For centuries, certain jobs and industries have been dominated by men, making it difficult for women to break into these fields. From engineering and technology to construction and finance, women have faced numerous challenges in gaining acceptance and recognition in male-dominated workplaces.
Barriers to Success
One of the most significant challenges women face when entering traditionally male-dominated fields is overcoming the various barriers ranging from overt discrimination and harassment to subtle biases, microaggressions, and stereotypes. Women still find it difficult to gain acceptance, which impacts their ability to network, find mentors, and access opportunities for career advancement. Discrimination and bullying create hostile work environments, affecting women’s mental health and well-being and making it difficult for them to thrive and succeed in their chosen fields.
The gender pay gap remains a persistent issue. According to a report by the National Women’s Law Center, women in the architecture and engineering fields earn only 81 cents for every dollar men earn, while women in construction and extraction earn just 77 cents. This gap is even wider for women of color, with African American women in the construction and extraction fields earning just 63 cents for every dollar earned by white men.
While progress has been made in some areas, the pace of change is still too slow. According to data from the World Economic Forum (WEF), the global gender pay gap stands at 16%, with women earning less than men for the same work in nearly every country around the world. The WFE says it will take another 135 years to close the global gender pay gap if we continue at the current rate of progress.
Another challenge women face is a lack of leadership positions. Advancing to higher levels of management remains elusive in many industries, which impacts workplace culture and contributes to women feeling undervalued and disrespected.
A study by LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company found that there are significantly fewer women in senior leadership positions with only 38% of women in manager-level positions, 22% in senior management/director roles, and 12% in C-suite positions.
Additionally, women are often passed over for promotions, further limiting their earning potential and career advancement opportunities. These factors can create a cycle of exclusion and perpetuate gender inequality in the workplace.
Underrepresentation
There are numerous industries and careers where women are underrepresented, holding fewer than 30% of positions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women make up only 16% of workers in architecture and engineering, 22% in computer and mathematical occupations, and 6% in construction and extraction industries.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, only 7% of firefighters are women. In the city of Akron, there are 13 fire stations comprised of 354 firefighters, of which only 18 are women. In 2021, Sierjie Lash, an 18-year veteran within the department, was promoted from lieutenant to captain—the first female as well as the first Black woman to serve in the role.
Similarly, law enforcement is another area where women are lagging. Women make up only 13% of police officers according to the National Center for Women and Policing.
The National Funeral Directors Association reports that only 17% of funeral directors are women. In 2021, Brandee Wilkinson became the first Black woman to own a funeral home in Akron.
Growing Opportunities
Even with these challenges, women are making inroads, and companies are benefiting from this diversity. According to a report by the Anita Borg Institute, women make up 24% of the computing workforce, and companies with more women in leadership positions have higher levels of innovation and creativity.
Similarly, in the finance industry, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles. A report by McKinsey & Company found that companies with more women in executive positions have a 21% higher likelihood of outperforming their peers.
Progress
Younger women are experiencing less discrimination and greater opportunities in the workplace compared to previous generations. According to a 2019 report by Pew Research Center, women in the Millennial and Gen Z generations are more likely to have completed a bachelor’s degree than women in earlier generations. This increased education has resulted in more women entering fields dominated by men, such as engineering and computer science.
Additionally, the report found that younger women are more likely to report experiencing gender discrimination in the workplace than older women. While this appears counterintuitive, it may actually be a sign that younger women are more empowered to speak out about discrimination and are more likely to take action to address it.
Recruitment and Retention
Recruiting and retaining women in male-dominated fields is an ongoing challenge. A survey by Harvard Business Review found that women are more likely than men to leave their jobs due to a lack of opportunities for career growth and advancement.
Affinity groups, diversity councils, and training and development programs create a welcoming and supportive environment that is attractive to women candidates. In addition, flexible schedules and remote work options can make it easier for women to succeed in their careers while also meeting their family obligations.
Offering parental leave and other family-friendly policies can also be effective in recruiting and retaining women. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that offering paid parental leave increases the likelihood that women will return to work after giving birth.
