Women in the Public Sector: Inspirational Journeys

by Maria S. Salinas

When the pandemic hit our shores, it laid bare the inequities and injustices in our institutions. Chief among them was how women, and even more so women of color, left the workforce at disproportionately high rates compared to men. COVID-19 erased many of the gains that women have made over the years, and while we’re aware of many of the obstacles women face in the workforce, a McKinsey report shows that, one in four women are still considering leaving the workforce versus one in five men. 

It is upon us to ensure that women are fairly represented in the workforce and in the boardroom, especially in light of this workforce downturn. This is why, earlier this month, the Chamber hosted Women in Leadership: The Female Voice in the Public Sector with featured speaker L.A. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins and an inspiring panel discussion with LAUSD President, Kelly Gonez, and City of L.A. Civil and Human Rights and Equity Department Executive Director Capri Maddox. I was honored to moderate the panel as they shared their career journeys and discussed the unique issues facing women in leadership.  

Whether it was Stephanie Wiggins sharing her “accidental career journey” of working tirelessly until she realized a fulfilling career leading transportation in L.A., LAUSD President Gonez’s story of running for office and the unique barriers she had to overcome as a millennial woman, or Capri Maddox’s drive to rise through the ranks while promoting an equitable community in Los Angeles, the status of women in the workforce and in leadership remains optimistic, but we must continue to work together to make that vision of equity a reality. 

While each story was unique, they shared a consistent message: when women act with intention in their careers, the sky is the limit. Gender equity makes businesses, economies, and communities stronger, and if we are to come back from the pandemic stronger than before, we must encourage women and girls to lead in all facets of life. Watch the Women in Leadership program here.