The Inaugural Midwest Diversity and Leadership
Glass Ceiling Awards Breakfast

Thursday September 11, 2008
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Location: TBD

Keynote Speaker: TBD

About the Midwest Glass Ceiling Awards The term “glass ceiling” describes invisible barriers that most commonly limit the advancement of various individuals in the workforce. The situation is described as a “ceiling” due to the blocking of upward advancement, and “glass” due to unapparent, unwritten and unofficial policy. It is distinguished from formal impediments to advancement, such as education or experience requirements. Due to the “glass ceiling,” half of the U.S. workforce is excluded from the highest ranks of corporate power, which means their talent and new, innovative ideas are unable to enter the executive suite, and they are locked out of the real decision-making positions. The Midwest Diversity Conference Glass Ceiling Award was established to recognize individuals and companies that have successfully broken the “glass ceiling,” and promote and support the achievements of diverse employees in the workplace to allow them to break through the “glass ceiling.”

Criteria for the award include the following:

Individuals

• Are either the first or one of a few diverse individuals at their level within the organization, or in their field
  
• Have a significant position of power and influence, in terms of significant impact on revenues, profitability, and/or direction of the organization
• Exhibits a commitment to the advancement of diverse individuals within the work environment
• Encourages organizations to voluntarily eliminate barriers and promote the advancement of diverse individuals to the upper ranks of management

Corporations

• Is committed to diversity within senior management and on the board of directors
• Creates a climate of inclusion and acceptance
• Provides effective career development training, sponsorship and mentoring programs for employees
• Uses innovative and inclusive recruitment advancement techniques
• Develops internal support systems that eliminate artificial barriers to the advancement of diverse individuals
• Have at least one female and/or person of color on the board of directors and/or within the C-suite executive management team

To submit an individual for consideration:

• Submit nominee’s full name, title/position, organization, and contact information.
• Submit, in a bulleted format, the reasons why the individual should be considered for this recognition, based on the criteria listed above.
• Forward nominations to David Miles via e-mail at david.miles@nationaldiversityconference.com, or submit applications online via the form below.

Submit your nomination online