Companies must ensure their diversity and inclusion efforts are intersectional, meaning that they account for the unique challenges faced by women of color, women with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. A study by LeanIn.org found that Black women are more likely than other groups to feel that they have to work twice as hard to get half as far and that they are less likely to have access to senior leaders who can help them advance in their careers.
Future is Bright
While there have been improvements for women in the workplace, there is still a long way to go to achieve true gender equity.
Despite these challenges, women are breaking through barriers and making their mark. From trailblazers like Grace Hopper, who paved the way for women in computer science, to contemporary leaders such as Ginni Rometty, the first female CEO of IBM, women are slowly gaining ground in traditionally male-dominated jobs.
As more and more women enter these fields, they are bringing new perspectives, insights, and ideas that are helping to drive innovation and change. By advocating for themselves and supporting one another, women are demonstrating they have the talent, drive, and ambition to succeed in any industry.
On the following pages, we highlight local women who are smashing stereotypes and succeeding alongside their male counterparts.
Emily Kelly
Business Development Representative, QualityIP
Tell us about yourself.
I was raised in Northeast Ohio and am passionate about my local community, my relationships, and the pursuit of a life of excellence. I graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a major in marketing. I have 25 years of experience growing revenue for businesses in a broad range of industries, including manufacturing and technology. I have created and sold websites, worked as the community relations specialist at ITT Technical Institute, and represented several local managed service providers (MSPs).
What industry are you in and how long have you been in it?
Information Technology.Seven years.
What made you choose this field?
I was originally recruited into an MSP by an acquaintance who attended my high school. Technology is ever changing and never going away, so there’s stability in the field. And it’s challenging, too!
Tell us about your experience working in this field.
Being a woman in a male-dominated field is not for the faint of heart. You have to be confident and patient. Older men have often not taken me seriously or have tried to stand in the way of my success by their inaction.
But I believe life is what you make it. The grass is always greener. There are always two ways to look at things: as a blessing or stumbling block. I choose to look at being a woman in male-dominated fields as a blessing. It helped me when I was in manufacturing, and it is helping me now.
I’ve learned not to let other people’s actions, inactions, or opinions stop me. I just keep going. Your drive is something no one else can take away from you.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Helping people. I like standing by a company that does good work, providing its clients with peace of mind and great service. I’m part of a terrific team that works together, supports each other, and has fun. Every day I learn something new.
What would you say to younger women considering your field??
Build a network of peers more experienced than you from whom you can learn. Take them to lunch or coffee regularly. Read every article you can to keep up to date on the latest developments.
Joan Bauer
Licensed Private Investigator, Narrow Path Investigations
Tell us about yourself.
I started my career at a young age. I attended the Cincinnati Police Academy and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I worked with the Cincinnati, Ravenna, and Hartville Police Departments, mostly in undercover investigations. I also worked at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
What industry are you in and how long have you been in it?
Private investigation.33 years in law enforcement and three as a licensed private investigator.
What made you choose this field??
I had two young children and no idea what I wanted to do. I entered the police academy and immediately knew it was the right field for me.
Tell us about your experience working in this field.
I have worked mostly with men my entire career. I experienced obstacles in the beginning until I demonstrated my abilities and my coworkers grew to trust me. I have had to embrace discrimination being a female police officer. I believe it’s important to understand the physical weaknesses of being a female in law enforcement and utilize cognitive safety measures to relate to others.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I believe in laws and that the world needs them. Since starting my private investigations firm, I love the freedom to choose the cases we take.
Do you think it’s easier for women to enter your field today?
Absolutely. I started in law enforcement in 1990. At that time, women were not accepted unless they proved themselves. Now the industry embraces women more readily.
What would you say to younger women considering your field?
Private investigation is an interesting field, and there are so many avenues to pursue. PIs not only conduct covert surveillance, they also spend hours sorting through public records and interviewing witnesses. PIs can take on a wide variety of jobs, including background checks, missing person searches, and white-collar crime investigations. PI licensing requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or law enforcement, plus either 4,000 hours of practical work experience in an investigative job or two years working in law enforcement or as a peace officer.
