Catalyst Inc. - A Pro-Women's Catalyst Organization for Change

By Lahle Wolfe

 

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

 

Origins and Date Founded:

In 1962, Felice N. Schwartz founded Catalyst to help women enter the workforce. The first board of directors consisted of five college presidents from Lawrence, Mills, Sarah Lawrence, Smith, and Wellesley. Together they began an organization whose work would go on to expand options for women in business and in the work force.

Size of Organization:

Catalyst has offices throughout the world in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Their membership bases consists of "more than 400 companies, firms, business schools, and associations from around the world, employing millions of women."

Purpose of Organization:

"Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit membership organization working globally with businesses and the professions to build inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for women and business. With offices in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and more than 400 preeminent corporations as members, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women's advancement with the Catalyst Award."

Services:

Catalyst works on a global basis to provide members, the media, and the public with information relative to diversification and provide counsel for creating workplaces that enable women and their employers to succeed. Their reports are considered a reliable source of information and are often cited in international media about the challenges and opportunities for organizations and women at work.

Some of their services include:

• Advisory Services: This group assesses the global and regional challenges to provide insights and strategies that support members’ goals.
• Information Center: The Information Center provides information about diversity in the workplace, leadership, retention and turnover, and gender discrimination. You can also search Catalyst’s Research and Knowledge section on their website. This feature contains a goldmine of useful information and statistics relating to women in business and in the work place.
• Speakers Bureau: Catalyst offers dynamic and knowledgeable speakers to serve at events, seminars, and other business environments.
• Corporate Board Services: A unique service that assists women in determining whether serving on a corporate board of directors is right move for them.

Annual Catalyst Awards

The Catalyst Award annually honors innovative approaches with proven results taken by organizations to address the recruitment, development, and advancement of all managerial women, including women of color.

By celebrating successful initiatives, Catalyst provides organizations with replicable models to help them create initiatives that are good for women and good for business.