It’s true that today’s business world is becoming more diverse. With businesses of all shapes and sizes, it’s no surprise that the CEO role is becoming more inclusive. But why are there still significantly fewer Black CEOs? In fact, in 2021, only 4 companies out of the Fortune 500 had Black CEOs. It’s clear that more diversity is needed in top positions in order to create more opportunities for everyone. This is why the Executive Leadership Council is working day and night to increase the number of Black executives in the corporate world. Let’s see who they are and what they’re offering.
What’s Executive Leadership Council?
Executive Leadership Council (ELC) is a global not-for-profit, membership-based organization that supports and advances the careers of Black professionals in business and public affairs. ELC offers its members access to resources and exclusive opportunities, including education, networking events, and executive search.
The ELC organization was founded in 1986 and aimed to strengthen the Black leaders’ talent pipeline by offering top-notch leadership programs. These courses and training are tailored to support the growth of Black professionals at different career levels.
4 Key Services of ELC for Professionals
- For Students: If Black students get the training and opportunities from their academic days, they can too achieve remarkable positions in their careers in the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. This is exactly what ECL is doing by offering scholarship programs to high-performing college students. They also offer internships, mentoring, and exclusive access to ELC members and their organizations for career-making opportunities.
- For Mid-Level Managers: They offer training programs designed to help Black mid-level managers grow in their careers. They have various activities and events such as the Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium. Also, a two-day professional-development experience for over 1,000 high-performing and potential-filled corporate leaders and managers. Many of them represent Global 500 and Fortune 1,000 companies. It’s a great opportunity for managers to network and learn. They also offer leadership development week and a women’s leadership forum.
- For Executives: They design tailored programs to engage and further the development of current corporate executives at various stages of their careers. Their executive services include access to the strategic thinking, network, transformational and research activities of ELC, CEO peer-to-peer events, discounts for development program fees, and opportunities for media visibility.
- For Black Women: They offer leadership programs and pieces of training designed specifically for Black women. These are usually specific to meet their needs and challenges. The programs are highly effective and very well-received. They include corporate training, leadership development, leadership retreats, executive coaching, and other programs. Furthermore, Black female students also get access to scholarships, internships, and networking opportunities with ELC strategic partners and executives from various corporate organizations.
What Else Does ELC Do for Black Professionals?
ELC also has an External Advocacy Initiative. It’s designed to put ELC as a champion for inclusion on policy issues affecting Black constituents and other minority groups.
They are also working with government officials on public policy issues involving matters like criminal justice reform and economic development.
Furthermore, they are very active in philanthropic activities to support businesses and the Black community as a whole.
In fact, they have started offering grants to nonprofit organizations in selected communities and also offering investments for Black entrepreneurs.
ELC – The Best Place for Self-Development for Black Professionals!
Being a professional doesn’t only mean doing great work. It also means having the right leadership skills and mindset to lead yourself, your team, and your organization forward.
The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) is a community of professionals who share the same passion for excellence and leadership. They focus on giving Black students and professionals the tools, knowledge, and network to help them thrive in today’s fast-paced business world.
