Women—Stand Up and Stand Out

These past few years, the term “women in the workplace” has been nearly omnipresent in the news, political movements, social media, and other channels. Whether we want to call it a movement or not, women are taking the workforce by storm, and we should stand up, stand out, and shine doing what we do best.

Over the past century of Corporate America’s growth, women have continuously been suppressed and ignored, regardless of how much they contribute. The good news is, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore. We live in a time when society has come to terms with our abilities, but we are still responsible for upholding this understanding at the office, project site, laboratory, etc.

Women in professional specialty occupations earn 72.7 percent of what men earn in the same position. Many skilled women, unfortunately, find themselves in this situation today, and most of the time, we bring a lot more to the table than many of the John Smiths in the office. What’s worse than this reality? Just letting it happen. Know your worth! You have a voice and a strong set of skills that you should never hide so you aren’t taken for granted by workplace leaders, or even yourself.

Between 1997 and 2014, the total number of women-owned businesses increased by 68 percent. Don’t underestimate your ability to pave your own professional path to success. As women, we have consistently worked harder than men to prove ourselves, and if you feel your potential is suppressed in your current position, don’t waste your talent, time, or energy any longer. Consider changing roles or starting your own business. It’s worked for me so far, and I’m just getting started!

It’s 2017, ladies—get with the times! You have the potential to do anything, and you know how to work for it. Girl power hasn’t had more meaning than it does today. There are many sources of inspiration, myself included, to consult and learn from to use your skills and knowledge to the best of your ability and ensure your dreams become a reality.

Since I decided to take my career by the reigns, I became the chief creative officer of my own digital marketing agency and have been featured as one of Houston’s leading brand consultants, pioneering great work for local and regional brands; a local hero by Houston magazine; and a Woman Who Means Business by the Houston Business Journal, among many other honors.

What are you waiting for? Let’s join in the new workforce!