Studies show that diversity is a social good and good for business. But the percentage of senior employees who are women at private equity firms remains low.
“Unacceptable,” said McGuireWoods partner Amber Walsh, who spearheaded creation of the firm’s Women in Private Equity and Finance Initiative with the help of women lawyers from McGuireWoods’ corporate practices in the U.S. and London and enthusiastic support from senior leadership and practice chairs throughout the firm.
“There’s a critical need to build and expand business relationships to promote the advancement of women in the private equity and lending sectors,” said Walsh, chair of McGuireWoods’ Healthcare Department.
As part of the award-winning initiative, women investors from PE firms and McGuireWoods lawyers come together to facilitate relationship-building through industry-focused events that provide substantive educational and networking opportunities to help expand business opportunities. McGuireWoods also connects women investors with women business owners through a network database built by the firm.
Thought leadership is another avenue for women in PE to highlight their knowledge. So the initiative spotlights women leaders in private equity as part of its “Women in Private Equity to Know” series — Q&As that profile women leaders and inspire other women to pursue PE careers.
To recommend a woman in PE for a future profile, email Amber Walsh at [email protected].