Leading ladies
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From the Chancellor of Germany to the CEO of Youtube, women are dominating powerful positions all over the world. While one gender is no more worthy or deserving of these positions than another, women have consistently faced discrimination in the workforce, from glass ceilings to outright harassment. In recent years, however, women have been defying traditional gender roles and conquering the professional world.
The iconic poster featuring Rosie the Riveter sparked the movement of women in the workforce. Widespread male enlistment in World War II left holes in the industrial labor force, but Rosie, with her rolled up sleeves and can-do attitude, helped fill those holes with droves of women. During this time, women were welcomed into the workforce. After the war, however, they were no longer needed as employees, but many continued to stay in the workforce. Since then, women have continued to be paid less than men in many industries, and are less likely to be considered for leadership positions.
Although still experiencing discrimination in the workforce, women have proven to Rosie that they in fact, “Can do it!” including those in the district. From School Principal Debbie Stone to District Superintendent Denise Jaramillo, women within the district are challenging the traditional roles that many still pin on women. Furthermore, the administration team at school consists of mostly females, including Diana Diaz-Ferguson, Assistant Principal of Business and Activities, Stephanie Hall, Assistant Principal of School Counseling, and Amy Wu, Assistant Principal of Instruction. The demographics of the school administration transitioned from two females and four males in 2010 to five females and one male in 2020. Having more women in leadership positions increases diversity of thought, which is critical to a creative, vibrant, and thriving workplace, according to Equities News. These women demonstrate to female students how achievable it is to become a leader as a woman, serving as an inspiration to many.
While there still may be plenty of inequities for women to overcome in the workforce, there has been significant progress for working women. Women will undoubtedly continue to succeed in positions previously reserved for men such as CEOs, senators, and superintendents.
