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Empowering Native Women in the Workplace: A Win-Win for Businesses and Professionals

business empowerment strategies corporate diversity initiatives cultural competency training equity in the workplace indigenous career development native american leadership native professional network native women in business women in stem workplace diversity & inclusion Aug 05, 2024

The Business Case for Supporting Native Women

Businesses that actively support Native women aren't just doing the right thing—they're making a smart business decision. According to McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability. But the benefits go beyond financial performance:

  1. Enhanced Innovation: Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, leading to more creative problem-solving.
  2. Improved Reputation: Companies known for inclusive practices attract top talent and loyal customers.
  3. Better Representation: Native women can help businesses better understand and serve diverse customer bases.

Success Story: When tech giant Microsoft implemented its "cultural leave" policy, allowing employees time off for traditional practices, they saw a significant increase in Native employee satisfaction and retention.

Action Steps for Businesses

To truly support Native women in the workplace, businesses can take the following action steps:

  1. Implement Inclusive Policies: Conduct regular pay audits to address wage disparities. The National Women's Law Center reports Native women earn only 60 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men.
  2. Establish Mentorship Programs: Partner with organizations like the Native American Women's Leadership Initiative to create tailored mentorship opportunities.
  3. Provide Cultural Competency Training: Invest in comprehensive training to enhance understanding of Native cultures. Consider Bloom Communications' Corporate Culture Camps and coaching services to bridge cultural divides and foster a more inclusive workplace environment.
  4. Increase Representation in Leadership: Actively recruit and promote Native women to leadership positions. Consider partnering with organizations like the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) for STEM roles.
  5. Support Work-Life Integration: Offer flexible work arrangements and paid time off for cultural observances.

Empowerment Strategies for Native Women

As a Native woman who has navigated the corporate world, I've learned valuable lessons that are important to share:

  1. Negotiate with Confidence: Don't shy away from salary negotiations. Research industry standards and practice your pitch. What's the worst that can happen? I've found that preparation helps overcome the initial intimidation.
  2. Ace Your Interviews: Highlight your unique experiences and skills. Practice common interview questions with a friend or mentor. Trust me, this preparation will boost your confidence significantly.
  3. Balance Work and Life: Set clear boundaries. Early in my career, I struggled with this balance. Learning to prioritize self-care and seek support from family and community made a huge difference in reducing stress and avoiding burnout.
  4. Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor to guide you through your career journey. I can't emphasize enough the value of mentoring—it's been instrumental in my own growth, providing both advice and advocacy.
  5. Build a Network: Connect with other Native women and professionals. Consider joining the Native Women: RISE waitlist for a supportive community and valuable resources.
  6. Keep Learning: Invest in your education and skill development. Embrace both traditional and non-traditional learning methods like blogs, podcasts, and books. Continuous learning has been crucial to my growth, and I highly recommend it for career advancement.
  7. Embrace Your Cultural Identity: Your Native heritage is a strength. Use your unique perspective to bring innovative ideas to your workplace. Shelly Lowe, Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities and member of the Navajo Nation, has spoken about how her cultural background positively informs her leadership style.

Empowering Native women in the workplace is a collective effort that benefits everyone involved. Businesses that act create more innovative, profitable, and inclusive environments. For Native women, embracing these strategies can lead to fulfilling and successful careers.

Take the Next Step

  • For Businesses: Commit to implementing at least one of the suggested strategies in the next quarter.
  • For Native Women: Join a professional network, seek a mentor, or enroll in a skill-building course. Consider joining the Native Women: RISE waitlist for additional support and resources.
  • For Allies: Educate yourself about Native cultures and advocate for inclusive policies in your workplace.

Together, we can create pathways for success and ensure that Native women's voices are heard and valued in every industry. Supporting Native women enriches both communities and businesses, fostering mutual growth and success.

Sources and Further Reading:

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