Washington, D.C., February 6, 2025 – Women Business Collaborative (WBC), led by CEO Gwen Young, represents a coalition of the world’s most influential companies and 87 organizations dedicated to advancing women in business. WBC advocates for data-driven results that prove the impact of women on business success.

Even though for decades there has been consensus among business leaders on the importance of increased representation by women, recent debates have questioned the role of women in the workforce. WBC is setting the record straight: Women in business are good for business.

WBC has identified key facts informed by data that reinforce the power of women in business:

• 14 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. represent 39.1% of all U.S. firms, employ 12.2 million people, and generate $2.7 trillion in revenue (Wells Fargo)
• Organizations with 30% or more women on executive teams are 27% more likely to outperform on profitability (McKinsey & Company)
• Companies with above-average diversity generate 19% more innovation revenue than their less diverse counterparts (Boston Consulting Group)
• The share of majority women-owned businesses rose from 15.6% to 20.3%—doubling participation in the market since 2020—and their revenues have helped drive economic growth (Small Business Administration)
• Minority Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs) generated $67 billion in revenue, created 221,000 U.S. jobs, and contributed $19.5 billion in wages (National Minority Supplier Development Council)

Women drive business forward. They make up 57% of the workforce yet hold only 8.72% of CEO positions and 28% of board seats. Women founders receive only 2% of venture capital funding. Women still only make 84 cents to the dollar, with women of color earning less than that.

“These aren’t just gaps—they’re failures to recognize an undeniable business advantage. The time to close these gaps isn’t tomorrow. It’s now,” said Ms. Young. “WBC calls on leaders to recognize that supporting women in business isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smartest business decision.”

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ABOUT WOMEN BUSINESS COLLABORATIVE – Women Business Collaborative (WBC) is an unprecedented alliance of 85+ women’s business organizations and hundreds of business leaders building a movement to achieve equal position, pay, and power for all women in business. Through collaboration, advocacy, action, and accountability, WBC mobilizes thousands of diverse professional women and men, business organizations, public and private companies to accelerate change.

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The Wall Street Journal highlights progress in women leadership, citing the Women Business Collaborative: the number of women leading private companies valued at over $1 billion has more than doubled this year, with female entrepreneurship rising 41%.

Read the article

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While New Data Shows Promising Gains for Women CEOs in Smaller Public Companies and Private Enterprises, Stagnation in Fortune 500 Companies Continues

WASHINGTON, DC — (September 24, 2024) Women Business Collaborative (WBC) today released the findings of the 2024 Women CEOs in America Report, showcasing a mix of progress and challenges for women in corporate leadership. The report, which was completed in partnership with Ascend, C200, and Catalyst highlights growth in sectors like the Russell 3000 and private enterprises, alongside stagnation in the Fortune 500.

The data reveals a continued rise in the number of women CEOs in companies like the Russell 3000 and private enterprises, reflecting a societal shift happening in boardrooms across America. As more companies embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as core business practices, opportunities for women in leadership positions are expanding.

“This is a time of transformation,” said Gwen Young, CEO of Women Business Collaborative. “We’re seeing a societal shift in how leadership is viewed, and women are increasingly being recognized for their contributions at the highest levels of business. While there is more work to be done, the momentum is building, and I remain optimistic about the future.”

Fortune 500: Women CEOs Hold Steady at 10.4%
Women’s representation in the Fortune 500 remains at 10.4%, with 52 women CEOs as of 2024. This marks a significant rise from 41 women CEOs in 2021. While the number did not increase from 2023, new appointments in 2024, including Joanna Geraghty at JetBlue (the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline), signal continued progress.

Russell 3000: Growth in Women’s Leadership
The Russell 3000 saw a significant increase in women CEOs, with 9% of leadership positions held by women in 2024, up from 6.2% in 2021. By mid-2024, there were 270 women CEOs in the Russell 3000, marking a 66% increase since 2021. This demonstrates a growing recognition of the value women bring to leadership roles in smaller public companies.

Women Entrepreneurs: A Surge in Business Ownership
Women entrepreneurs are continuing to grow their influence, with a 41% year-over-year growth rate in 2024, surpassing their male counterparts by 25%. As of 2024, there are approximately 13.5 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., a dramatic increase from 402,000 in 1972. Women now own 34% of all small businesses and franchises, driving substantial economic impact.

