The Way Up Conference November 4, 2016 The EPIC Challenge: Economic Potential for Iowa Companies Starts with Your Commitment The Way Up Conference November 4, 2016

NEXUS Executive Women’s Alliance Began in 1978 – 70 members, 17 emeritus Purpose: Providing business and personal support among its members. Activism focused on change and betterment for all - including the advancement of women.

NEXUS Index – 2004 and 2012 Could young women achieve leadership roles? Measure sample indicators of gender equality in Iowa Goal is to raise awareness and promote discourse

Sample Indicators of Gender Equality Academic Performance Leadership Indicators Corporate Boards of Directors Iowa Supreme Court Justices Governors, Congressional Delegation, Iowa Legislature Peak Earning Potential Highest Paid Employees at Regents Universities Highly Compensated Executives in Largest Casualty Insurance Companies

National Media Attention Sheryl Sandberg, COO Facebook, Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders, 2010 TED Talk 2012 Election Advertising National Conventions Anne Marie Slaughter, Why Women Still Can’t Have it All, Atlantic Magazine, July/August 2012.

Opportunities are Unequal Based on Gender What Problem Opportunities are Unequal Based on Gender We are limiting opportunities for both genders in institution and in society. So why is this happening?

Business Case for Gender Equity in Leadership Evidence shows that including more women on leadership teams means strikingly greater return on investment. Including women means more money Including women means stronger teams Including women board members means better outcomes Including women means more creative solutions Including women means creating a workplace for future generations

True Gender Equality Equal Opportunities to Lead + Equal Opportunities to Nurture = Better Outcomes for All

Deliverables Statewide Collaborative Research Developed the Business Case/Video Created website www.epic-iowa.com International Resources & Measurement Programs Change the Ratio EDGE – Economic Dividends from Gender Equity The Path Forward – Accenture 2012 International Women’s Day Study Iowa Organizations All IWLP + Launched The EPIC Corporate Challenge CEO Luncheon 10/27/15

The EPIC Challenge Organizations that commit to the challenge must commit to three things: 1. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) must agree to participate. 2. Assign one person, with direct access to the CEO, to oversee The EPIC Challenge. 3. Commit to at least one of these four areas: • Increase the number of females in the pipeline at all levels • Increase the retention rate of females in management • Increase the representation of females in the top 10% of management • Increase the number of women on their board of directors

The EPIC Challenge Launched 10/27/15 in Des Moines Bankers Trust Delta Dental of Iowa Des Moines Area Community College Drake University Fareway Stores Greater Des Moines Partnership Homes Services Iowa National Guard LMC LWBJ Merchants Bonding Merit Resources Principal Financial Group Saxton Storey Kenworthy

Next Steps – Hand off Sharing with IWLC to take state-wide EPIC Challenge and website Available for other organizations after IWLC launches