Truths
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we understand that the fight for justice, opportunity, and equality continues. Here’s a fun (disturbing) fact: Did you know that many of the great poems and essays attributed to anonymous and unknown authors were, in fact, written by women whose voices were silenced by the patriarchal societies they lived in?

Today, we are elevating more of the great women voices from the Setser Group team!
Paula Setser-Kissick
Senior Consultant Digital Learning
“Like it or not, the pandemic led to a seismic shift in how we think about workplaces and education spaces for the future. Both adults and students were pushed into more flexible environments that many people barely imagined prior to 2020. Two years later, most, but especially women, are operating from a "Knowledge is power" standpoint and are in a position to demand better working and learning environments. Remote work, job sharing, hybrid learning, virtual collaboration, online platforms - women now have experience with these areas and can choose what works best for their families or for them personally. In fact, when you look at who is leading the “Great Resignation”, it’s women. They are often seeking a better work-life balance and have the skill sets and confidence to look for new jobs – or schools for their children or themselves – that are more adaptive and flexible. I feel that any school or employer that doesn’t adapt to women’s new vision of the future will find themselves left behind.” 

Tricia Kazmar
Senior Consultant, Product Design
“During Women’s History Month this year, I am celebrating being a working mother. The proliferation of telecommuting and our communal focus on mental health and work/life balance is going to open new possibilities for the future of work. Keeping more talented women and mothers in the workforce will not only benefit them but their employers and society at large.”
Sydney Reavis
Operations Specialist
“As someone new to both the workforce and being an educator within the classroom, I see how great of an impact this world has upon a child. They are seeing, hearing, and sensing things daily that are shaping how they value others, what they believe they can achieve, and what they are capable of. The future of learning and work will be even more bright if we can instill an equitable playing field for all. Little girls can and do stand in the same circles as their peers until they are discouraged to do so. I think that cultivating curiosity, empowering their voices, and encouraging their stance and place in every discussion create that confidence that will continue to make women a commanding presence in the workforce as they grow. "Little girls with dreams, become women with vision” —Unknown
Tyrena Jones
Senior Consultant - Change Management

Shift is the first word that comes to mind when I think about the future of work. The new workforce is challenging the status quo and outdated norms, driving many of the changes we see. What once was set in stone is slowly being chipped away by a revised set of expectations. I see it in the emphasis on mental health, greater flexibility, equitable pay, and the call for social/environmental responsibility among organizations. I’m excited for this shift and believe it is long overdue.”
Tools
We know the future of work for women must include better pay and benefits, and the future of learning must include more STEAM opportunities. Organizations can’t rest on plans and platitudes. If you do, the Gender Pay Gap Bot will eat your lunch in a very public fashion. Take action. Join us at WSSU’s The Ability of a Woman Entrepreneur Conference and start making your gender equity plan.
The conference will address barriers that hinder women (specifically lower-income minority women) from pursuing entrepreneurship. “We are thrilled to be launching the first ‘The Ability of the Woman Entrepreneur.’ We believe by addressing the particular challenges women face as business owners, mothers, daughters and friends, we connect and realize what is possible for our lives,” says Dr. Joy Lough from the WSSU’s Business Center.

Take the actions that are likely to improve recruitment and progression of women and reduce the gender pay gap.

The Mom Project gives you an action plan to empower women in your organization. 
Triumphs
Our friends at Davis College’s Akilah Women’s Center provide exceptional educational experiences for women in sub-Saharan Africa. The organization has underscored the need for educating women and girls to sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. Project Drawdown ranks girls’ education as the sixth-most-effective way to mitigate global warming. 

At Davis College’s Education for a Changing Planet Summit, Bryan Setser discusses how a sustainable model will spread more impact around the world.
Watch our full Barriers for Breakfast vidcast with Bryan Setser and Karen Sherman, CEO of Virunga Mountain Spirits, here:
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Are women empowered in your organization? Learn more at www.setsergroup.com/connect. 

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