Iowa Females You Should Know
ANNE CAROTHERS Oct 30, 2015 | 8:48 pm [wp-word-count-reading-time after="min read time"][wp-word-count after="words"]Lift IOWA
The new executive director for Young Women’s Resource Center in Des Moines, Kristin Griffth, 42, worked for international development organizations all over the world and for nonprofit organizations in Canada before returning to the Midwest this year. She was profiled in the 
Business Recordrecently.. We also asked her some questions for Lift IOWA readers.
Business Recordrecently.. We also asked her some questions for Lift IOWA readers.Q. The 2015 GuideStar Nonprofit Compensation Report finds that salaries of female nonprofit executives continue to lag behind those of men in comparable positions. The gap is widest at nonprofits with budgets between $2.5 million and $5 million, where the gap is 23 percent ($111,183 vs. $136,882).
What can be done to reduce gender inequity among nonprofit leaders?
A. Boards specifically need to understand the biases that exist that create lower pay for female CEOs, as do funders. Information needs to be more accessible (such as the GuideStar compensation report) to help benchmark the variance so it can be addressed. And women in the nonprofit sector need to understand salary structures and ranges in their fields, and be prepared to negotiate for a fair salary. Research shows that women are more hesitant to negotiate regarding compensation. But I do think we also have an obligation to move out of our comfort zones to change the status quo so that young women coming up behind us benefit from salary equity.
Q. What have you personally had to overcome as a potential leader?
A. I have had to overcome a fair bit of shyness. Growing up, I had a bit of a speech impediment that only added to this. But overall, I have benefited from a number of privileges, from being born in the U.S. to being born to a couple of wonderful parents who had the tools, resources and support networks to raise happy, healthy kids.
Q. How does your organization help young women to lead?
A. Our programs are all about empowering young women to learn and grow. It is a place where young women have access to mentors, who are so important in development. We have an amazing staff composed of unique women, who are excited to share their knowledge and experience, and who are passionate about supporting our clients. … The most common barrier for young women who have leadership qualities is our world! Between the fifth and sixth grades, many young women really begin to internalize the messages in our environment about how they should act. Leadership skills are suddenly equated with being “bossy.” Young women who are bubbly and outspoken become shy and withdrawn. The challenge they face is how to survive this, and the Young Women’s Resource Center can provide them with the support needed.
Connection points
Email: kgriffith@ywrc.org
Phone: 515-244-4901
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