This presentation summarizes networking strategies of corporate women of color, with a focus on implications for organizations.

1. Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Women of Color and the Power of Networks Katherine Giscombe, Ph.D. Senior Director, Catalyst 2006 Catalyst Awards Conference Innovative Strategies, Winning Results

2. Barriers to Advancement for Women of Color Networking with Influential colleagues Percentages of women of color rating lack of the following as barriers (To some/ great/ very great extent ) Mentor/sponsor Role models of same race High visibility Assignments

3. Informal Networks by Race

4. Informal Networks by Gender 0 20 40 60 80 100 African-American Women Latinas Asian-American Women Women of the Same Race Women of Another Race Men

5. Workplace Exclusion Perception of High Workplace Exclusivity 42% 27% 21% African-American Women Asian Women Hispanic/Latina

6. Links Between Approaches to Networking and Advancement and Commitment Blending In Vs. Sticking Together Advancement (Promotion Rate) Commitment to the Organization

7. Effectiveness of Networking Approaches Varies by Race √ = high percentage of this type of network member Sticking Together = network high in those of the same race/ethnicity or gender, and low in colleagues Blending In = network high in men, whites, or colleagues √ Commitment √ Promotion √ Promotion African- American Women √ √ Commitment √ Latinas √ Commitment √ Promotion √ Promotion Asian Women Men Whites Company Colleagues Women Women Same Race NETWORKING APPROACHES OF WOMEN OF COLOR Sticking Together Blending In