Women’s history month provides catalyst for new conversations

The month of March has been declared by Congress to be “Women’s History Month,” a time period dedicated to raising awareness and knowledge of women’s achievements and contributions, from the ordinary and everyday to the momentous. 

Our channel is a celebration of women all its own with its icons and achievers: P.F.E. Albee, the first Avon lady, Mary Crowley of Home Interiors, Mary Kay Ash, Brownie Wise of Tupperware, Jan Day of JAFRA and Doris Christopher of Pampered Chef. 

The channel itself grew into prominence with the help of these female icons who provided opportunity little available elsewhere for women at the time. 

Most women I know are not just interested in seeing females find opportunity to excel professionally, tending to look around and make sure everyone is invited to the party, so to speak. 

I think “people interested in diversity and inlclusion” may be terms better suited for describing the women, and many of the men, in our channel. These are the terms we’ve focused on for a part of this March issue.

In The Ranks (page 17-19), you will find a listing different than anything we’ve previously done: a list highlighting and celebrating midsized to large U.S.-based companies with diverse and inclusive C-Suites. 

Diversity and inclusion actually have many dimensions beyond those key elements we’re highlighting (gender, ethnicity/race and age). But it’s certainly a start. We did our best in research to create a comprehensive list, although I am certain we’ve left someone out. Let me apologize in advance if it was you!  

On page 28, you will find a terrific column full of research and data supporting the fact that “financial and cultural gains are the end result for companies willing to invest in women.” This information is presented by former President of OPTAVIA and former GM of Belcorp USA, Mona Ameli, currently managing partner of Ameli Global Partnerships. Ameli is nationally certifed in diversity and inclusion, and speaks with experience and authority on the subject. 

This issue also includes information on a little known, but potentially troubling fact: your website falls under the requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Turn to Risk Roundup on page 24 to understand how this may affect you. 

Our cover story once again deals with the FTC’s enforcement activity in our channel. This case is most interesting, not because the company is well-known, but because the FTC appears to be enlarging its net to include formerly “safe” elements in a multi-level compensation plan. 

Please let us know your thoughts on this issue and on all the information we bring you in Social Selling News.