Private Companies: A Notable Jump in Women Leaders
In private companies valued at over $1 billion, women’s representation saw a 118% increase from 2023. Prominent women CEOs include Deb Liu at Ancestry.com and Beth Ford at Land O’ Lakes, demonstrating that leadership opportunities for women are expanding, especially in privately held organizations.

A Shift in Boardroom Culture
The report also underscores that there has been a shift in how boardrooms approach leadership. As businesses continue to embrace diverse perspectives, we’re seeing a broader acceptance of women in top executive roles. The societal shift toward greater inclusion in the C-Suite is creating new opportunities for women across industries.

“The progress may not always be linear, but the shift is happening,” added Young. “We’re seeing more women in leadership than ever before, and companies are increasingly aware of the value that diverse leadership brings. This is a moment to continue pushing forward.”

WBC remains committed to tracking and advocating for gender equity in leadership, pushing for systemic changes that ensure sustained growth in the number of women CEOs.

A panel discussion on the CEO Report will be featured on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, during the WBC’s Action for Impact Annual Summit. The panel, moderated by Kevin Cirilli, Founder of mtf.tv’s Meet the Future, will include Jennifer McCollum, President and CEO of Catalyst; Anna Mok, President of Ascend, and Gwen K. Young, CEO of Women Business Collaborative (WBC). That panel begins at 11:55am EDT.

For more information on the Summit, please visit https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/wbc-action-for-impact-summit/

The full 2024 Women CEOs in America Report can be downloaded at:
https://www.wbcollaborative.org/women-ceo-report/

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About Women Business Collaborative (WBC)

The Women Business Collaborative (WBC) is an unprecedented alliance of more than 85 women’s business organizations and hundreds of business leaders building a movement to achieve equal position, pay, and power for all women in business. Through collaboration, advocacy, action, and accountability, we galvanize thousands of diverse professional women and men, business organizations, public and private companies to accelerate change. For more information on the Women Business Collaborative visit wbcollaborative.org.

The post Women Business Collaborative Releases 2024 Women CEOs in America Report –  Mixed Progress for Women in Corporate Leadership appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

WASHINGTON, DC – (September 12, 2024) Women Business Collaborative (WBC) the leading alliance of organizations, companies and individuals working together to achieve equal position, pay and power for all women in business, will hold the 2024 WBC Action for Impact Annual Summit virtually on September 25, 2024. The WBC Action for Impact Summit will recognize 3 leading CEOs honored for their Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity and 4Trailblazers in Gender Equity and Diversity.

“The WBC Action for impact Summit isn’t just about dialogue. It’s also about celebrating those who have paved the way for change and those that have driven innovation for impact,” commented WBC CEO Gwen K. Young. “During our summit, we will have the opportunity to engage in sessions with some of the top industry leaders on trends in business and how we can diversify the business landscape to

CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Award
The CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Award recognizes corporate leaders whose efforts have made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity within their companies and increased opportunities for women in business roles.

The 2024 CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Award honorees are:

• Priscilla Almodovar – President & CEO, Fannie Mae
• Judy Marks – Chair, CEO & President, Otis Worldwide Corporation
• Priscilla Sims Brown – President & CEO, Amalgamated Bank

WBC Trailblazer in Gender Equity & Diversity Award
The WBC Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award recognizes individual leaders who have implemented innovative change within their own communities and beyond.

The 2024 WBC Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award honorees are:

• Charles Johnson, President, SodexoMagic
• Vernā Myers – Founder & President, The Vernā Myers Company
• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization
• Lucy Sanders – Founder & Executive in Residence, National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)

For more information on WBC and to register to attend the 2024 A4I Annual Summit, please visit https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/wbc-action-for-impact-summit/.

About Women Business Collaborative (WBC)

Women Business Collaborative (WBC) is an unprecedented alliance of more than 80 women’s business organizations and hundreds of business leaders building a movement to achieve equal position, pay, and power for all women in business. Through collaboration, advocacy, action, and accountability, we galvanize thousands of diverse professional women and men, business organizations, public and private companies to accelerate change. For more information on the Women Business Collaborative visit wbcollaborative.org.

