Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Women Leading the Way

Leadership has no single face, no single style, and no single gender. Yet, for too long, women have been told that the boardroom table was not built for them. Today, that narrative is changing. Across industries and communities, women are not only claiming their seats at the table, they are building new tables where others can thrive.

From entrepreneurs launching startups to CEOs steering global companies, women bring vision, resilience, and innovation that fuel growth. Their leadership often balances bold decision-making with empathy and inclusivity, qualities that inspire stronger teams and healthier workplaces. In fact, research from McKinsey & Company shows that companies with greater gender diversity on executive teams are 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability. Women leaders are proving that equity and economic performance go hand-in-hand.

The impact of women who lead stretches far beyond business metrics. They create opportunities in their communities, mentor the next generation of leaders, and challenge outdated perceptions of what leadership “should” look like. According to a report by Catalyst, nearly 45% of women in leadership roles actively mentor younger professionals, compared to only 23% of male leaders. This means women are not just succeeding, they are multiplying opportunities for others to rise with them.

Every milestone achieved by a woman in leadership sends a powerful message: progress is unstoppable when women are given space to lead. But it’s also important to acknowledge the challenges women face. Women remain underrepresented at the highest levels of leadership. In the United States, women hold just 10% of Fortune 500 CEO positions as of 2025. This underlines why continued advocacy, resources, and support are critical to leveling the playing field.

As we celebrate these trailblazers, it’s also important to recognize the tools available to help women push further. One such tool is the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification. This SBA program provides women entrepreneurs with access to federal contracting opportunities, opening doors that may have otherwise remained closed.

The U.S. federal government sets a statutory goal to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. In practice, awards to WOSBs have not always met that target: in fiscal year 2023, women-owned small businesses were awarded about 3.2% of total federal contract dollars, which corresponded to approximately $25.49 billion worth of contracts. Meanwhile, the SBA announced that WOSBs received $30.9 billion in federal contracting dollars in FY 23—marking a record level and “nearly 5%” of eligible dollars.

With certification, women-owned businesses can:

Compete for set-aside contracts in industries where women are underrepresented.

Gain visibility and credibility with federal buyers and prime contractors.

Access resources and training that build capacity for long-term success.

These certifications don’t just give women business owners a competitive edge, they help balance historic inequities in access to capital and markets.

The journey of women leaders is far from over, but each step forward builds momentum for the next generation. To every woman building, leading, and redefining success: the future of leadership is yours.

Not sure if your business qualifies? Take our Free Eligibility Test today and find out how close you are to becoming WOSB certified!