Seattle-based law firm Perkins Coie is launching The Black Boardroom Initiative, which aims to grow the diversity of S&P 500 corporate boards by increasing the presence of Black leaders to one in eight by 2028. The initiative will provide six months of free training to “board-ready” Black executives in areas like corporate governance issues and by facilitating networking and mentoring. With backing from major Seattle tech companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and Zillow Group, the effort will initially focus on Washington state with plans for future expansion.
“There are many benefits to a public company having a more diverse corporate board, including diversity of opinion, stronger corporate governance, and the encouragement of diversity throughout an organization,” said James Williams (pictured), co-leader of the initiative and Perkins Coie’s Seattle office managing partner.