited by the zip code of their birthplace — learn, grow, and thrive together in our colleges and universities. Every student is entitled to feel valued, to chase their dreams, and to contribute to the fine fabric of the future of this country. Our fight isn’t just about achieving equality in education; it’s about creating a society where everyone is equally supported to succeed.

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Standing Against Age-Old Injustice, Renewing Our Resolve

This pushback isn’t new. It’s part of a long history of attempts to dismantle civil rights and deny fairness to people of color. After all, anti-Black racist policy has been the bedrock of this country. However, we are resolute, focused, and refuse to back down. We’ll persist in our fight against educational inequalities, ensuring that every student, regardless of their race or ethnicity, is set up to thrive. Black people deserve to thrive.

Our commitment to racial equity must be unwavering. Together, we will continue the fight until every student has an equal opportunity to access higher education and realize their dreams. Now, let’s explore new opportunities for higher education, like those offered by the state of New Mexico. Education, of course, is just one piece of the puzzle, albeit a significant one.

When I say we want land, food, housing, education, clothing, justice, and peace, I speak for the people. We will convert this adversity into action and continue our quest for equality and justice in the face of resistance.

Category: DEI

Beyond the C-Suite: The Untapped Potential for Board Diversity