American Business Women’s Day is Sept. 22 and celebrates the contributions millions of women make in business. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the civilian labor force includes 74.6 million women and almost 10 million businesses are owned by women. In 2016, the Washington Post article “Women in the workforce transform economies” stated that, “In places where women are prevented from working and running their own businesses, everybody loses out.” Yet, that same year, the U.S. ranked below average on The Economist’s glass-ceiling index, “which measures how well OECD countries perform when it comes to equality for working women.” (The U.S. did come in first for the number of women in senior managerial positions at 42.7 percent.)
While there’s still progress to be made, there’s plenty to celebrate this American Business Women’s Day. To do so, we’ve rounded up our favorite content about women in business, from tips for getting that raise to profiles on inspiring female leaders.
How This Startup is Making It Easier for You to Support Women-Owned Businesses
Northwestern students Sam Letscher and Isabel Benatar are empowering women with their startup, BOSSY — a blog and directory that celebrates female business owners by sharing their stories and directing consumers to their businesses.
6 Empowering Tips for Every Woman From Smith College President Kathleen McCartney
“It’s worth saying that it is certainly the case that women have made tremendous progress in all sectors including academia. I can’t even tell you how much things have changed since 1982 when I was a first year assistant professor at Harvard,” Kathleen McCartney says. “So much has changed for the better, but I’m going to try to convince you that we have a long way to go.”
Why Investing in Women is a Smart Business Move
While the gender gap may create a substantial drag on the global economy, it may also provide an opportunity for investors who would like to create positive change.
Founding Moms’ Jill Salzman on What It Takes to Become a Successful ‘Mompreneur’
If you have kids and you’d like to launch your own business, then you need to know Jill Salzman, the Chicago mom and entrepreneur who started The Founding Moms, a unique networking organization that provides resources for small business owners.
North Shore Native Designs Stylish and Sustainable Swimwear
North Shore native Skatie Noyes is revolutionizing swimwear with her line of fun, fashionable and environmentally conscious designs.
The Secret to Getting the Salary or Raise You Deserve
Are you ready to take control of your career and get the salary, raise or promotion you deserve? The first step is getting very clear on what it is you want.
Working While Pregnant: 7 Tips for a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
Here are seven tips for ensuring a healthy pregnancy while also protecting your career path and your paycheck.
Sugar Mama: The New Mom and Entrepreneur Behind Dylan’s Candy Bar
Dylan Lauren runs a booming candy company, Dylan’s Candy Bar, which has 13 locations, including a colorful shop on Michigan Avenue that is guaranteed to bring smiles to kids and grownups alike.
4 Former Oprah Staffers ‘Living Their Best Lives’ as North Shore Entrepreneurs
Four former Oprah employees who live on the North Shore parlayed their work for Winfrey into their own business ventures. These female entrepreneurs are superstars in their industries and showing us how Winfrey’s motivation has endured even after the cameras stopped running.
Alpha Girls: Stories From Lone Women in Business
Thankfully, the state of affairs for women in the workplace no longer resembles a “Mad Men” episode. But while women have generally succeeded in overcoming the barriers to getting hired, today’s hurdles, often called “second-generation bias,” instead involve achieving respect and advancement.
Wear In Good Health: A Socially Conscious Clothing Line
A clothing line dedicated not only to comfortable, wearable pieces, Wear In Good Health is also locally produced and toxic chemical free.
Save the Date: The Chicago Network’s 29th Annual Women in the Forefront Luncheon will take place April 20, 2018, with Jane Pauley, host of CBS Sunday Morning.
