An ELI WELL (Women in Environmental Law & Leadership) Seminar
A recent study conducted by Dr. Chelsea Liu, Are women greener? Corporate gender diversity and environmental violations, examining nearly 2,000 environmental lawsuits filed in the United States district courts found that generally speaking firms with greater gender diversity on their board are significantly less likely to violate environmental laws. Yet, women hold only 15% of board seats, and merely 4% of board chairs, in North America. Increased gender diversity within the boardroom can allow for a wider range of viewpoints, heightened creativity, and a more robust knowledge base. Thus, through fostering a gender-diverse team of board members, businesses can limit their potential environmental risks and embrace women in the decision-making process.
How does greater gender diversity on companies’ boards result in a reduction of environmental violations? What are the best methods for companies to foster gender diversity in the boardroom? How can female leaders help their companies help themselves by advocating for women? Panelists will confront these questions and more as they reflect on women’s unique attitudes toward environmental protection; supported by a recent collaborative university study revealing green attitudes are often perceived as more feminine choices by men. Our panelists dove into women’s increased likelihood to engage in socially responsible business practices including environmental responsibility, women’s perspectives toward risk-taking in business, and the inherent values carried forward by females into the boardroom as explored in a multi-university survey on current Directors and CEOs of public firms and their values.
Panelists:
Jane Luxton, Partner, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, formerly General Counsel, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Moderator
Sally Fisk, Assistant General Counsel, PGS & EHS Compliance Lead, Pfizer Inc.
Chelsea Liu, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide Business School
Kathleen McQuiggan, Wealth Advisor, Artemis Financial Advisors
Materials:
Sally Fisk presentation
Chelsea Liu presentation
Jane Luxton presentation
Kathleen McQuiggan presentation
Additional Materials:
How to Become a Board Member: A Step-by-Step Guide for Women on Joining Nonprofit and Corporate Boards