ElevateHER™ Corporate Challenge

Take the Challenge. Create the change.

What is the ElevateHER™ Challenge?

Choosing to accept the ElevateHER™ Challenge means an organization pledges to elevate the stature of women’s leadership. Each organization may adapt its own policies within its unique structure to meet the commitments.

Step One:
Learn about and incorporate the additive value of women in leadership.

Create opportunities to have WLI teach your executive team, ERG or staff about the value of gender diversity.

Step Two:
Set company goals in 1 or more areas of the Challenge.

WLI suggests focusing on each of the following areas to reap the full benefit of enhancing women’s leadership.

1. Increase the percentage of women in senior leadership positions.

Ensure that women are included in the candidate pool for senior-level positions. Understand and communicate the value of women leaders to the success of the organization. Encourage women to apply for senior leadership positions.

2. Improve the retention rate of women at all levels of your organization.

Assess outmigration among women. Provide opportunities for women to help design and implement development programs that incentivize women to remain with the company.

3. Build a leadership pipeline for women and include them in decision-making roles.

Actively include women in decision-making roles—such as executive committees, board appointments, and key strategic initiatives—demonstrating a commitment to gender equity and improving business outcomes through diverse perspectives. Leaders should also review and adjust policies related to hiring, promotions, and succession planning to remove biases and create clear pathways for women to advance, fostering an inclusive culture where leadership is accessible to all.

4. Evaluate pay structure and create a plan to close identifiable gaps.

Assess salary gaps within the organization. Develop a plan to close identified gaps and monitor progress.

5. Invest in women's leadership development, including mentoring and sponsorship.

Evaluate current leadership development and mentoring programs available to women in the organization or implement such programs and track increases in female employee participation. Understand the difference between mentees, mentors, sponsors, and allies. Help educate company leaders to identify and sponsor potential female leaders in your company’s leadership pipeline.

6. Clarify company policies that encourage employee political and civic engagement.

Consider outlining permissible activities, such as voting leave, volunteering, or advocacy, while ensuring alignment with company values and legal guidelines. Communicate to employees the value and importance of gender diversity in creating public policy that affects businesses, communities, and families. Foster a culture where employees feel empowered to participate in public policy without fear of retaliation.

Challenge Success Stories