Analysis of Shared Experiences of Asian Female Leaders in Non-Profit Corporate Structure

Authors: Abby Shapiro, Mina Lee, Daniel Lin

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Undergraduate Education Research Scholars

Faculty Mentors: Mina Lee

Easel: 3

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Diversity in executive leadership provides many strengths to organizations such as fostering inclusive work environments and strengthening organizations’ ability to serve diverse populations. Still, there is a lack of understanding about the experience of female CEOs in the nonprofit sector and their pathways to executive leadership, particularly those of Asian descent. In order to understand the representation of female CEOs of Asian descent, this study analyzed the United Business Master File (UBMF) compiled by the National Center for Charitable Statistics. Based on the name of the CEO, the gender and race/ethnicity was assigned by using the machine learning algorithm. While women account for 75% of the workforce of the non-profit sector, Asian American women hold only 2% of executive roles, while their white counterparts hold 42%. This shows underrepresentation of women in general as well as those of Asian descent and implies that leadership development is crucial among these populations.