#VESTMove –– VEST Founding Member Kathy Taylor, member of the Tulsa World Media Company Advisory Board, wrote an editorial today outlining how VEST is supporting women professionals and how we can sponsor women year-round, not just during #WomensHistoryMonth - • Be an ally. Work to be sure your organization’s culture provides equal opportunities for women. • Be intentional. Collect and examine data on promotion and pay in your organization, and address gender gaps. Be aware and speak up when you experience or witness implicit bias. • Be supportive. Establishing mentorship programs, networking events and educational initiatives tailored to women can help bridge this gap and provide vital support and guidance. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gMYwGfDZ
Kathy Taylor leads by example in all of this! This also made me think of what Mita Mallick writes in *Reimagine Inclusion* about the importance of sponsorship programs (as opposed to mentorship programs). From reading what she shared, it's helpful to know that sponsorship programs provide underrepresented employees with access to influential leaders who can advocate for their career advancement, enhance their visibility, provide professional development and connections, and more. Depending on how the program is set up, sponsors may also have some of their work performance review tied to how well the people they sponsor are doing.
Thank you both for demonstrating the message. I’m taking note and practicing what I see. Every VEST member I meet makes me better and moves me along my journey.
Thank you Kathy for dedicating so much of your career, time and investments in moving women forward. Grateful for you.
Great editorial, Kathy. I attended SMU Cox's Southwest Venture Forum discussion on Women in Venture Capital last Thursday where Jesse Draper, Co-Founder, Halogen Ventures, and Kelly Ann Winget with Alternative Wealth Partners, LLC, echoed your exact sentiments.
Marion Renk-Rosenthal, VEST is a worthy cause led by a fearless female! Kathy Taylor
Businesswoman | Speaker | Community Builder | Social Impact Leader | Women-Owned Businesses Advocate | Stakeholder Engagement | Board Governance | I'm also passionate about traveling, food, wine, and my dog Lola.
7moThanks Erika--I think the message bears repeating if we are to make more progress in increasing the number of women in positions of influence --which will lead to a better outcome for all!