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GSSEM Holds Roundtable Event to Discuss Investing in Women and Girls
Panelists addressed gender and race disparities in leadership and a lack of funding opportunities.
May 08, 2024
On Wednesday, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM) hosted the "From Girlhood to Leadership: Transformative Pathways to Equality and Inclusion" panel discussion and roundtable event.
Hosted at BasBlue, a Detroit-based nonprofit that uplifts and empowers women and non-binary individuals, this event served as a platform for addressing the pressing issue of gender and racial disparities in leadership. Discussions with local female leaders focused on empowering girls and young women, particularly those identifying as Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIPOC women), to achieve their full leadership potential all while offering a platform for networking, idea-sharing and building connections to enhance female support and empowerment.
About the Panel
The panel and roundtable were hosted by Monica Woodson, the chief executive officer (CEO) at GSSEM.
Panelists consisted of local, female leaders including:
- Dr. Sonia Hassan, an associate vice president, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and the founder and director of the Office of Women's Health at Wayne State University
- Nicole Sherard-Freeman, chief operating officer (COO) of Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
- Claire Sabourin, deputy chief of research and evaluation for GSSEM
Roundtable participants included:
- LaShawn Sims, senior director of STEM enrichment and computer science at Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)
- Linda Taliaferro, vice president global quality chassis solutions division at ZF Group
- Dr. Geneva Williams, chief executive officer (CEO) of Geneva Speaks
The women discussed their experiences in their career fields and offered insights on the obstacles they've encountered while seeking funding for initiatives led by and servicing women and girls.
"Women are often kept out of leadership positions not only in organizations they are involved in but in our own communities. Because of this, our communities and workforce lose out on the skills and talents women provide and we lose out on creating diverse societies," said Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan CEO Monica Woodson. "GSSEM is committed to providing the access needed to properly gain the skills, training, connection, and mentoring girls need to be part of the next generation of leaders."
Panelists also discussed the importance of teaching girls how to stand up for themselves in the face of systematic oppression and discrimination. When girls are taught from a young age to directly confront policies and practices that perpetuate disparities, they will create not only more opportunities for themselves, but for others around them. Doing so will identify potential female leaders and help develop potential leaders who may not have otherwise had the ability or interest to lead.
"It is philanthropy's responsibility to society to figure out how to enable more support for those in the community, particularly women who aspire to leadership roles," said Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Nicole Sherard-Freeman. "By being intentional about funding and thoughtful about outreach, philanthropic organizations can create pathways for women to advance in their careers and achieve their full potential."
Women in leadership improve business, encourage team collaboration, and dismantle harmful stereotypes. Despite the many benefits, women remain underrepresented in positions of power. While women make up just over half of the population and workforce of the United States, women CEOS run only 10% of Fortune 500 companies and hold just over a quarter (28%) of seats in the United States Congress. These disparities become larger when looking at the experiences of BIPOC women, with only four Black women in history leading Fortune 500 companies.
"Empowering women, especially at a young age is morally imperative. This will help them engage in their communities so they feel special about their culture and identity and carry it with them," said Wayne State University Associate Vice President, Dr. Hassan. "This discussion is essential for us to come together to amplify our voices, share our journeys, and pave the way for a future where every woman's potential is realized."
GSSEM Green Paper
This event followed the release of GSSEM's first-ever green paper highlighting the need to invest in innovative programs that support girls and young women. The green paper emphasizes GSSEM's commitment to providing access to skills, training, mentorship, and experiences that empower girls to become the next generation of leaders in their communities.
"Navigating the landscape of women in leadership can be difficult in general, but even more so when the realities of gender and race disparity come into play," said Deputy Chief of Research and Evaluation of GSSEM, Claire Sabourin. "The responsibility lies in what we teach our young people. If you don't put yourself out there then people won't be able to bring you to the table. If we teach young girls to speak up and take chances and even fail, that can be a big part of empowering them."
To read learn more about Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, please visit www.gssem.org.
