Spotlighting strength and opportunity

I had the privilege of attending United Way’s International Women’s Day Breakfast & Discussion last Friday – an event that shined a spotlight on the women shaping our community’s future. From the outset, the morning radiated with the collective strength of accomplished leaders and emerging trailblazers.

Women across multiple fields and backgrounds convened to share knowledge and celebrate victories (and enjoy a morning mimosa) while never losing sight of the diverse experiences that shape their collective journey. This sense of unity and purpose culminated in the celebration of two extraordinary women.

Dr. Thomasina R. Stenhouse (Tina) , named Women United Volunteer of the Year, was recognized for her tireless work on academic and community boards such as the Buffalo Bills Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and United Way of Buffalo & Erie County , where she focuses on mentorship programs, educational access and empowering first-generation graduates.

Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D. , honored with the President’s Award, was applauded for her visionary leadership in higher education, especially as the current interim president at SUNY Buffalo State University , where she champions initiatives that expand opportunities for women and underrepresented communities.

By spotlighting their efforts, the event made clear that investing in women’s leadership — particularly when we acknowledge the intersectional barriers different groups of women may face — is critical to achieving broader social and economic progress.

Though women rightly took center stage, the morning also highlighted the constructive role men can – and should – play in promoting gender equity. I was one of only a dozen or so men in attendance, and it was a stark reminder of how often the tables are reversed in male-dominated industries.

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This awareness was magnified when West Herr Automotive Group President & CEO Scott Bieler took the stage as part of a powerhouse panel featuring United Way of Buffalo & Erie County President & CEO Trina Burruss , Rich Products Corporation Community Engagement Manager Rachael I. and NJS Consulting Group CEO Nicole Johnson-Scales .

Scott spoke about Bethanne Hollis Kaiser , who is West Herr’s vice president of variable operations and the person Scott has designated to someday succeed him in leading the company. Beth’s firm place of belonging within a traditionally male-dominated industry was on display at a national automotive conference they recently attended together. Scott shared that during that conference, Beth was one of just four women in a packed room of executives.

Listening to this story, I thought about how many other times Beth must have found herself in this situation. Yet, it was clear she never let the imbalance overshadow her expertise.

Scott’s decision to be intentional about having Beth succeed him, he explained, had nothing to do with checking a gender box. Rather, she is simply the best candidate for the position – and allowing traditional industry norms to obscure that fact would be unacceptable.

Scott exemplifies how dismantling paternalistic or outdated thinking enables organizations to benefit from the widest range of talent possible. As he is in so many ways, Scott is exceptional on this topic.

For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women advance to the same level, according to McKinsey & Company’s Women in the Workplace report. As a result, women occupy just 29% of C-suite positions. These statistics are frustrating, and they give added perspective to the powerful panel conversation between Trina and Nicole about imposter syndrome — a lingering self-doubt too often felt by women in male-dominated spaces. Both leaders underscored that acknowledging imposter syndrome, paired with supportive mentorship and peer networks, can transform insecurity into a catalyst for more confident leadership.

Congratulations to the United Way’s Women United network for organizing last week’s thought-provoking discussion. And please join me in extending a well-deserved thank you to Dr. Stenhouse and Dr. Durand for their contributions to growing the good in Buffalo.

The energy from that gathering naturally flows into TechBuffalo’s upcoming Women in Tech WNY event on March 27 at Seneca One. While our conference primarily celebrates women’s achievements in technology – another field grappling with equity gaps – it also offers men the opportunity to demonstrate active allyship. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there and experiencing the energy and excitement for the first time.

Until then, let’s consider how we can each play a part in ensuring every talented leader has an equitable chance to excel.

– Jeffrey Botteron