Diversity & Women’s Council

“The Women’s Council is actively changing the landscape of women professionals in Rochester. As a result of our efforts in alignment with others, women make up at least one half of the region’s leadership. The proverbial Boardroom includes more women and better reflects the greater community. There is no questioning women’s voices, opinions, or leadership. Women no longer need to talk about equity–in pay, in promotions, and in conditions at work overall.”

This is a section from our long-term Vision Statement. We know that to achieve this, we have a lot of work to do. We also know that when we talk about equity, organizations like the Women’s Council need to have a focus on working to advance women of color, specifically.

The Black Lives Matter movement and conversations about structural racism are overdue. We have been committed to helping all women advance in the Greater Rochester community, but we know it’s not enough. As part of #PullUpOrShutUp, we’re sharing where we stand right now, and our commitments for action in the coming year.

2018-2020 breakdown:

  • Board of Directors: 14% women of color / 86% white women

  • Program presenters/ speakers: 41% women of color / 59% white women

  • ATHENA Finalists: 20% women of color / 80% white women

  • ATHENA YP Finalists: 19% women of color / 81% white women

Commitments for the coming year:

  • Refocusing the nominating committees for both our Board of Directors and the ATHENA Awards

  • Establishing “Equity” as our annual theme for 2020-21 programming, which will prioritize issues affecting women of color and ensuring women of color are both presenters and attendees in greater numbers

  • Continuing our State of Women research study to understand the status of women in the workplace re: leadership roles, board representation, etc.

Our work is important now more than ever, and we’re looking forward to a productive year ahead. We welcome you to be part of this work through committee or board service. View our full Vision Statement and current strategic plan here.