The Women Business Collaborative today announced the creation of the WBC Staffing Leadership Council to accelerate diversity, equity and inclusion in the staffing industry. The council was created in collaboration with the American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and the TechServe Alliance.
“The staffing industry needs data to identify gaps among women of all backgrounds at all levels in the industry,” said Teresa Creech, council co-chair and CEO TalentWave. “With the caliber of organizations involved in the council, we have an opportunity to make a significant impact and pave the way for the next generation of industry leaders.”
Ursula Williams of SIA is serving as a council member.
“I’m particularly pleased that SIA is taking a leadership role in this effort, which is committed to the acceleration of equitable and inclusive workplace environments in the staffing industry,” SIA President Barry Asin said. “A special thank you to Ursula Williams, our COO, who has been one of the founding council members and the driving force behind SIA’s involvement in this initiative.”
Edie Fraser, CEO of the Women Business Council, said now is the right time to concentrate on opportunities for the advancement of women of color.
“WBC is honored to collaborate with these thought leaders to redouble our efforts in support of our mission to accelerate the advancement of all women in business,” Fraser said. “Representation by the three top industry associations and advisors alongside a remarkable bench of staffing leaders, is a testament to the industry’s commitment to create a more just and equitable workplace.”
Council co-chairs are Creech; Dana Look-Arimoto, SettleSmarter; and Kip Wright, Genuent.
Council members are Susan Donohoe, TechServe Alliance; Eric Gregg, ClearlyRated; Gene Holtzman, Mitchell Martin Inc.; JJ Hurley, GDH Consulting; Ashish Kaushal, HireTalent; Leo Sheridan, Advanced Group, and chairman, American Staffing Association; Laquita Stribling, Randstad; Mara Swan, board member, Manpower; Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing; SIA’s Williams.
To address issues of gender parity and equity among all women the WBC Staffing Leadership Council has outlined the following objectives:
- Educate – Gather data, establish benchmarks and build metrics for progress
- Elevate – Build broad industry awareness and leverage work through the pillars of the WBC
- Activate – Identify opportunities to make a difference and track results across the staffing industry
The council will begin by conducting an industry-wide survey to understand the social identities among women in staffing and staffing leadership. The analyzed results will provide insight to develop recommendations for improving the representation of gender and race in leadership roles across the industry.
To participate in the survey, go here. For questions about the council or survey, please contact Ava Panetto at avap@wbcollaborative.org.
Read the original release here.
