5 Things / Ratios


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Last week I wrote about how some prestigious MBA programs have achieved gender parity among female and male students. A reader responded: “Having 50% women and 50% men means nonbinary and other gender diverse people are excluded because we don't fit in these options. While it's important to recognize when women have equitable opportunities, it's also important to acknowledge that we need to change how we measure gender ratios given the increase in gender exploration and identities.”


I completely agree and it's true that the data didn’t take non-binary people into account. Some companies are doing a nice job of including non-binary in their representation goals, often by lumping them in with women, like Salesforce. Others, like Baker McKenzie set targets of 40% women, 40% men, and 20% flexible (women, men or non-binary persons). Despite any resistance you might face, please keep setting representation goals, btw! Here’s some fresh data from Blackrock to help you make the case.

The reader went on to add: “Trans men and women encounter different barriers than cisgender men and women. We need to address those barriers as well as include nonbinary and gender diverse people to reach equality.”

It’s a great reminder as we kick off Transgender Awareness Week. (And yes, we can help. :-))

Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:

  1. AT&T offers paid caregiver leave

    • AT&T is offering a standout benefit among U.S. companies: 15 days of paid caregiver leave for management employees. This initiative acknowledges the 'sandwich generation' caught between caring for children and aging parents. It's a significant step, especially in a country without federally mandated paid family leave. With 15% of management staff already utilizing it, averaging 4.1 days, it shows a corporate recognition of the evolving needs of the workforce, potentially setting a trend for supporting employees' family responsibilities without sacrificing their restorative vacation time.

  2. Every employee at Microsoft sets DEI goals

  3. Walmart’s set sensory hours each day

  4. Common App makes it easier to go to college

    • Common App offers “direct admissions” to 70 member colleges. This is a game-changer, especially for first-generation and low- to middle-income students, and is one of the creative solutions to the overturning of affirmative action. Over 200,000 students will receive offers this month. This is a significant step toward leveling the educational playing field as it directly counters the discouraging trend of declining college enrollment among these demographics. In its most recent pilot, 33,000 students were offered admission at 14 participating institutions, 800+ students accepted, with strongest results among BIPOC students.

  5. NYC Marathon gets lactating-parent friendly

This Week’s Call to Action:

Tomorrow (Sunday) is the main celebration in Diwali, the festival of lights celebrating the Indian New Year. Learn about Diwali and how to acknowledge/recognize it with this LinkedIn post from our good friends at Seva Global.

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