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LINK: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/women-business-collaborative-announces-2024-recipients-of-the-ceo-excellence-in-gender-equity-and-diversity-award-and-the-trailblazer-in-gender-equity-and-diversity-award-302150250.html

Honorees to be Recognized at the Action For Impact Annual Summit on September 25, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC – (May 20, 2024) Women Business Collaborative (WBC), the leading alliance of organizations, companies, and individuals working together to achieve equal position, pay, and power for all women in business, today announced the recipients of the 2024 CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Award and the 2024 Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award. The honorees will be recognized at the WBC Action For Impact Annual Summit on September 25, 2024.

“The CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Award recognizes Chief Executive Officers who have advanced diversity within their companies and increased opportunities for women in business roles,” said WBC Chief Executive Officer Gwen K. Young. “Since our inaugural CEO awards in 2021, WBC has recognized 32 CEOs across industries for their unmatched commitment to our shared vision. We are proud the names we add this year are all women, continuing a tremendous legacy of leading by example in driving gender equity and diversity.” 

The 2024 CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity honorees are: 

• Priscilla Almodovar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fannie Mae
• Judy Marks, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President, Otis Worldwide Corporation
• Priscilla Sims Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amalgamated Bank

“The WBC Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award recognizes individual leaders who have implemented innovative change within their communities and beyond,” said Young. “These amazing three women further gender equity and diversity in all they do, from uplifting those around them to cultivating an environment of inclusion. Their efforts have paved the way for future generations of women leaders, and we are honored to recognize their contributions.” 

The 2024 Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award honorees are:

• Her Excellency Dr. Ngozi Nkonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization
• Vernā Myers, Founder and President, The Vernā Myers Company
• Lucy Sanders, Founder and Executive in Residence, National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)

WBC will honor these recipients at the WBC Action For Impact Annual Summit which will be held virtually September 25, 2024. For more information on WBC, the 2024 awardees and to register for the Annual Summit, please visit www.wbcollaborative.org/a4i2024. 

About Women Business Collaborative (WBC)

Women Business Collaborative (WBC) is an unprecedented alliance of more than 80 women’s business organizations and hundreds of business leaders building a movement to achieve equal position, pay, and power for all women in business. Through collaboration, advocacy, action, and accountability, we galvanize thousands of diverse professional women and men, business organizations, public and private companies to accelerate change. For more information on the Women Business Collaborative visit wbcollaborative.org.

The post WBC Announces 2024 Recipients of the CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Award and the Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

LINK: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/women-business-collaborative-announces-the-appointment-of-hope-johnson-marika-mccauley-sine-and-margaret-milkint-to-board-of-directors-302099012.html?tc=eml_cleartime

WASHINGTON, DC – Women Business Collaborative (WBC) today announced the appointment of  Hope Johnson, Marika McCauley Sine, and Margaret Resce Milkint to its Board of Directors. All join the board with immediate effect.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Hope, Marika, and Margaret to our Board,” said Gwen K. Young, CEO of WBC. “These amazing women leaders have made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion throughout their entire professional careers, and we are thrilled to welcome their thought leadership to our efforts in 2024 and beyond.”  

Hope Johnson, a recognized Change Leader with significant experience and results in driving transformation as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Haven Technologies, an Insurtech SaaS startup, and a Subsidiary of MassMutual. 

Marika McCauley Sine is the Chief Sustainability Officer of Mars Petcare, a segment of Mars, Incorporated. Based in London, Marika leads Petcare’s strategies and programs worldwide, bringing together teams across geographies and functions to progress the ambitious Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan. 

Margaret Resce Milkint is the Global Insurance Practice Leader for Diversified Search Group, focusing on insurance and healthcare in the C-Suite. She is a recognized champion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the insurance industry and has been action-focused in her efforts. 

“WBC has made significant advancements in accelerating change for women in business, but as our own research has shown, much work remains,” commented Edie Fraser, Chair of the WBC Board. “We are delighted these amazing women have agreed to share their insights and expertise with WBC as part of our Board as we work to drive the advancement of all women in business, at all levels and across all industries.” 

For more information on the WBC, please visit wbcollabortive.org.

