WBC Staff

FEATURES

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

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Forbes Feature: Diversity As A CEO Priority During This Singular Time In Our History

FEATURES /

Edie Fraser and WBC Board Member Robert Reiss talk about the importance of Diversity for today's CEOs in Robert's latest Forbes article. Read an excerpt below.

As I speak with CEOs every day, so many are truly pained and deeply want racial harmony. In considering the state of diversity today, I thought it would make sense to talk with one leader who has a history of building true movements: Edie Fraser, CEO, Women Business Collaborative. Edie has already built Million Women Mentors (MWM) with 2.5 million commitments.

Robert Reiss: Talk about diversity today.

Edie Fraser: Robert,  Diversity is a number one issue for the private sector, right up there with return on investments and CEO Leadership.  This moment is singular and provides an opportunity to create sustainable change. The time is NOW! Platitudes are no longer acceptable. Talent is key and so, too, are investments in diverse suppliers and our communities. I was engaged in the civil rights movement early and  have spent my career working to accelerate the position of women and minorities in business. It has been nearly only 17 months since we founded Women Business Collaborative (WBC) together as a non-profit, focusing on increasing parity and power and with it 25% advancement of diversity changes in every action initiative taken. The private sector’s awareness of the disparities in corporate America have only heightened in 2020. It is business that is showing courage to take action, and the private sector must ACT NOW!

Focus on the importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) on our economy and our national wellbeing. COVID-19 and the recession combined with tensions over the continued racism in America have created an unprecedented economic and human crises and highlighted inequities further fueling unrest. In corporate America, our CEOs and Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) and CHROs are crucial to successfully navigating the current social challenges along with the others in the Executive Suite. Bottom up and top down, all  must work together to change what has been the status quo. We want results.

Read the full article on Forbes here.

 

Forbes Feature: Diversity As A CEO Priority During This Singular Time In Our History Read More »

  • Forbes Feature: Diversity As A CEO Priority During This Singular Time In Our History

    • Edie Fraser and WBC Board Member Robert Reiss talk about the importance of Diversity for today's CEOs in Robert's latest Forbes article. Read an excerpt below.

    As I speak with CEOs every day, so many are truly pained and deeply want racial harmony. In considering the state of diversity today, I thought it would make sense to talk with one leader who has a history of building true movements: Edie Fraser, CEO, Women Business Collaborative. Edie has already built Million Women Mentors (MWM) with 2.5 million commitments.

    Robert Reiss: Talk about diversity today.

    Edie Fraser: Robert,  Diversity is a number one issue for the private sector, right up there with return on investments and CEO Leadership.  This moment is singular and provides an opportunity to create sustainable change. The time is NOW! Platitudes are no longer acceptable. Talent is key and so, too, are investments in diverse suppliers and our communities. I was engaged in the civil rights movement early and  have spent my career working to accelerate the position of women and minorities in business. It has been nearly only 17 months since we founded Women Business Collaborative (WBC) together as a non-profit, focusing on increasing parity and power and with it 25% advancement of diversity changes in every action initiative taken. The private sector’s awareness of the disparities in corporate America have only heightened in 2020. It is business that is showing courage to take action, and the private sector must ACT NOW!

    Focus on the importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) on our economy and our national wellbeing. COVID-19 and the recession combined with tensions over the continued racism in America have created an unprecedented economic and human crises and highlighted inequities further fueling unrest. In corporate America, our CEOs and Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) and CHROs are crucial to successfully navigating the current social challenges along with the others in the Executive Suite. Bottom up and top down, all  must work together to change what has been the status quo. We want results.

    Read the full article on Forbes here.

     

    PRESS RELEASES

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    Press Release: The American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and TechServe Alliance Join Staffing Industry Experts to Form Staffing Leadership Council

    PRESS RELEASES /

    The Women Business Collaborative today announced the creation of the WBC Staffing Leadership Council to accelerate diversity, equity and inclusion in the staffing industry. The council was created in collaboration with the American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and the TechServe Alliance.

    “The staffing industry needs data to identify gaps among women of all backgrounds at all levels in the industry,” said Teresa Creech, council co-chair and CEO TalentWave. “With the caliber of organizations involved in the council, we have an opportunity to make a significant impact and pave the way for the next generation of industry leaders.”

    Ursula Williams of SIA is serving as a council member.

    “I’m particularly pleased that SIA is taking a leadership role in this effort, which is committed to the acceleration of equitable and inclusive workplace environments in the staffing industry,” SIA President Barry Asin said. “A special thank you to Ursula Williams, our COO, who has been one of the founding council members and the driving force behind SIA’s involvement in this initiative.”

    Edie Fraser, CEO of the Women Business Council, said now is the right time to concentrate on opportunities for the advancement of women of color.

    “WBC is honored to collaborate with these thought leaders to redouble our efforts in support of our mission to accelerate the advancement of all women in business,” Fraser said. “Representation by the three top industry associations and advisors alongside a remarkable bench of staffing leaders, is a testament to the industry’s commitment to create a more just and equitable workplace.”

