Crashing the Gatekeepers: Dismantling Structures of Unintentional Bias Against Women

In celebration of International Women’s Day and its theme, #EmbraceEquity, Nossaman’s Women’s Affinity Group hosted a virtual presentation on March 8, 2023.

International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to focus on the state of women in the world and to what areas women still need greater, more fair access. This year, we engaged in a discussion with Mindy Gulati, founder and CEO of Fundamental Advisory, a consulting firm focused on advising businesses, law firms, state and local governments and nonprofits on issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and culture. Mindy discussed gatekeeping and bias barriers that women continue to face that bar access and equity in workplaces despite decades of efforts. Gatekeeping can be harmful to women's careers and often the gatekeepers are other women. She discussed how to be a gate opener and make space for more women, particularly women who are typically left out of leadership roles. Nossaman's Kimberly Kamkar served as moderator.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Using her expertise and personal approach, Mindy Gulati designs DEI strategic plans, drafts policies and procedures and creates custom content and workshops for a wide range of organizations around the country. Her focus is strategy for equity & inclusion, antiracism, implicit bias awareness, creating innovative cultures, executive leadership coaching and educating on the ethical implications of bias, as well as guiding organizations on legal issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination. As a former criminal defense trial attorney and expert on DEI, Mindy is passionate about fostering equity and inclusion through her work and has seen how people thrive when barriers are removed.