1. It improves the bottom line. McKinsey, Deloitte, Catalyst, and the Wall Street Journal all report that in terms of return on capital, companies with the most female board members outperform those with the least by over 26%.

2. Pursing diversity in certain fields opens up the available talent pool. Vermont has among the nation’s oldest workers. To be competitive, Vermont cannot waste a drop of its talent. Data suggests that we are.

3. Diversity in thought and perspective is critical to innovation. Numerous studies across sectors have demonstrated that diversity of all kinds, including gender, simply produces better work.

4. Women make 80% of consumer decisions. Products and services we sell should be informed by what women know, like and need.