SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s recently formed Women’s Leadership Institute will issue its first official corporate challenge this week.
The ElevateHER challenge, to be launched Thursday, asks businesses to develop and implement unique policies to advance the stature of women’s leadership within their walls.
“Women need a place at the top,” said Trish Hatch, director of the Women’s Leadership Institute. “Their presence changes the dialogue, makes the conversation better and results in different decisions.”
The challenge focuses on several issues faced by corporate women, including wage disparity and opportunities for leadership and advancement. Companies are being asked to reconsider their approaches to both the recruitment and retention of women.
“Build an environment that’s women-friendly — flexible hours, maternity leave, etc.” Hatch said. “These are factors that help women stay in a company. They have the capacity to raise families and not be penalized for it.”
Thursday’s launch, a pledge signing ceremony, will feature appearances from heavyweight signatories including American Express, Bonneville Media and Questar.
“We need to increase female influence, continue to assess pay gaps and cultural barriers, and create executive opportunities,” said Ron Jibson, Questar chairman, president and CEO. “Kudos to the Women’s Leadership Institute for creating the challenge.”
The launch will also include speeches by Gov. Gary Herbert, Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams and Jeffery Tobias Halter, a leading gender strategist.
“It’s going to be a very positive, forward-thinking event,” Hatch said. “I can’t think of any reason an organization wouldn’t want to be involved.”
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