From the progress file, fully 20% of public company board seats are now held by women. The change is occurring because of a combination of pressure from investors and new laws. The full article can be found here.
It seems this focus on adding women to boards improves a company’s credit risk profile. Women occupy 28% of board seats at AAA-rated issuers, and as gender diversity a company declines, so does a company’s credit rating. The full article can be found here.
As my readers know, Wall Street has avoided its #metoo moment mainly because arbitration agreements keep these stories both out of the courts and out of the press, until now. Randee Paston has sued Cantor Fitzgerald for forcing her out after enduring months of harassment. Her story is similar to Lee Stowell who also sued the firm last year as did Jennifer Goldstein. The full article can be foundhere.
The next article sounds a cautionary note for women using ride sharing apps. A lawsuit was filed against Lyft by 14 women who were sexually assaulted or raped by drivers, and the suit accuses the company of failing to respond to the issue putting more women at risk. One in six women will face sexual violence in her lifetime. The full article can be found here.
You will note that we have our two amazing fall fundraisers set so far. For Houston we have a treat – a private magic show featuringChampion Magician: Ben Jackson. Our Houston committee has arranged for an amazing array of goodies for the raffle all from female-owned businesses. In Austin, we have our wonderful Boots & Blackjack Casino Night at the Line Hotel. Thank you to the following local Austin companies that have generously donated to our November 7th Silent Auction. Attend for your chance to bid on these stellar items benefiting the Young Women’s Preparatory Network. Get your tickets here
I would ask each of you to consider corporate sponsorship of TXWSW. Benefits include attendance at our flagship events and recognition for your firm. To learn more, you may find our sponsor information here. Additionally, we would be happy to create a custom sponsorship for you. Please contact Bianca King at developmentdirector@txwsw.com
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