WBJ Editor Brad Kane
Updated: 11 hours ago
From the Editor
From the Editor: Why we highlight women's progress
In an ideal world, publications like WBJ’s annual Women in Leadership edition wouldn’t be necessary. In an ideal world, all people everywhere would be recognized for their natural talents and learned skills and given equal opportunities to help create the best possible version of our economy and society, regardless of the circumstances each person was born into. Ideally.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where powerful people suppress disadvantaged populations in order to grow their power. Politicians use our differences to divide us and try to convince us to blame any negative circumstances on those who are different. Globally, nationally, and locally, women still must struggle for equal pay and equal opportunity, while fighting institutional, structural, and interpersonal sexism. As they are still largely the primary caregivers at home, particularly those with children, women face the impossible choice of sacrificing career opportunities or sacrificing time with their families.
Therefore, WBJ dedicates two editions each year to highlight women and the struggles they face. Each fall, we have our Outstanding Women in Business awards, which for nearly two decades have spotlighted women who have broken through the glass ceiling and achieved great things. Back in 2019, we launched this Women in Leadership edition, which has typically taken a research-heavy look at problems women face in the workplace.
Because the last few months have already been filled with plenty of doom and gloom regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts like women in leadership, this year’s edition is taking a brighter approach. In the “Blooming Business” story, the co-founders of the unique retail experience Seed to Stem detail how they are taking their brand to higher heights. The “Stepping up to the plate” story follows the meteoric rise of an intern to become the first female general manager in Red Sox history. The next wave of local female bank CEOs discuss the strides the industry has (and hasn’t) made in the 50 years since women were first allowed to open bank accounts without their husbands’ permission.
Perhaps one day, editions like these will be entirely unnecessary. Unfortunately, that day is not today. Fortunately, many people still are striving for something better and achieving success along the way. WBJ happily highlights them.
Brad Kane is the editor of the Worcester Business Journal.
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