I was recently invited to attend a panel about serving on corporate boards. The four panelists — all white women — were to advise the audience on the necessary steps and strategies to gain a coveted board seat. While some may have applauded the all-female panel in a field that is largely dominated by men, I was disappointed to see a lack of racial diversity and declined my free invitation. The rub? The event was hosted by a powerful, national minority entrepreneurs’ network.
What It Will Take to Improve Diversity at Conferences
Too many speakers at events and conferences are white men. And while many organizers have done a good job bringing in more women experts, there’s still a ways to go in terms of racial diversity. If you organize, sponsor, speak at, or even just attend conferences, there are several things you can do to change the tide. First, as an organizer, ask for speaker recommendations from a diverse set of people. Look for people who have a broad range of experiences and stories to share, not just a fancy title (and the privilege to have earned that title). If you’re a speaker, recommend other speakers who represent diversity – maybe even to speak in your place. If you’re in the position of being able to sponsor an event, refuse to do so if there isn’t a diverse lineup of speakers. And as an attendee, amplify and attend conferences that do prioritize speaker diversity, and specifically state why you value this. Positive reinforcement helps.