Episode 107 • 09/12/2024

Shawn Kaminski, Executive Director of DirectWomen, on Board Diversity, Leadership Transition, and International Expansion

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Did you know that corporations that have diverse Board members have been shown to be more profitable and successful than those with less diverse Boards? So how do you get more women on these Boards?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Shawn Kaminski, Executive Director of DirectWomen. Shawn discusses:

  • DirectWomen’s mission to increase the representation of women lawyers on corporate boards.
  • How DirectWomen prepares women lawyers for board service through an annual board institute.
  • How DirectWomen serves as a resource for companies looking for diverse candidates for their Boards.
  • How companies with more diverse boards are shown to be more profitable and successful than those without.
  • How there’s both a moral and business case for having diverse voices and representation in corporate boardrooms.
  • Her personal journey, going from the American Bar Association, a large well supported organization, to DirectWomen, a smaller nonprofit.
  • DirectWomen’s selective Board Institute program, which only accepts a small number of applicants each year. The small cohort size is intentional, so that DirectWomen can provide personalized attention to ensure participants’ success.
  • DirectWomen’s international expansion, starting with high attendance events in London.
  • How DirectWomen will ring the New York Stock Exchange Bell on October 18th to celebrate reaching their 200th board seat milestone.

References:

 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus

License code: M2POPMBVFCE0RIPZ

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About Associations Thrive

Associations Thrive podcast is hosted by Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. Joanna’s personal mission and the mission of Matrix Group is to help associations and nonprofits increase membership, generate revenue and thrive in the digital space. 

We believe that every association has a unique mission and unique story that demonstrates how they’re serving their members, impacting their industry, and ultimately changing the world. Every guest is an association Chief Executive, Executive Director or President. We’re here to help amplify their stories so all associations can learn and thrive, together.

If you and your organization have a great story,  apply to be on Associations Thrive!