    Council co-chairs are Creech; Dana Look-Arimoto, SettleSmarter; and Kip Wright, Genuent.

    Council members are Susan Donohoe, TechServe Alliance; Eric Gregg, ClearlyRated; Gene Holtzman, Mitchell Martin Inc.; JJ Hurley, GDH Consulting; Ashish Kaushal, HireTalent; Leo Sheridan, Advanced Group, and chairman, American Staffing Association; Laquita Stribling, Randstad; Mara Swan, board member, Manpower; Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing; SIA’s Williams.

    To address issues of gender parity and equity among all women the WBC Staffing Leadership Council has outlined the following objectives:

    • Educate – Gather data, establish benchmarks and build metrics for progress
    • Elevate – Build broad industry awareness and leverage work through the pillars of the WBC
    • Activate – Identify opportunities to make a difference and track results across the staffing industry

    The council will begin by conducting an industry-wide survey to understand the social identities among women in staffing and staffing leadership. The analyzed results will provide insight to develop recommendations for improving the representation of gender and race in leadership roles across the industry.

    To participate in the survey, go here. For questions about the council or survey, please contact Ava Panetto at avap@wbcollaborative.org.

    Read the original release here.

    Press Release: The American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and TechServe Alliance Join Staffing Industry Experts to Form Staffing Leadership Council Read More »

  • Press Release: The American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and TechServe Alliance Join Staffing Industry Experts to Form Staffing Leadership Council

    • The Women Business Collaborative today announced the creation of the WBC Staffing Leadership Council to accelerate diversity, equity and inclusion in the staffing industry. The council was created in collaboration with the American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and the TechServe Alliance.

    “The staffing industry needs data to identify gaps among women of all backgrounds at all levels in the industry,” said Teresa Creech, council co-chair and CEO TalentWave. “With the caliber of organizations involved in the council, we have an opportunity to make a significant impact and pave the way for the next generation of industry leaders.”

    Ursula Williams of SIA is serving as a council member.

    “I’m particularly pleased that SIA is taking a leadership role in this effort, which is committed to the acceleration of equitable and inclusive workplace environments in the staffing industry,” SIA President Barry Asin said. “A special thank you to Ursula Williams, our COO, who has been one of the founding council members and the driving force behind SIA’s involvement in this initiative.”

    Edie Fraser, CEO of the Women Business Council, said now is the right time to concentrate on opportunities for the advancement of women of color.

    “WBC is honored to collaborate with these thought leaders to redouble our efforts in support of our mission to accelerate the advancement of all women in business,” Fraser said. “Representation by the three top industry associations and advisors alongside a remarkable bench of staffing leaders, is a testament to the industry’s commitment to create a more just and equitable workplace.”

    Council co-chairs are Creech; Dana Look-Arimoto, SettleSmarter; and Kip Wright, Genuent.

    Council members are Susan Donohoe, TechServe Alliance; Eric Gregg, ClearlyRated; Gene Holtzman, Mitchell Martin Inc.; JJ Hurley, GDH Consulting; Ashish Kaushal, HireTalent; Leo Sheridan, Advanced Group, and chairman, American Staffing Association; Laquita Stribling, Randstad; Mara Swan, board member, Manpower; Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing; SIA’s Williams.

    To address issues of gender parity and equity among all women the WBC Staffing Leadership Council has outlined the following objectives:

    • Educate – Gather data, establish benchmarks and build metrics for progress
    • Elevate – Build broad industry awareness and leverage work through the pillars of the WBC
    • Activate – Identify opportunities to make a difference and track results across the staffing industry

    The council will begin by conducting an industry-wide survey to understand the social identities among women in staffing and staffing leadership. The analyzed results will provide insight to develop recommendations for improving the representation of gender and race in leadership roles across the industry.

    To participate in the survey, go here. For questions about the council or survey, please contact Ava Panetto at avap@wbcollaborative.org.

    Read the original release here.

    BLOGS

    Women In The C-Suite and Executive Leadership With P&L Responsibility

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    Issue Brief: Women in the C-Suite & Executive Leadership

    BLOGS /

    This WBC issue brief looks at why we are focused on achieving parity for women in the C-Suite, particularly executive roles with P&L responsibility.

    Issue Brief: Women in the C-Suite & Executive Leadership Read More »

  • Issue Brief: Women in the C-Suite & Executive Leadership

    • This WBC issue brief looks at why we are focused on achieving parity for women in the C-Suite, particularly executive roles with P&L responsibility.

    PRESS RELEASES

    Diversity Equity and Inclusion

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    Press Release: WBC Focuses on Action with Two New Board Appointments

    PRESS RELEASES /

    Press Release: Two New WBC Board Member Appointments – Felicity Hassan and Sharon Reynolds

    WASHINGTON, July 9, 2020 — Women Business Collaborative (WBC) added Felicity Hassan and Sharon Reynolds, two champions for action and change, to its Board of Directors. Hassan and Reynolds, seasoned executives with a history of working toward diversity and inclusion, will help advance WBC's mission to accelerate business women and ensure commitments to diversify corporate leadership and support for entrepreneurs and capital. 

