In a major step toward advancing leadership excellence, WRK has introduced the Equity Advocate Grant. This initiative is focused on empowering leaders from underrepresented groups who are actively committed to promoting equity and inclusion within their organizations.
Recent statistics highlight the importance of programs supporting leaders in their professional development. The 2019 Global Human Capital Trends survey states that while 80% of respondents consider leadership a high priority, only 41% believe their companies are ready to meet leadership requirements. This gap is further exacerbated as Baby Boomers retire, leaving a leadership vacuum that millennials and Gen-X workers are often unprepared to fill, with 63% feeling they lack adequate leadership development. The same survey also identified a shift in the skills and approaches required for effective leadership in the modern era with leading through complexity and ambiguity (81%) and leading through influence (65%) as key abilities for 21st-century leaders.
WRK CEO Corinne Milien shared her excitement for this first year grant sharing, “At WRK, we understand the critical need for diverse leadership in today’s business landscape. The Equity Advocate Grant is our commitment to nurturing and elevating underrepresented voices in leadership roles. We believe that by empowering these leaders, we are not only enriching their organizations but also contributing to a more inclusive and equitable corporate landscape.”
One winner will be selected to receive a comprehensive WRK Leadership Empowerment solution, that includes a Personalized Brand Unlock, Strategic Empowerment Sessions, an Exclusive Resource Network, and Curated Development Tools. Two runner-ups will receive a 75-minute personalized LinkedIn strategy session.
The application period for the Equity Advocate Grant opens on December 4, 2023, and closes on January 15, 2024. Leaders from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those in influential positions such as Chief Officers in People Operations, HR, Diversity, heads of various departments like Culture, Employee Engagement, Learning & Development, and Organizational Development, as well as those leading Employee Resource Groups, are encouraged to apply.
For more information and to apply, please visit letsdowrk.com/equitygrant. Join us in the work to redefine leadership and create a more equitable future.