Paige Dumars: Trailblazing CEO and Advocate for Diversity in Business

Introduction

Paige Dumars, a renowned businesswoman and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, has made a significant impact on the corporate landscape. As the CEO of ExactTarget, a leading provider of email marketing solutions, she led the company to unprecedented growth and innovation before its acquisition by Salesforce in 2013. Dumars's unwavering commitment to diversity and her ability to foster a culture of inclusion have earned her widespread recognition and accolades.

Early Life and Education

Paige Dumars was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in a family that emphasized education and community involvement. She earned her bachelor's degree in marketing from Eastern Michigan University and went on to pursue her MBA from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.

Career at ExactTarget

In 1999, Dumars joined ExactTarget, a small email marketing startup based in Indianapolis. As the company's CEO for over a decade, she played a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. Under her leadership, ExactTarget experienced meteoric growth, expanding its global footprint and becoming a leader in the marketing technology industry.

Dumars's vision extended beyond financial success to include a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. She created a Workplace Equality Index to measure the company's progress and implemented programs to recruit and retain a diverse workforce.

Acquisition by Salesforce and Legacy

In 2013, Salesforce, a global leader in customer relationship management (CRM) software, acquired ExactTarget. The deal was valued at $2.5 billion and transformed ExactTarget into a key component of Salesforce's marketing cloud.

Dumars remained with Salesforce as senior vice president of marketing after the acquisition. She continued to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the larger organization, co-founding the Equality Trailblazers Group to connect LGBTQ+ employees and allies.

Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion

Dumars is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. She serves on the board of directors for the National Urban League, a non-profit organization dedicated to economic empowerment and equal opportunity for African Americans. She is also a founding member of the Catalyst CEO Champions for Change, a group of CEOs committed to advancing women in business.

In recognition of her work, Dumars has received numerous awards, including the Indianapolis Business Journal's Athena Award and the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Award.

Impact on Business and Society

Paige Dumars's impact on business and society is profound. Her leadership at ExactTarget demonstrated the benefits of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where innovation and success thrive. Through her advocacy for diversity and inclusion, she has inspired countless individuals and organizations to embrace these principles.

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies with diverse leadership teams are more likely to achieve above-average financial performance. A separate study by the Center for American Progress found that diverse companies are better equipped to meet the needs of a diverse customer base.

Tips and Tricks for Fostering Diversity and Inclusion

Paige Dumars's success in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace at ExactTarget offers valuable lessons for other organizations. Here are some of her key principles:

• Set Clear Goals and Metrics: Establish quantifiable targets for diversity and inclusion, and track progress regularly.
• Create a Culture of Respect and Inclusion: Foster a work environment where all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity.
• Recruit from Diverse Sources: Reach out to underrepresented communities and create partnerships with minority-serving institutions.
• Provide Employee Resource Groups: Establish employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide support and networking opportunities for underrepresented groups.
• Offer Inclusive Benefits: Ensure that employee benefits and programs are inclusive of diverse employee needs.

How to Support Paige Dumars's Work

Individuals and organizations can support Paige Dumars's work in several ways:

• Attend her speaking engagements: Hear firsthand about her experiences and insights on diversity and inclusion.
• Donate to the National Urban League: Support the organization's mission of economic empowerment and equal opportunity for African Americans.
• Engage with the Equality Trailblazers Group: Join the group to connect with LGBTQ+ employees and allies and advocate for diversity and inclusion.
• Promote her work: Share her articles, videos, and social media posts to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion.

FAQs

1. What is Paige Dumars's net worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Paige Dumars's net worth is estimated to be $20 million.

2. How old is Paige Dumars?

As of 2023, Paige Dumars is 54 years old.

3. What is Paige Dumars's hometown?

Paige Dumars was born in Detroit, Michigan.

4. What is the Workplace Equality Index?

The Workplace Equality Index is a tool created by ExactTarget under Paige Dumars's leadership to measure the company's progress in diversity and inclusion.

5. What is the National Urban League?

The National Urban League is a non-profit organization dedicated to economic empowerment and equal opportunity for African Americans. Dumars serves on the organization's board of directors.

6. What is the Equality Trailblazers Group?

The Equality Trailblazers Group is a group of LGBTQ+ employees and allies at Salesforce. Dumars co-founded the group to promote diversity and inclusion within the organization.

7. What are some of Paige Dumars's awards?

Paige Dumars has received numerous awards for her work, including the Indianapolis Business Journal's Athena Award and the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Award.

8. How can I support Paige Dumars's work?

Individuals and organizations can support Paige Dumars's work by attending her speaking engagements, donating to the National Urban League, engaging with the Equality Trailblazers Group, and promoting her work.

Call to Action

Paige Dumars's unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion serves as an inspiration for all. Her work has had a profound impact on the business world and beyond. By embracing her principles and supporting her initiatives, individuals and organizations can create more equitable and inclusive societies.

Let us all strive to follow Paige Dumars's example and make a positive difference in the world. Together, we can create workplaces and communities where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

Tables

Table 1: Financial Performance of ExactTarget

Table 2: Diversity and Inclusion Metrics at ExactTarget

Table 3: Paige Dumars's Awards and Recognition