In educational leadership, the path to success is often fraught with challenges and obstacles, particularly for women striving to break through barriers and claim their rightful place at the helm. In this blog post, we delve into the inspiring journey of Gloria Feldt, co-founder and president of Take the Lead, whose unwavering commitment to gender equality has propelled her to the forefront of the empowerment movement.

Gloria’s journey towards empowerment was far from conventional. As a young teenage mother of three, the road to obtaining a college degree was marked by adversity and perseverance. Despite her daunting obstacles, Gloria remained steadfast in her determination to create a better future for herself and her family. It took twelve years of relentless dedication, but she emerged triumphant, armed with a newfound sense of resilience and purpose.

Opportunity often presents itself in unexpected ways, and for Gloria, a pivotal moment came when she applied for a position with a Planned Parenthood Affiliate. The call informing her of her successful application served as a poignant reminder that life has a way of leading us to unforeseen destinations. This transformative experience ignited Gloria’s passion for advocating women’s rights and laid the foundation for her groundbreaking work in women’s leadership.

As Gloria assumed her role within the Planned Parenthood Affiliate, she became acutely aware of the glaring disparities in leadership roles between men and women. Despite women constituting the majority of the workforce and boasting higher percentages of completed degrees, they remained woefully underrepresented in positions of power and influence. Determined to unravel the underlying factors perpetuating this inequality, Gloria embarked on a journey of self-discovery and societal introspection.

Through extensive research and introspection, Gloria uncovered a sobering truth: the disparity in leadership roles stemmed not from a lack of ambition or capability in women, but rather from deeply ingrained socialization patterns and implicit biases. She realized that society’s complex relationship with power lay at the heart of this systemic imbalance. Armed with this profound insight, Gloria set out to challenge the status quo and redefine the narrative surrounding women in leadership.

Central to Gloria’s mission is the belief that true empowerment begins with a fundamental shift in mindset—a shift from viewing power as a source of oppression to embracing it as a catalyst for positive change. Gloria seeks to equip women of all backgrounds with the tools, resources, and support they need to shatter glass ceilings and claim their rightful place at the table through her organization, Take the Lead.

At the core of Gloria’s message is the importance of fostering authentic relationships, cultivating effective communication, and embracing continual growth and development. By nurturing these essential skills, women can navigate the complexities of educational leadership with confidence and resilience, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.

As we reflect on Gloria’s remarkable journey, let us be inspired by her resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to women in leadership. Together, let us rise to the challenge of dismantling barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and lead.

Remember, as a leader, you don’t have to know it all—you just need to lead the way for others to shine.  I hope you visit www.drstephanieduguid.com to connect for more ways to Exponentially Elevate your Impact in Leadership.

To hear the full radio episode with Gloria Feldt click here: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/149562/empowering-women-navigating-leadership-disparities.