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TCI Launches Third Annual Women’s Leadership in MA Impact Study

Jun 18, 2020

Top executives at Liberty Mutual, Morgan Memorial Goodwill, Rapid 7 and Zipcar leading the way as co-chairs

Boston, MA (JUNE 18, 2020)—At a time when Massachusetts businesses are rethinking the way they operate – from working remotely, to facing how they address racism and inequity, to considering what the new work-life continuum means, The Commonwealth Institute (TCI) has officially launched its annual Women’s Leadership Development in Massachusetts 2020 Impact Study. Now in its third year, TCI is distributing the confidential online survey to identify and share how employers retain and advance their women employees. This year’s survey includes specific questions relevant to women of color to ensure the findings pave the way to increased equity for all women in the workplace.

“There is no better time to talk about equity amongst businesses than right now. Our study focuses on increasing equity for women in the workplace, highlighting systemic inequities, particularly those that affect Black and Brown women,” said TCI Executive Director Elizabeth Hailer. “Only eight percent of last year’s participants identified they have leadership programs for women of color. One of our key goals is to shine a spotlight on leadership and advancement programs that companies can adopt and measure.”

New to this year’s Impact Study:

  • Survey questions focusing on developing women leaders of color, specifically addressing barriers and accelerators to create a pipeline for women’s advancement
  • Top executives leading the way as 2020 Leadership Study Co-Chairs – David Long, CEO, Liberty Mutual; Joanne Hilferty, President & CEO, Morgan Memorial Goodwill; Corey Thomas, Chairman & CEO, Rapid 7; and Tracy Zhen, President, Zipcar
  • Post-survey, participants will be able to access individual 2020 scorecards and cumulative data to see how they compare to other businesses by company size and industry segment
  • Nine new study partners – creating a total of 17 business partner organizations – amplifying opportunities across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to participate

Liberty Mutual Insurance has returned as the Presenting Sponsor. Returning sponsors and new sponsors to date include; American Tower, DentaQuest, Zipcar, Rapid7, and Cathy Minehan, former CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

The survey is designed for companies with a minimum of 20 people across all industries. Year over year, the number of study participants has grown by about 30 percent. Businesses that are interested in participating in the confidential online survey can email survey@commonwealthinstitute.org. The deadline to participate is Friday, August 7.

“Organizations like TCI help break down barriers in the workplace to identify the strength and potential of all women leaders,” said Kevin Smithson, global tax partner at PwC and TCI board member. “Through this study, businesses can evaluate their women’s advancement strategies and pinpoint specific areas for improvement. I strongly urge all qualifying businesses to participate and be a part of the change we need across industries.”

“TCI’s Women’s Leadership Study continues to inform our work to develop young women, encourage women to advance in their fields and to support women in leadership,” said Sandi Fenwick, chief executive officer at Boston Children’s Hospital. “We still can do so much more – this study helps guide and direct our efforts.”

TCI has partnered with Researchscape, a nationally recognized research firm to conduct the confidential study and analysis.  The Castle Group, which has been involved each year, has returned as the public relations partner.  Additional survey partners supporting this effort include The New England Council, The Boston Women’s Workforce Council, The Gloria Larson Center for Women and Business at Bentley University, Hollister Institute, Keystone Partners, and  She+ Geeks Out.  TCI is pleased to announce new partners for 2020: Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, The Boston Globe, Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, NAIOP, YW Boston and the Worcester Chamber of Commerce.

Findings from the 2020 study will be released later this year, in November.