Board compositions are under increasing scrutiny worldwide when it comes to diverse representation. In the context of economic uncertainty and instability, executives are feeling pressure from shareholders to maintain high returns while simultaneously being advocates for social change. Recent years and global challenges have shown that more diverse boards and leadership are strong assets for both immediate and long-term performance, yet marginalized communities remain underrepresented in these roles today, with only 32% of S&P 500 board directors being women and only 22% total from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, according to Spencer Stuart. Out Leadership found that only 19 Fortune 500 companies explicitly include LGBTQ+ people in their definition of board diversity, resulting in only 26 of those 5,670 board seats—less than 1%—being held by members of the LGBTQ+ community. What is the future of improved board representation for driving social and economic returns as we acknowledge these shortcomings?

Welcome Remarks

Brian Carandang

Associate Director, Center Advancement, Business and Program Development, Milken Institute

Moderator

Rich Ditizio

CEO, Milken Institute

Speakers

Kourtney Gibson

Chief Institutional Client Officer and Senior Executive Vice President, TIAA

Ken Hokugo

Director, Head of Corporate Governance, Pension Fund Association

Fabrice Houdart

Founder and Executive Director, Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors

Bahiyah Robinson

Founder and CEO, VC Include and Include Ventures

Geena Rocero

Author, Producer, Director and Trans Rights Advocate

Mark A. Weinberger

Director, Johnson & Johnson; MetLife; Saudi Aramco