This blog explores why diversity matters on a board of trustees and how organizations can intentionally build a more inclusive governance structure.
Why Diversity Matters in Governance
Diverse boards lead to better governance and stronger performance because they:
- Provide broader perspectives on challenges and opportunities
- Reduce the risk of groupthink
- Reflect the populations being served, enhancing community trust
- Improve creativity and innovation
- Strengthen public credibility and legitimacy
For mission-driven organizations, failing to address representation on the board can lead to blind spots and missed opportunities for impact.
Key Areas of Diversity
Diversity isn’t just about race or gender. It includes:
- Race and ethnicity
- Gender identity and expression
- Age
- Socioeconomic background
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Geographic location
- Professional or lived experience (especially within the mission area)
A diverse Board of Trustees helps ensure that decisions are not made in an echo chamber.
Assessing Your Current Board
Before enhancing diversity, assess where your board currently stands. Tools like a board diversity matrix can help you visualize:
- What voices are present
- What communities are missing
- What skills or lived experiences are underrepresented
This analysis will guide recruitment strategies and help set realistic diversity goals.
Strategies to Improve Board Diversity
- Expand Your Networks
Don’t rely on traditional or personal networks for new trustees. Partner with:
- Community organizations
- Leadership pipelines for underrepresented groups
- Local universities or minority chambers of commerce
- Online board-matching platforms
Widening the talent pool is essential to changing the board’s composition.
- Revise the Recruitment Process
Develop inclusive job descriptions and make expectations transparent. Emphasize that:
- All backgrounds and experiences are welcome
- No previous board experience is required
- Lived experience in the community is valued as much as formal credentials
Ensure the process is welcoming and free of unintentional bias.
- Provide Inclusive Onboarding and Mentorship
A diverse board must also be an inclusive one. Support new trustees with:
- Culturally competent onboarding materials
- Mentorship from senior board members
- Safe spaces for dialogue and contribution
- A clear commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion
Creating a culture of belonging ensures diverse voices are heard — not just present.
Conclusion
Enhancing diversity on your Board of Trustees isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a commitment to more equitable leadership and stronger outcomes. By actively recruiting, supporting, and uplifting diverse members, your board becomes better equipped to serve its mission, understand its community, and drive lasting impact.