Bonita Stewart progressed from an early career in technology roles at IBM and automotive companies to breakthrough positions leading Digital Marketing efforts for Chrysler and later Google, where she became Google’s first Black woman Vice President in 2006. With an interest in gaining board experience, she attended Northwestern’s Women Directors Program in 2005 to expand her board qualifications. Stewart joined outdoor lifestyle company Deckers’ board in 2014, attracted by their existing gender diversity and digital marketing efforts. After nine years of committed participation, rising to Chair their expanded Sustainability, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee.
Stewart firmly believes diversity measurably enhances business performance and board capabilities. She co-authored the book “Blessings: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive” in 2018 to depict how women of color navigate workplace challenges, incorporating her own survey research on racial differences.
Stewart advocates visible commitment from existing board members to advance minorities through succession planning and organized candidate databases. She argues that rising generations prioritize diversity and inclusive environments, necessitating cultural awareness among leaders. Stewart emphasizes seizing opportunities like George Floyd’s murder aftermath to spark corporate self-examination and accountability on diversity issues.
