Celebrating International Women’s Day: 5 Inspirational Women Paving the Way for Tomorrow’s Female Leaders

In recent months (and years) we’ve seen a growing number of concerning statistics showcasing the lack of women represented in the STEM industry – and in executive leadership roles more broadly. For example, The Economics & Statistics Administration, cites that while nearly as many women hold undergraduate degrees as men overall, women make up only about 30 percent of all STEM degree holders. Additionally, The Center for American Progress, reports that women today account for almost half of the U.S. workforce, yet only 25 percent hold managerial positions, 20 percent hold board seats and a mere six percent are CEOs.

With International Women’s Day this week, it’s critical we keep these figures top-of-mind as we continue to push for gender equality and equal representation at all levels of the workforce. While we still have strides to make, and glass ceilings to break down, it’s important to also recognize the incredible women who, in recent decades, have paved the way for the next-generation when it comes to breaking down barriers for women in business. As we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women on International Women’s Day, I want to recognize some of the top women who inspire me to become even more purpose-driven in my executive role at SAP:  

 1.      Angela Ahrendts, Senior VP of Retail, Apple

 After leaving Burberry as CEO in the Spring of 2014 to join Apple, Ahrendts made incredible strides in streamlining and simplifying the company’s e-store. Not only that, but as Apple’s highest-ranking woman she is in charge of about half of the company’s workforce. Ahrendts is notorious for her inspirational speeches to staff, as she understands that while shoppers might appreciate a flawless online experience, when they come to an Apple store, it’s all about the human connection.

Did people doubt Ahrendts before she started leading Apple’s retail department? Yes. Did she overcome this doubt? With flying colors. She believes not only in trusting others but trusting and being true to herself. She doesn’t make compromises and in this article from Inc. she dropped some important career advice, while stealing a line from Shakespeare: “So, I just think that to thyself be true."

Noteworthy credits: Ahrendts was ranked 13th in Forbes’ 2017 list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.

2.      Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett-Packard

 After joining HP in 1999, Fiorina didn’t waste any time. She started off streamlining operations, shaped up the HP sales department and launched HP’s “Technology for Teaching” program. Fiorina has a strong work ethic, natural leadership skills and clearly shattered the glass ceiling when she became AT&T’s first female officer. In fact, Fortune Magazine was quoted saying “Carly Fiorina didn’t just break the glass ceiling, she obliterated it.” She’s fought long and hard throughout her career, shaking up the status quo even when times were hard, and nothing seemed easy. Within her first 100 days as CEO she kept her eye on the ball and achieved massive integration milestones. Fiorina hasn’t just made an impact on the tech world, she also made her voice heard during the 2016 presidential election by running in the Republican primary for President of the United States.

I agree with her advice below as it’s important to remember the impact that you have on others as a leader. It’s not just about the accomplishments you’ve made, but about the accomplishments you’ve enabled others to make.

 “The highest calling of leadership is to unlock the potential of others."

 Noteworthy credits: Fiorina was the first woman to lead a Fortune 20 company 

 3.      Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President, and CEO, Lockheed Martin

The daughter of a U.S. army veteran and a World War II nurse, Hewson was almost destined to fulfill her current role leading one of the largest global aerospace, defense and security companies. Hewson followed her passion for aviation, business and technology - channeling this to shape her career, and ultimately transform her into one of the most powerful business women in the world. She has brought a new vision to Lockheed since becoming their CEO in 2012. While she sometimes prefers to be recognized solely for her leadership capabilities, she understands that her role stands for something bigger. She’s a true role model for young girls and the next generation.

Noteworthy credits: In 2017, Hewson was named the 22nd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

4.      Ruth Porat, SVP and CFO, Google/Alphabet

 Only recently has Porat joined the C-suite of Alphabet. In 2015 it was announced that Porat would join Google as their new CFO and since then she has been credited with boosting Google’s share price by imposing strict financial disciplines. What I truly admire most about Porat, other than her strong work ethic is the tangible advice she gives. Case in point:

“Make sure you’re working for someone confident who is willing to take risks on you, gives you stretch opportunities, and is there to back you if things get tough. And do the same for people on your team.”

Just like Ahrendts advice, she truly believes that to become successful you need to trust the people working around you. If you have strong partnerships - with people that you work with, and work for - I also believe that it can be the beginning of a fruitful and impactful career.

5.      Kimberly Bryant, Black Girls Code

Bryant started the not-for-profit Black Girls Code back in 2011 to rectify the underrepresentation of female African-Americans in the technology industry. The reason why Bryant is so inspiring is because she saw a problem within the tech community – a lack of diversity – and she did something about it. Since starting her program Bryant has changed thousands of lives and she isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She continually asks: “What can we do?” “What can I do?” Bryant’s goals are high. She hopes to reach 1 million girls by 2040, and I truly believe she can do it, especially with more women and men taking an active approach to changing diversity in tech.

 “For me, if a company is really committed to diversity, that means everything. That means gender diversity, that means sexual orientation for me, that means race, ethnicity. Everything should have a plan of focus at the same time — not one above the other.”

Looking for even more inspiring women to admire? Stay tuned, I’ll be listing my favorite “up and comers” in my next post on women in tech to watch.

Have a female leader who inspires you? Share with me on Twitter, at @mdidonato1 and don’t forget to use the hashtags #IWD18 and #PressforProgress