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About Women Business Collaborative (WBC)

The Women Business Collaborative (WBC) is an unprecedented alliance of more than 75 women’s business organizations and hundreds of business leaders building a movement to achieve equal position, pay, and power for all women in business. Through collaboration, advocacy, action, and accountability, we mobilize thousands of diverse professional women and men, business organizations, public and private companies to accelerate change. For more information on the Women Business Collaborative visit wbcollaborative.org

The post WBC Announces the Appointment of Hope Johnson, Marika McCauley Sine, and Margaret Milkint to Board of Directors appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

42% of CEO/Owners in Staffing Are Women vs. 8.8% in Fortune 500 Companies

Alexandria, VA, Feb. 15, 2023— The percentage of women who serve as chief executive officers and owners in the staffing industry showed moderate improvement 2020 to 2022 despite setbacks that occurred during the COVID pandemic, according to a new survey released by the Women Business Collaborative with support from the American Staffing Association, National Association of Personnel Services, Staffing Industry Analysts, and TechServe Alliance.

The number of women chief executive officers and owners in the staffing industry reached 45% in 2022, up only slightly from 44% in 2020. This is compared to the national average of 21%, as reported by the US Census Bureau in 2019.

Notable findings include:

• Women comprise 66% of staffing’s internal workforce but only 37% of board seats.
• 53% of CEO and owner roles at small agencies are filled by women, compared with 18% at large firms.
• Salary review and equalization jumped from the fourth most common activity to advance women in leadership in 2020 to the most common in 2022.

“Women’s voices continue to grow in the staffing industry and we still have work to do to reach full gender parity,” said Threase Baker, chair of the American Staffing Association.

“I am so proud of the WBC and the four supporting organizations and research firms that helped us with this historic second benchmark survey on gender equity in the staffing industry,” noted Kip Wright, board member with the WBC. “While the survey provides encouraging insight into the progress our industry has made around this critical topic, there is much we can learn from our participants to help further guide us along this journey toward true and lasting gender equity.”

Join thought leaders in the industry for a webinar to discuss the survey results and explore how staffing professionals can continue to elevate and support women in the industry. The webinar, hosted by TechServe Alliance, will take place Thursday, March 16, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time. Register to attend at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6016757891529/WN_HVCAjbKOQ9q-Zv46IZB3ZQ.

To learn more about the findings of this survey, download the report from Staffing Industry Analysts at staffingindustry.com/Research/Research-Reports/Americas/Insights-on-Gender-Parity-in-the-US-Staffing-Industry. Results can also be accessed on a dynamic dashboard at wbcollaborative.org/insights/results-dashboard-wbc-benchmark-survey-on-gender-equity-in-the-staffing-industry/.

To learn more about ASA diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, visit americanstaffing.net/diversity.

To learn more about the WBC, visit https://www.wbcollaborative.org.

Survey Methodology

This is the second benchmark survey issued in conjunction with the Women Business Collaborative and the four major associations and research firms in the staffing industry – —American Staffing Association, National Association of Personnel Services, Staffing Industry Analysts, and TechServe Alliance. The survey, which was distributed widely to senior executives across the staffing sector, included over 600 separate responses. Survey questions ranged from the composition of board, CEO, and executive roles, to the underlying gender-related demographics of the business. It was developed to facilitate the publication of the survey in a dynamic dashboard that would allow readers to view differing dimensions of each answer based on those underlying demographics. The resulting survey results are both rich in content and revealing in their results.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this release stated, “The percentage of female CEOs and owners in the staffing industry reached 42% in 2022, up from less than 20% in 2020.” In fact, the number of women chief executive officers and owners in the staffing industry reached 45% in 2022, up only slightly from 44% in 2020. This is compared to the national average of 21%, as reported by the US Census Bureau in 2019.

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About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.

Contact
Megan Sweeney
American Staffing Association
703-253-1151
msweeney@americanstaffing.net

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“This new report shows that while gender diversity is increasing in U.S. boardrooms, bold change still needs to occur,” said Edie Fraser, CEO of WBC. “Additionally, with more women exiting the workforce due to the effect of the pandemic, organizations need to ensure a robust pipeline of qualified women board candidates.”

Read the Full Article Here!

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