Women make up nearly half of the labor force in the United States, yet they accounted for only 23% of senior roles in US businesses (Source). We have made great progress, but we have a long way to go. How do we get there?
You can begin by assembling your team and supporting other women in meetings, in their work and in industry associations. During meetings with staff, clients and stakeholders, recognize and acknowledge when another woman excels, makes a strong point or has a good idea. The culture of support you create will make it easier for the next woman and for women to come. Our workplaces thrive with a diversity of ideas and perspectives. As women leaders, we have a critical role to play in contributing to the success of our organizations, lifting one another, just as a rising tide lifts all boats.
The Society of Women Environmental Professionals Three Rivers Chapter was founded to support women’s leadership and career development, provide forums to share information and ideas, and promote public service within the environmental field. To learn more and become a member visit our website.
Women often enter the job arena with a strong urge to form and maintain relationships. SWEP Three Rivers Chapter Membership Chair, Barbara Hall, recommends a quick and eye-opening read, Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman: - What Men Know About Success that Women Need to Learn by Gail Evans, to learn about how to capitalize on those relationships. A win/win attitude about life will make the people you work with feel like a member of the team. Use your social skills – people remember and reward kindness when it is genuine.
You can also find strong women leaders in your industry and your community as mentors. Arletta Scott Williams, Executive Director of ALCOSAN, is a respected executive and regional leader. She is responsible for ALCOSAN attaining heightened environmental goals for water quality. As Arletta works towards this goal she has created a work culture where women lead. Arletta will be the keynote speaker at our inaugural event on September 19.
About the Author: Barbara Hall’s past experience as a chemist and current technical acumen as an Account Executive, enables her to identify and provide solutions to her customers in the oil and gas, brownfield redevelopment and waste industries.
