Women Business Power

Sonia Brown MBE
Sep 22
6 min read

Celebrating American Business Women’s Day: A Testament to the Power of "If a Man Can, a Woman Can Too and Sometimes Better!

September 22nd marks a special day in the calendar, American Business Women's Day. This day is more than just a date, it stands as a powerful reminder of the strides women have made in the business world and the ongoing journey toward equality.

The motto, "If a man can, a woman can too and sometimes even better" resonates more today than ever before, reflecting the relentless spirit of women who have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings and set new standards in their professional lives.

American Business Women’s Day commemorates the founding of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) on September 22, 1949, and honours the achievements and contributions of women in the business world. It was officially recognised by Congressional resolution and a presidential proclamation in the 1980

The Journey from Post-WWII to Today: A Road Less Travelled

The journey of women in business began long before the establishment of American Business Women's Day, but the post-World War II era was a significant turning point. During the war, women were called upon to fill roles traditionally held by men, proving their capabilities in various fields. However, the return of men from the warfront saw women being pushed back into domestic roles, a regression that many were unwilling to accept.

This era sparked the beginning of a long battle for equality in the workplace, a battle that continues to this day.

Despite these early challenges, women began to claim their rightful place in the business world. They moved from supporting roles to leadership positions, proving that they could not only match but often exceed the performance of their male counterparts.

The slogan "If a man can, a woman can too" became more than just words, it became a lived reality for many women who dared to dream big.

The Present Landscape. Achievements and Gaps

Today, the presence of women in business is stronger than ever. We see women leading Fortune 500 companies, starting their own businesses and excelling in fields once dominated by men. The stories of women like Leena Nair (Chanel), Mary Barra of General Motors, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook and countless others serve as inspiring examples of what women can achieve in the business world.

However, despite these successes, significant gaps remain. The gender pay gap, underrepresentation in executive roles and the challenges of balancing work and family life are just a few of the issues that women continue to face. These challenges are compounded for women of colour, LGBTQ+ women and those from other marginalised communities, who often face additional barriers in the workplace.

The Journey of Rosalind Brewer. Pioneering Leadership in Corporate America

Rosalind "Roz" Brewer is a prominent figure in the corporate world, known for her trailblazing leadership roles in some of America's largest companies. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Brewer was the youngest of five children in a working-class family. She excelled academically and pursued a degree in chemistry from Spelman College, an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Her scientific background laid the foundation for her analytical and strategic thinking in the business world.

Career Path

Brewer began her career as a research technician at Kimberly-Clark, where she worked for 22 years, rising through the ranks to become president of one of the company’s global divisions. Her leadership qualities and innovative thinking caught the attention of other major corporations, leading to her appointment as President and CEO of Sam’s Club in 2012, making her the first African American to lead a Walmart division.

In 2017, Brewer took on the role of Chief Operating Officer and Group President at Starbucks, where she focused on transforming the company’s operations, particularly in creating more inclusive environments. Her efforts were instrumental in implementing company-wide racial bias training following a high-profile incident at a Philadelphia store.

In March 2021, Brewer became the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, making her the only Black woman to currently lead a Fortune 500 company. Her leadership is characterised by a focus on healthcare access, digital transformation and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Challenges and Achievements

Brewer’s journey has not been without challenges. As a Black woman in corporate America, she has often been one of the few, if not the only, person of colour in leadership rooms. She has spoken openly about the microaggressions and biases she has faced throughout her career and the pressure of having to work "twice as hard" to prove her capabilities.

Despite these challenges, Brewer’s achievements are remarkable. At Sam’s Club, she drove innovation by focusing on data and technology to improve customer experiences and streamline operations. At Starbucks, she played a crucial role in expanding the company’s global footprint while advocating for greater equity within the organisation. At Walgreens, she is steering the company through a critical period of transformation, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact

Rosalind Brewer’s impact extends beyond her roles in these companies. She is a mentor and advocate for young women of colour, encouraging them to pursue leadership roles and break through the barriers in corporate America. She has consistently used her platform to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, both within the companies she leads and in the broader business community.

Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with resilience, hard work and a commitment to excellence, it is possible to overcome systemic barriers and achieve extraordinary success. Brewer's leadership not only paves the way for other Black women in business but also helps shape a more inclusive and equitable future in corporate America.

The Role of Associations Like the American Business Women’s Association

Organisations like the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.

Founded in 1949, the ABWA has been at the forefront of advocating for women in the workplace. The association provides women with the tools, resources and support they need to succeed in business. From networking opportunities to leadership development programs, the ABWA is committed to helping women achieve their full potential.

One of the most significant contributions of the ABWA is its focus on education and professional development. The association offers scholarships for vocational or technical courses, recognising that continuous learning is key to staying competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment. These scholarships are particularly important for women who may not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education earlier in life or who are looking to switch careers or advance in their current field.

Empowering Women Through Education

Education has always been a powerful tool for empowerment. For women in the business world, acquiring new skills and knowledge is essential for staying ahead. Vocational and technical courses offer practical, hands-on training that can immediately be applied in the workplace. Whether it’s learning new software, mastering a trade or gaining expertise in a specific area, these courses can open doors to new opportunities and career advancement.

Scholarships for vocational or technical courses are particularly valuable because they make education accessible to women who may not have the financial means to pursue it on their own. By supporting these scholarships, we can help women build the skills they need to succeed in their careers and contribute more effectively to their organisations.

How Empowering Women Empowers Everyone

When women succeed in business, everyone benefits. Companies with diverse leadership teams are more innovative, more profitable and better equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern business landscape. Women bring unique perspectives and approaches to problem-solving and their contributions are invaluable in driving organisational success.

But the impact of empowering women goes beyond the workplace. When women are financially independent and successful in their careers, they can provide better for their families, contribute to their communities and serve as role models for the next generation. The ripple effect of empowering women is far-reaching, touching every aspect of society.

The impact of BAME women running businesses is far-reaching and transformative. By driving economic growth, fostering diversity, inspiring future generations and advocating for systemic change, they play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic business environment. Supporting BAME women entrepreneurs not only benefits their individual businesses but also contributes to a broader societal shift towards equality and inclusivity in the business world.

What Next?

American Business Women’s Day is more than just a celebration of women in business, it is a call to action. It is a reminder that while we have come a long way, there is still much work to be done. It is an invitation to support the women in our lives, to advocate for equality in the workplace and to invest in the education and development of women through scholarships for vocational and technical courses.

Let us all take this opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made, to recognise the challenges that remain and to commit ourselves to creating a future where women have equal opportunities to succeed in business and beyond. Because if a man can, a woman can too and sometimes even better.

We’d Love To Hear From You!

If this celebration of American Business Women’s Day has inspired you, like this post to help amplify the message, share it with colleagues, friends and fellow trailblazers who believe in the power of women in business and comment below with your thoughts or stories of remarkable women making a difference.

Together, let’s keep the conversation and the progress moving forward.