GM Chairman John F. Smith Jr., who also serves as the chairman of Catalyst's board of directors, was present at the event and personally endorsed Catalyst's work by sending copies of "Be Your Own Mentor" to all Fortune 500 CEOs.
"Catalyst has had a tremendous impact on the business community through its efforts to advance women in business. Women in key positions help drive the strategic direction of their companies and shape their futures by integrating diverse perspectives into how business is conducted. At GM, we know that companies maximize their potential when barriers to women's advancement are eliminated," Smith said.
"This groundbreaking research will be the first time a study will track how key career issues have changed for women who've made it to the top," Wellington said. "It will tells us how much diversity initiatives have chipped away at the glass ceiling and how far we still have to go. General Motors should be commended for looking toward the future of women in corporate America."