The WNY Women’s Foundation (WNYWF) has launched the ALL IN community initiative. This initiative addresses the disparity of women in leadership roles throughout the WNY region and beyond – and what our communities lose as a result.
ALL IN is designed to provide resources for women interested in pursuing leadership positions, and to encourage employers to commit to hiring them. It addresses the need for gender equity in the workplace on multiple levels, beginning with data collection and identification of the current representation of women in leadership roles in both the public and private sector throughout WNY. Additional components include a program for businesses interested in improving the working environment for women within their own organizations; an initiative for women entrepreneurs who need assistance launching or growing their businesses; and a pathway for current and emerging female leaders who wish to cultivate leadership skills, including those interested in running for elected office.
Seven employers have already committed to working toward gender equity in their workplaces with the ALL IN initiative. These businesses include: Athenex, Crisis Services, Delaware North, Harmac Medical Products, M&T Bank, Praxair and Girl Scouts of WNY.
Jessica Pirro, LMSW, CEO of Crisis Services said, “Crisis Services is proud to be an ALL IN Champion in partnership with the WNY Women’s Foundation as they continue to turn the tide for women and girls in our community. Crisis Services Board Executive Committee, Executive and Senior Leadership, administrative team and our union stewards is made up entirely of women. We know that women are less likely to hold leadership positon in various business sectors. We are excited to offer opportunities for women to grow within our organization and offer various leadership experiences to help move them and our mission forward.”
Janet Coletti, Executive Vice President, Human Resources at M&T Bank said, “ALL IN is sure to support M&T’s dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees thrive. We want to see more and more women as a part of our leadership team, and ALL IN will help us further the growth and development of women leaders.”
The ALL IN website is now live and houses the resources for both individuals and employers. For more information on the initiative and how to become a member, visit www.allinwny.org.
About the WNY Women’s Foundation
The WNY Women’s Foundation’s mission is to create a culture of possibility so each woman and girl can live, grow and lead to her fullest potential.
About ALL IN
The mission of ALL IN is to make Western New York a premier place for women to live, work, and lead by engaging our community in purposeful efforts to empower women and illuminate pathways to leadership.