The Washington Post recently published this article, “Why There are Still so Few Minority Women CEOs.” The former PepsiCo CEO, Indra Nooyi, an Indian woman, argues that some of the problem lies in the willingness for networks to support minority women.
“Women of color also do not receive the same high-level support from other executive backers as their white counterparts, according to CTI’s Rashid. That type of “sponsorship” requires mentors who will actively go to bat on someone’s behalf — putting their own reputation on the line and advocating for them behind closed doors — and is considered essential for advancement at the highest corporate echelons. But because sponsorships often fall along “lines of affinity, familiarity and comfort,” said Rashid, they often bypass women of color.”
Why is it that women are still disproportionately represented? Any specifically minority women?
At FLI, we question this specific to education; what if we can change this by providing a larger network of support that specifically proclaims that increased diversity will increase student and teacher outcomes? When we think about diversity and equity in education, we also need to think about the larger picture. Although women make up the vast majority of teachers in the US, 95% of Superintendents are men. We need more men in education, and more women in educational leadership!
Join the FLI Team to make systemic change in your school. Contact us today!