EXECUTIVE INSIGHT
time these “ supports ” are spearheaded by BIPOC women or they are major contributors to perseverance beyond the initial spur of excitement . It ’ s really easy to say one is supportive of something , but much harder to work on change with intention and not be wholly self-serving about it either – the latter part has a lot to do with collective and individual behaviours and attitudes . That ’ s a lot harder and takes longer to shift rather than just putting on programmes or things for folks to opt in voluntarily .
I ’ m not sure I have seen massive shifts in attitudes and behaviours within corporations , but there ’ s been years of conversation and the tone changes depending on context . All of this is anecdotal based on my personal experience ; I can ’ t say for certain what all of that means for actual , measurable , meaningful data in favour of or against corporate “ support ” of BIPOC women .
CLD : While I can ’ t speak for the corporate sector , I have seen positive developments in my experience in the nonprofit and public sectors that support BIPOC women . The nonprofit sector , in particular , has taken a lead in promoting DEI initiatives with leadership roles representative to the communities they serve .
The public sector , perhaps , mostly resembles the corporate environment . I have seen progress introducing DEI programmes and intentional inclusivity , however , there needs to be a cultural shift , organisationally , to fully support BIPOC women . A mindset-shift that truly values and envisions BIPOC women as leaders , and programmes that actively champion the movement of BIPOC women into visible leadership positions through equal opportunities .
Q . WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO GET INVOLVED IN A MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME ?
» CLD : I met James , Victoria and Erica through CivicAction ’ s CivicMatch . It ' s a programme that connects executive leaders with those rising up . As a sustainability practitioner , I was interested in learning about what sustainability looked like , in practice , at the executive level and how I , as a Latina ( BIPOC woman , racialized minority ), can get there .
In particular , to learn about navigating challenges , implementing successful
20 March 2024