Share a favorite project.
I enjoy investigating people who are intentionally committing fraud through embellished workers comp cases and frivolous personal injury cases. These cases are, at their root, criminal in nature and often overlooked in the justice system because they are filed in civil court. I embrace taking an outside-the-box approach to these investigations.
Michelle Ward Ciancio
VP, Commercial Banker, S&T Bank
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Eastern Kentucky. I took college courses in high school but didn’t really know what direction I was headed. I only knew I wanted to help people.
When I was 18, I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I worked for a regional bank in a call center. Eventually, while attending the University of Louisville, I realized I had an aptitude for finance.
I began my career as a part-time teller at a local bank and was later promoted to a personal banker. In 2018, I relocated to Ohio and worked very hard to establish myself as a trusted community business banker and relationship manager. By July 2022, I was promoted to vice president, commercial banker at S&T Bank.
I’m particularly proud of my volunteer work helping exploited women gain financial independence from their abusers. In my free time, I have raised thousands of dollars for various nonprofits through my Benevolent Arts activities, a practice where I create works of art then donate all net proceeds from their sales to important causes.
What industry are you in and how long have you been in it?
Commercial Banking. 17 years.
What made you choose this field?
I never knew precisely what I wanted to do, but I knew that helping people was the only thing that I was really passionate about. I contemplated getting a master’s degree in social work but decided I liked finance and could help people in this role.
Tell us about your experience working in this field.
Work still needs to be done to ensure qualified women are promoted equally. Women tend to strive for perfection, which results in insecurities and fear that we don’t know enough yet because we haven’t fully perfected our current role. I had to work hard throughout my career from teller to branch manager to my current position.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
As a commercial banker, I get to have conversations with my clients about streamlining their cash management, gaining access to working capital, and protecting their businesses against fraud. I feel I play a small role in helping them be successful, which is incredibly rewarding to me. I love and enjoy what I do.
Banking also allows me to look out for others and help folks understand their worth. I take this role seriously, whether it be advocating for defibrillators in our public parks or raising money for the arts and women’s charities.
Do you think it’s easier for women to enter your field today?
It’s hard to believe it’s only been 35 years since the Women’s Business Ownership Act was passed in 1988, allowing women to get a business loan without a male cosigner. So, the industry has come a long way. Since I began working in my field, I’ve witnessed a lot more females earning leadership roles. I think having that balance is not only good from a commercial point of view but also because it contributes to a more interesting workplace where different views, experiences, and ideas can be exchanged.
What would you say to younger women considering your field?
First and foremost, whatever you are, be the best you can be. If you take pride in a job well done, you will always be satisfied with what you are doing. Secondly, lift others up. Take a moment every day to publicly or privately recognize someone else for doing something well. Finally, network and engage with others inside and outside of your company. Join an Employee Resource Group, chat with coworkers, volunteer for a nonprofit, or join a local chamber or women’s group.
Toni Fry
Regional Vice President, Primerica Financial Services
Tell us about yourself.
I have a bachelor’s degree in sport management and business and a master’s degree in higher education administration. Originally, I wanted to work for a Cleveland sports team. After studying abroad my senior year of college, I changed to wanting to become a study-abroad advisor, which is what led to pursing a master’s degree.
I never landed what I thought was my dream job, but I worked at Kent State University as an academic advisor and with their degree audit for about four years. During my last year there, I discovered Primerica and started working with them part time. I fell in love with being my own boss and impacting people’s lives financially. I eventually made the switch to full time.
What industry are you in and how long have you been in it?
Finance. Eight years.
What made you choose this field??
I chose this field because I was able to start part time and work during my off-hours from my full-time job. Initially, I didn’t know any financial concepts. I thought if I don’t know these concepts as a college-educated person, who else doesn’t?
Once I was educated on what Primerica does to help people, I became passionate about it. I want to help others avoid making the same mistakes I made in life. I didn’t know about debt, saving for retirement, or the benefits of life insurance. This career is rewarding because I can teach people and help them make better financial decisions.
