American Business Women’s Day

American Business Women's Day, observed annually in the United States on September 22nd, celebrates the contributions of women in the workforce and commemorates the progress women have made since the formation of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) in 1949. This day is a tribute to the countless women who have broken barriers, driven innovation, and transformed industries.

At LogicGate, we are proud to recognize the remarkable women who are not only making waves within our organization but also driving positive change in the broader technology and business communities. Today, we celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. 

Women in Business

Women are redefining what it means to be a leader, paving the way for future generations to excel in every industry. The progress is undeniable. Since 2020, women have accounted for more than 50% of workers in management and professional occupations, and their representation in higher education continues to grow. However, the journey toward equality is far from over. 

For women striving to grow in their careers, Caroline Werner, Chief People Officer at LogicGate, advises:

“You have to deliver on your results, and deliver consistently, regardless of your level or role in the organization. Strive to be a role model in critical soft skills like resilience, empathy, agility, listening, and communicating. Then regularly learn, grow, and expand these skills. Last and most important, build your network. Cultivate meaningful connections in your industry, sector, or region. Put the time and energy into these relationships early and often — they will give back to you just as much as you give them.” 

Creating an Empowering Workplace

Building an empowering workplace begins with fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and opportunity for all employees. For women, this means breaking down barriers that limit advancement, ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities, and cultivating an environment where their contributions are recognized and valued.

According to Kara Smith, Chief Financial Officer at LogicGate:

“It’s important for the workplace to see women in leadership roles and women who are knowledgeable and confident in their field.  Workplaces should also foster environments that make women successful both at work and at home should they have other responsibilities.  Providing benefits for balance and career growth is essential.”

 

Jen Renna, LogicGate’s Chief Customer Officer mirrors this sentiment, noting:

“Women typically carry the majority burden of household responsibilities, so creating a space that allows women to not feel guilty about taking care of their family or prioritizing their personal life is a game changer. When you create this environment, not only are you ensuring your employees feel energized and focused on their day, but you also build employee loyalty, which helps foster longevity and retention.”

An empowering workplace is one where:

• Flexible Work Options Are the Norm: Flexible arrangements, such as remote and hybrid work, allow women to balance their professional and personal responsibilities without compromising career growth. These options help retain talented women who might otherwise leave due to rigid work structures.
• Mentorship is Actively Encouraged: Providing formal and informal mentorship opportunities connects women with leaders who can offer guidance, support, and career development advice.
• Inclusive Policies and Practices Are Enforced: Clear policies that promote gender equality, prevent discrimination, and support work-life balance are essential. This includes parental leave policies, equitable pay practices, and anti-bias training to ensure a fair workplace for everyone.
• Women's Voices Are Amplified: Ensuring women have a seat at the table in decision-making processes and are represented in leadership positions is key to creating a more inclusive environment. It’s important that women’s perspectives are heard and considered in all aspects of business strategy and operations.

By focusing on these areas, organizations can create a culture that not only supports women but also encourages them to thrive, innovate, and lead. When workplaces are inclusive and empowering, everyone benefits, employees are more engaged, teams are more innovative, and businesses are more successful.

 

Women Empowering Women

When women support and uplift one another, they drive positive change that benefits organizations and communities alike. Whether through mentorship, advocating for equal opportunities, or simply offering support and encouragement, women leaders can be powerful agents of change. 

“It is just as much about what you say in front of other women leaders as what you say about them when they are not in the room. I will never forget the impact of hearing that someone advocated for me when I was not in the room. I feel a sense of responsibility, as a woman who got to the C-suite at an early age, to be an advocate for others who are delivering results in the moments that matter.”   Caroline Werner, Chief People Officer

When leadership understands the challenges women face in the workplace, from gender bias to balancing career and family responsibilities, they are better equipped to foster a workplace where these challenges do not limit potential.

“Equality has come a long way in the past few decades. I’m no longer the only female leader in the room. As female executives, we need to continually fight and support the generations behind us to bridge the remaining gap of inequality.” - Jen Renna, Chief Customer Officer 

The Future of Women in Business

Women bring a wealth of talent, perspective, and resilience to business and leadership roles. Research has consistently shown that diverse teams, including those with gender diversity, perform better, drive innovation, and foster more inclusive workplace cultures. By creating environments that support and value women, businesses are better positioned to leverage the full range of talents and perspectives available to them, leading to more innovation and success.

“You are seeing more and more women hold leadership positions in companies, as well as more female CEOs. This shows women early in their careers that there are no limits to where their careers can go. It will always be about staying strong in your values and working hard for what is next, not where you are today.” - Kara Smith, Chief Financial Officer

American Business Women's Day serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality in the workplace, advocating for ongoing efforts to break down barriers and ensure women have equal opportunities in business and entrepreneurship.