Let's Avoid the Inequities Theory

Mike Welch’s recent column on whether women need exclusivity to address issues that they face as CEOs hit a chord with me. I, like you, believe that the issues that we face as executives are not gender based; therefore, should not be a venue for harboring the inequities theory that many women foster. As a credit union woman executive, I have found that the majority of the time it is the diversity of the group – gender, age, experience, race, etc. – that moves a group forward to its best conclusion. Prejudice and bias has been a part of our world since the beginning of time – yet great strides have been made in eradicating gender inequities. While we may have a way to go to be on equal footing with males, I for one, believe that if we foster venues whereby only those of the same sex is allowed entrance, others will always question whether WE truly believe we are equal. Gerrianne “Winky” Burks EVP/COO Northwest Federal Credit Union Herndon, Va.