Tell us about your experience working in this field.
Our company has more females than males because of the flexible work hours, so I can’t say I’ve encountered any issues.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy helping families with their financial goals. Most people feel they will never get rid of their debt, and I love that I have a strategy to help them. I love being able to educate people to achieve their financial goals and pursue dreams they never thought would come true. I love having an impact on people, and I look forward to helping many more families.
It’s also great to work for a company where you determine your own success. Primerica has guidelines for promotions, and when you achieve them, you get promoted automatically. Your success is not dictated by a boss. You are your own boss. Every promotion I have earned here has been because I achieved it, which feels great and gives me a huge sense of accomplishment.
Do you think it’s easier for women to enter your field today?
I think it’s the same. Women have always been welcomed here, and they will continue to be welcomed here. It may also be easier now that working remotely is an option.
What would you say to younger women considering your field?
Go for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Being able to start part time and work a minimum of five hours per week during your off-hours is a huge plus. It’s really flexible to work around your family, job, and other commitments. The only requirements are being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, and obtaining a financial license, which Primerica helps pay. All of the other training is done on the job while you shadow me. People can contact me directly for career advice or support. I’m happy to have a conversation or answer any questions.
Paula Chapman-Jones
Vice President, Williams Hardwood Flooring
Tell us about yourself.
I obtained an associate’s degree in accounting from Southern Ohio College. I have worked in the trucking and automotive industries but have spent most of my career in HVAC and construction. I started as the bookkeeper, advanced to operations manager, and became VP in 2007.
What industry are you in and how long have you been in it?
Flooring/construction.Nearly 25 years, all of which have been with Williams.
What made you choose this field??
I was in the HVAC industry when the flooring industry chose me. A business consultant, who worked for both my employer at the time and Williams, orchestrated my career change between the two.
Tell us about your experience working in this field.
The single biggest obstacle I had to overcome was acceptance. I accepted I was in a male-dominated industry. Acceptance does not mean settling. I never settled for less. Instead, I accepted I would have to work harder, do more, and create differently than the men who came before me. By mentally accepting this reality, I freed myself to accomplish more. By focusing on the business rather than the competition with my male coworkers or predecessors, I not only earned my current position but also gained the respect of the staff.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The consistent feedback from our customers about our outstanding quality of work. It is rewarding to continually receive positive feedback when I’m out networking or happen to mention where I work.
How has your perspective as a woman contributed to your job?
Women intuitively have greater compassion, nurturing skills, and attention to detail. Those attributes contribute greatly to assessing situations, bonding with people, and changing circumstances to achieve goals.
Do you think it’s easier for women to enter your field today?
Absolutely! In recent years, more women have not only entered construction but also have become business owners in the industry. Programs like SBA Loans have made it possible, along with the overall shift in the industry itself, to accept workers of all backgrounds and gender.
What would you say to younger women considering your field?
Specific to my job duties, definitely get a business or marketing degree and consider a construction management degree. Master the art of good communication, both verbal and written. Join local industry groups, such as the Home Builders and Subcontractors Associations.
Share a favorite project.
Installing grand floors in homes is always fun; for example, basketball courts or inlays made to look like an oriental rug etched into the floor. Still, the most exciting projects for me are the basic family homes. Tearing out existing floor coverings, replacing them with hardwood, and then seeing the family’s excitement and joy afterward are the best projects ever.
Nancy Brodie
Owner, TL Worldwide Transportation
Tell us about yourself.
I started my first company when my third child was born in 1991. In 2005, I had an opportunity to purchase a preexisting company in Akron named Thomas Limousine. Growing up in a trailer, I never imagined this life or career for myself, but I believe this was the path meant for me.
What industry are you in and how long have you been in it?
Transportation. 32 years.
What made you choose this field??
Many years ago, my husband hired a limousine for our anniversary, and the company never showed up. I knew I could offer more to our community. My passion is being of service to others.
Tell us about your experience working in this field.
