Double Jeopardy

Meet Kimberly Nelson. She’s been a corporate officer at General Mills since the year 2000.

Take a good look because Nelson is a rarity. African American women make up just 1.1 percent of corporate officers in the Fortune 500.

“Innovation is the life blood of the company. Diversity drives innovation,” says Nelson who moved into her current role as SVP of External Relations and President of General Mills Foundation after 22 years of running a P&L; including the company’s $1.3 billion dollar snacks division.

Check out our exclusive interview in honor of Black History Month!

How did she get her big job?

“Performance… and a strong mentoring relationship with my predecessor in my current role.”

But Catalyst reports advancement opportunities for African American women in particular are decreasing, according to 37 percent of African American women surveyed. Thirty three percent think their company diversity programs are ineffective.

Nelson says that’s unfortunate not just for women – but for business. “Women have insights about the products we sell that are purchased and consumed by women.”

Targets to move more women and African Americans into key roles “makes sense,” says Nelson. “Multiple viewpoints are an asset when you’re addressing problems.” And that’s not all. “The payoff is sustaining employees.”

What can women do?

Catalyst says women like Nelson advance by exceeding performance expectations, communicating effectively, establishing sponsor relationships and using cultural backgrounds to enhance their work.

Find out how Nelson did that in our exclusive report.

Bonus PINK Link: Why aren’t white women doing enough to help women of color? Find out in White Lies, our award winning story.

By Cynthia Good

“My parents convinced me … that despite being this little black kid from Hawaii, I could do whatever I wanted in life.” Kimberly Nelson