    "As businesses and Americans face the global pandemic, a recession and calls to address racial injustices, WBC has added two powerhouse women to help further our accelerator goals," said Edie Fraser, CEO of WBC. "Felicity's experience in diverse executive recruiting combined with Sharon's leadership and entrepreneurial experience will allow WBC, and its partners, to ensure our corporate leadership looks a lot more like our American consumers."  WBC recognized Reynolds and Hassan Leadership as they are vice chairs of WBC's Advisory Council.

    In 2007, Reynolds founded DevMar Products focusing on distributing environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and office products, later expanding to create DevMar Manufacturing and DevMar Global Healthcare Solutions, LLC. Reynolds has been recognized throughout her career as an innovator and leader, most recently receiving the 100 Black Men/Women President's Organization Women of Color Achievement Award. The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) selected Sharon as the 2019 WBE Star. Reynolds serves on multiple boards including Second Harvest Food Bank, Ni-Q, LLC, Portland, Oregon, and the Women's Business Enterprise Council South in New Orleans.

    Hassan, Managing Director of Audeliss, an executive search firm, has more than 12 years' experience with executive recruiting for the some of the largest U.S. brands, including Audible and Bloomberg. Her focus and passion is working with clients who are truly committed to creating a diverse workforce and building a culture of diversity and inclusion at the highest corporate echelons. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Hassan serves on the CEO Council for Nicsa's Diversity Project and Co-Chairs their Talent initiative. Felicity is also a member of Luminary NYC. 

    With the addition of Hassan and Reynolds, the WBC board now consists of 15 members, including: Paula Bennett,  Lynne Born, Lin Coughlin, Ana Dutra, Edie Fraser, Balaji Ganapathy, Lisa R. Jacobs, Alexandra Jung, Michael Norris, Melissa Peak, Robert Reiss, Viola Thompson, and  Leigh Wasson.

    Read the original release here.

    Felicity Hassan and Sharon Reynolds add deep expertise in business and entrepreneurial development as WBC continues to accelerate for parity and diversity

    Press Release: WBC Focuses on Action with Two New Board Appointments Read More »

  • Press Release: WBC Focuses on Action with Two New Board Appointments

    • Press Release: Two New WBC Board Member Appointments – Felicity Hassan and Sharon Reynolds

    WASHINGTON, July 9, 2020 — Women Business Collaborative (WBC) added Felicity Hassan and Sharon Reynolds, two champions for action and change, to its Board of Directors. Hassan and Reynolds, seasoned executives with a history of working toward diversity and inclusion, will help advance WBC's mission to accelerate business women and ensure commitments to diversify corporate leadership and support for entrepreneurs and capital. 

    "As businesses and Americans face the global pandemic, a recession and calls to address racial injustices, WBC has added two powerhouse women to help further our accelerator goals," said Edie Fraser, CEO of WBC. "Felicity's experience in diverse executive recruiting combined with Sharon's leadership and entrepreneurial experience will allow WBC, and its partners, to ensure our corporate leadership looks a lot more like our American consumers."  WBC recognized Reynolds and Hassan Leadership as they are vice chairs of WBC's Advisory Council.

    In 2007, Reynolds founded DevMar Products focusing on distributing environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and office products, later expanding to create DevMar Manufacturing and DevMar Global Healthcare Solutions, LLC. Reynolds has been recognized throughout her career as an innovator and leader, most recently receiving the 100 Black Men/Women President's Organization Women of Color Achievement Award. The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) selected Sharon as the 2019 WBE Star. Reynolds serves on multiple boards including Second Harvest Food Bank, Ni-Q, LLC, Portland, Oregon, and the Women's Business Enterprise Council South in New Orleans.

    Hassan, Managing Director of Audeliss, an executive search firm, has more than 12 years' experience with executive recruiting for the some of the largest U.S. brands, including Audible and Bloomberg. Her focus and passion is working with clients who are truly committed to creating a diverse workforce and building a culture of diversity and inclusion at the highest corporate echelons. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Hassan serves on the CEO Council for Nicsa's Diversity Project and Co-Chairs their Talent initiative. Felicity is also a member of Luminary NYC. 

    With the addition of Hassan and Reynolds, the WBC board now consists of 15 members, including: Paula Bennett,  Lynne Born, Lin Coughlin, Ana Dutra, Edie Fraser, Balaji Ganapathy, Lisa R. Jacobs, Alexandra Jung, Michael Norris, Melissa Peak, Robert Reiss, Viola Thompson, and  Leigh Wasson.

    Read the original release here.

    Felicity Hassan and Sharon Reynolds add deep expertise in business and entrepreneurial development as WBC continues to accelerate for parity and diversity