Catalyst (nonprofit organization)

Catalyst is a global nonprofit organization working to accelerate progress for women through workplace inclusion. Founded in 1962, Catalyst focuses on research, advisory services, corporate board placement, and events to build inclusive workplaces and advance women in leadership positions.

Mission:

Catalyst's mission is to build inclusive workplaces and accelerate the advancement of women through research, thought leadership, and practical solutions.

History:

Catalyst was initially founded as the Catalyst Education Corporation, focusing on providing career information to women. Over time, its focus shifted towards research and advocacy to address systemic barriers preventing women's advancement in the workplace.

Areas of Focus:

Catalyst's work encompasses several key areas:

• Research: Conducting and publishing data-driven research on women in the workplace, leadership, and inclusion.
• Advisory Services: Providing consulting services to organizations to develop and implement inclusive workplace practices.
• Corporate Board Placement: Connecting qualified women with board opportunities to increase gender diversity on corporate boards.
• Events: Hosting conferences, webinars, and other events to share insights, best practices, and facilitate networking.
• DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion): Providing resources and strategies to cultivate diverse, equitable and inclusive work environments.

Key Initiatives and Programs:

Catalyst engages in various initiatives, including:

• Catalyst CEO Champions For Change: A group of CEOs committed to advancing women in their organizations.
• The Catalyst Awards: Annual awards recognizing companies that have implemented successful initiatives to advance women in the workplace.
• Catalyst Knowledge Center: A comprehensive online resource containing research reports, toolkits, and other materials on women in leadership and inclusion.

Impact:

Catalyst's research and advocacy have contributed to increased awareness of gender inequality in the workplace and have influenced corporate policies and practices aimed at creating more inclusive environments. Its work continues to be relevant as organizations strive to achieve greater gender equity and diversity.