Devoted to women of color in business

I want to take a moment for those of you who are planning out your career path to put a specific timeline on when you will join a board in a decision-making or leadership position.

Reuters yesterday put out a report about the dearth of women of color in board positions. (link) and the quick and dirty is that

a) women are 51.1% of the US population (2004 Census)
b) in a study of 2,357 directors of the top 200 Standard & Poor's 500 companies, women comprise 16% of the director positions. Minorities hold 15% of those seats.

We're used to being minorities in that we're women of color who are taking an active role in management or in leadership within our organization, and many of us are in male-dominated industries, but now is the time to consider when you will join a board.

Julie Daum, the practice leader for Spencer Stuart (a recruiting firm), says that "Chief executive officers and directors realize that board discussions are richer when individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives participate" but our challenge is to be qualified enough to join.

If you manage your household or a big project in your work, believe me, you're qualified. Now consider who can help mentor you into a leadership position in your organization, and when you want to join that board. Set a date and work backwards. Keep us posted!