I definitely faced discrimination internally and externally. I focused on what was in my control. I understood early on that life doesn’t get easier; you only get stronger.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Watching my children mirror my passion and commitment to maintaining the high level of service our customers deserve. Knowing my kids are proud, passionate, and eager to serve our community keeps me going. This past summer my oldest grandson worked in the garage. To see the growth and leadership in the third generation is beyond rewarding.
How has your perspective as a woman contributed to your job?
Empathy, humility, and attention to detail.
Do you think it’s easier for women to enter your field today?
Yes. Women now have a different platform and level of respect that was not available in my early career. Although I believe discrimination will always be a challenge, our current times have made it socially unacceptable. There are more opportunities for women to be embraced than discouraged in my industry and beyond.
What would you say to younger women considering your field?
I would never discourage anyone from entering my industry. I would say it’s important to educate yourself and set a high standard of business and service. Your employees and customers must always remain priority. You must remain flexible, available, professional, and prepared for all changes at any given time of the day or night.
Also, surround yourself with positive people and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s a demanding and ever-changing industry.
Share a favorite project.
I’ve been very blessed to have a career full of experiences working with Fortune 500 companies, coordinating special events, and accommodating the travel needs of entertainers. But there is nothing I take more pride in than the work I’ve been able to give back to our community.
Offering opportunities to individuals and families is what fulfills my passion the most. I’ve had a long history with local nonprofits, such as Make-A-Wish, Wishes Can Happen, Ed Bear, and the Dane Foundation. I’m proudly one of the original partners in the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF).
One of my favorite projects for LJFF was a collaboration with HGTV and Nicole Curtis that awarded Wheels for Education graduates home and lawn rehabs. My company team contributed to the improvement of a local lawn in my neighborhood.
I have also had the pleasure of working with Ms. Wheelchair USA, providing transportation and assisting as a judge on the panel each year. My employee Garry Moneypenny works passionately each year to secure donated meals and experiences for these strong and deserving women.
Rosemary Albright Hamed
President, Scott Thomas Furniture
Tell us about yourself.
There is nothing unusual about me. I have an average IQ, but I am a very hard worker. I’ve never shied away from getting into any work that interested me.
Earlier in my career, I worked for Sanford Rose & Associates. I became the only female on the Board of Trustees. I was also in the top .05% of women and 10% of men in terms of earnings.
Prior to my furniture company, I owned R. A. Hamed Oriental Rugs, which I started in the basement of my house and grew to the largest oriental rug retailer in Ohio with stores in Akron and Shaker Heights.
I also had great success with Scott Thomas Furniture, expanding to an 85,000- square-foot factory with sales in every state except Hawaii and Alaska, as well as many countries in Europe and Asia. The recession in 2009 was especially tough, and I was forced to close my factory in Egypt.
Never giving up, I believed that to survive I needed to take some unique steps. I contacted Don Drumm, a local metalwork artist, and now we offer a line a striking modern furniture featuring his designs.
What industry are you in and how long have you been in it?
Furniture manufacturing. 32 years.
What made you choose this field?
In 1990, I traveled to Egypt and observed men on the street making high-quality furniture. I thought, “Why not make furniture?”
Tell us about your experience working in this field.
In the Oriental rug business, I had a couple of men who were big shots in the industry. They did not want their friends to know they were working for a woman.
When I worked for Sanford Rose & Associates, I was made their first vice president. Two of my male coworkers were so upset that in order to keep from losing them, the company had to make them VPs the following day.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Interacting with others, from employees to customers, and the joy of reaching a goal.
Do you think it’s easier for women to enter your field today?
Due to nondiscrimination laws, it’s much easier for women to enter most fields of employment.
What would you say to younger women considering your field?
I do not believe that any specific training is necessary for a woman to go into my field. I simply believe it takes sheer determination. I would advise anyone seeking this work or any other entrepreneurial endeavor to ignore whether it is male or female oriented and just go for it.
Tell us about a favorite project you have worked on.
Pulling all the information together to see if our furniture could be sold to the U.S. Department of State, Overseas Building Operations. As a result, I’m proud to say our furniture is in several U.S. Embassies.
