I Choose To Win

Melonie Butler Joins Cohort 12 of the DiverseForce On Boards

I Choose To Win / June 11, 2024

Melonie Butler, founder of I Choose to Win, recently completed the DiverseForce On Boards (DFOB) program, a transformative experience designed to develop and empower high-performing mid-to-senior level professionals of color for leadership roles in the boardroom. She joined Cohort 12 of the program, which continues to make strides in addressing the lack of diversity in corporate governance. The DiverseForce On Boards program, established in 2017, was created with a singular mission: to increase diversity in boardrooms by providing professionals of color with the tools, resources, and knowledge to step into influential leadership positions. Through mentorship, education, and training, the program prepares participants to lead with excellence, bringing their unique perspectives to boardrooms lacking diversity. Empowering Leaders to Foster Inclusive Change For Melonie Butler, joining the DFOB program was a natural next step in her ongoing journey to make a difference and bring about real change. With her experience as a nonprofit leader and advocate for BIPOC girls and women, Melonie understands the importance of inclusive and diverse leadership in all sectors, including corporate governance. By participating in this esteemed program, she aimed to sharpen her leadership capabilities and continue building her capacity to help foster inclusive, equitable, and diverse environments at the board level. “The DiverseForce On Boards program has equipped me with invaluable resources to navigate the complexities of board leadership and governance,” said Melonie. “It has reinforced my belief that diverse boards not only reflect the communities they serve, but are also stronger, more innovative, and better positioned to lead organizations towards meaningful and lasting impact.” A Program with Proven Impact Since its inception, DiverseForce On Boards has welcomed 12 cohorts, celebrated 307 graduates, and successfully placed more than 250 individuals in board seats. The program is a powerful example of how targeted professional development can directly impact the composition of boardrooms. It provides participants with board governance preparation, leadership development, valuable DEI insights and actionable steps, and nonprofit board matching. Graduates of the program leave with a heightened ability to navigate the complexities of board responsibilities, strategic governance, and decision-making, all while helping organizations align with the communities they serve. The program has earned a reputation for empowering change agents who are committed to fostering greater understanding, representation, and impact. For Melonie, her journey within the DiverseForce On Boards program was about more than just potential outcomes for her resume; it was about positioning herself to add greater value and service in the spaces she leads. “I’m now better prepared to make a tangible impact in the boardrooms I sit in, ensuring that diverse voices are not just heard but integrated into the core of decision-making processes,” she explained. Making an Impact at the Intersection of Nonprofit Leadership and Corporate Governance As the founder of I Choose to Win, a nonprofit dedicated to developing BIPOC women and girls as leaders, Melonie brings a wealth of experience in leadership, advocacy, and social justice. Her passion for fostering inclusive environments aligns perfectly with the mission of the DiverseForce On Boards program, which aims to create more inclusive and effective boards that reflect the diversity of their communities and stakeholders. By completing the DFOB program, Melonie is further equipped to make a significant impact on both the nonprofit sector and corporate governance. Her participation in the program represents a powerful intersection of mission-driven leadership and corporate excellence, reinforcing the belief that diversity at the highest levels of decision-making leads to more innovative, responsive, and resilient organizations. Looking Ahead: Building More Diverse and Inclusive Boardrooms Melonie’s graduation from the DiverseForce On Boards program is a major milestone, not only for her personal and professional growth but for the continued evolution of boardrooms across the nation. She is determined to use her voice, expertise, and newly gained knowledge to serve on boards that reflect the full range of experiences and perspectives to best serve communities in need. For more information about the DiverseForce On Boards program, visit: www.diverseforce.com/diverseforceonboards

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