Despite ongoing efforts, significant gaps in leadership representation remain. Only 8% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women (Catalyst, 2023), and less than 2% are Black (Fortune, 2023). Hispanic and Asian communities are also underrepresented, holding just 4% and 5% of executive positions respectively (McKinsey, 2022), while Latina and Native American representation is nearly nonexistent.
LGBTQIA+ leaders remain underrepresented across industries, with only 3% of senior leadership roles held by openly LGBTQIA+ individuals (Human Rights Campaign, 2023). Gender equity remains a major challenge, with women and non-binary individuals facing significant barriers to leadership. People with disabilities are also largely excluded from leadership opportunities, with only 1.5% of executive roles held by people with disabilities (Disability, 2023).
The leadership ladder is broken for many underrepresented groups. Socioeconomic barriers make individuals from lower-income backgrounds 32% less likely to advance to senior leadership (Harvard Business Review, 2021). Beyond the corporate world, leadership roles across sectors still fail to reflect the diversity of our communities.
Underrepresented leaders also face significant challenges in accessing resources, with only 2.3% of venture capital funding going to women-led startups and less than 1% going to Black founders (Crunchbase, 2023). Without adequate funding and support, many diverse leaders are unable to scale their impact and realize their full potential. Without diverse leadership, organizations miss out on innovation, perspectives, and progress.
The lack of diverse leadership is not only due to external barriers—such as systemic biases and limited access to opportunities—but also internal challenges faced by underrepresented individuals. Many people do not see leaders who look like them, which makes it difficult to envision themselves in those roles. This lack of representation affects self-perception and limits aspirations. To advance identity equity, we must address both the external barriers and internal challenges that prevent individuals from envisioning themselves as leaders.
Diverse leadership drives better outcomes. Studies reveal that organizations with diverse leadership are 36% more likely to outperform their peers in profitability (McKinsey, 2020). Teams with gender diversity are 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability (Boston Consulting Group, 2018), and ethnic diversity in executive teams is linked to a 33% increase in performance (Deloitte, 2021). When leadership reflects different identities, experiences, and worldviews, it fosters a culture where more people feel seen and heard—ultimately fueling creativity, innovation, and stronger decision-making. By advancing identity equity in leadership, we’re not just closing gaps—we’re shaping environments where everyone can lead authentically and contribute meaningfully.
Recognizing and uplifting leaders of all identities expands the definition of leadership. Empowered leaders are more likely to champion inclusive practices and amplify unheard voices, creating a ripple effect that benefits teams, organizations, and industries by fostering a culture of belonging. For this to happen, organizations must actively create spaces of belonging, ensuring everyone feels supported and valued in their leadership journey.
At BREAKTHRU, we are partnering with organizations committed to fostering environments where authentic leadership can thrive. Our programs are designed to empower individuals to embrace their true identity, vulnerability, and potential. We equip leaders—especially those from underrepresented communities—with the skills, confidence, and space they need to break barriers and shape the future of leadership.
Imagine a world where every boardroom, every community organization, and every leadership team truly reflects the people they serve. By advancing identity equity, we are making this vision a reality—one leader at a time. Let’s build a future where everyone feels they belong and has the opportunity to lead.
A certified Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
A certified LGBT Business Enterprise® by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
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A certified Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
A certified LGBT Business Enterprise® by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
