Women of Color Claiming Their Space

2009 has certainly been the year of the woman, but in particular the year of the woman of color. It has been delightful to see women of color claim spaces long overdue for some diversity and inclusion. While these women have given women of color something to be proud about and strive for, we must acknowledge the reality of the United States still having “firsts” in 2009. When you think about the racial journey and struggle in America it would seem that we would be much further along than we are. We are still announcing “firsts” like it’s a million dollar prize. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to be a woman and a woman of color in this moment in time, but on a serious note, let’s not get blinded by the realities that women of color are still fighting for their rightful place in many arenas.

While there is much work to do in leveling the playing field, breaking glass walls and ceilings and or “treating all people equal” we can savor the success of a few women of color who are setting the bar, blazing the trail and opening doors for women of color!

“One female CEO will hand over the reins to another – a first for a major company. But Burns has her work cut out for her. Ursula M. Burns isn’t one to savor victory – even if it’s being the first African American woman to lead a major U.S. corporation and the first female CEO to take the reins from another woman. Within days of being named chief executive of Xerox (XRX) she was on a plane to Europe. The mission: a 30-day tour to meet with staff outside the U.S., where Xerox has almost half its sales, and discuss ways to get customers buying again. “I think the celebration of her announcement ended about 60 seconds after the e-mail went out,” says Clarke Murphy, a recruiter at Russell Reynolds.”

The excitement is understandable. Three decades after women flooded into professional jobs, the C-suite continues to be dominated by men. While women now make up 59.6% of the U.S. labor force, fewer than 16% of top corporate officers are female, according to Catalyst, an advocacy group that tracks women’s advancement in the workplace. For minorities, the figures are even worse. Avon (AVP) CEO Andrea Jung became the first nonwhite woman to lead a major company in 1999. Frank D. Raines, former chief of Fannie Mae (FNM), became the first African American CEO of a top company the same year, though he later left amid an accounting scandal. By 2007, there were seven black men running major corporations. Since then, three have left. While other black women have run major divisions, Burns is the first to lead a large public company.

CONGRATULATIONS URSULA! Yes, the excitement is understandable! But as you read above, there is SO much more work to be done. Even with the Obama’s in the white house the journey continues. As women of color we must continue to fight for equal access, opportunity, advancement and recognition. And while on the journey it is critical that we learn to reach back, mentor young women of color, share our secrets of success and pass the torch! When we do this, we ARE doing the work! Sometimes a “space” will not be given to you, YOU MUST claim it rightfully so…

By Catrice Jackson