Director Diversity Initiative

The Director Diversity Initiative (DDI) works with for profit and non-profit boards of directors to increase their gender, racial and ethnic diversity. The initiative distributes information about board diversity in North Carolina, provides training for those interested in corporate board service, and maintains a database of potential diverse board directors.

The DDI was formed in 2003 at the suggestion of Henry Frye, the retired chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court and first African American who served in that position, and Tom Ross, then the executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Initial funding for the initiative startup was provided by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and Fulfilling the Dream Fund: North Carolina Consortium.

One page informational flyer.

Broadening Corporate Diversity: Earning a Board Seat, May 21, 2020, Chapel Hill, NC

This annual program is designed for women, people of color, and those who would add in other ways to diversity and want to learn more about corporate board service. Topics include the job of a director, the skills needed and how to develop them, realistic approaches to advancing your candidacy for a board position, diverse directors in non-diverse settings, and evaluating companies and opportunities. Enrollment is limited and based upon application. Sponsorships are available. Participants interact with a panel of experienced board members from a variety of companies.