Breaking the Bias: Developing Women in Leadership

 The Portland Business Journal is proud to introduce a new series of roundtables called Breaking the Bias. Local women leaders talk about their industry and how they are overcoming barriers. From finance to commercial real estate to technology sectors and more, we will explore the climate for women in leadership roles and how we can continue to mentor the next generation in these predominantly male industries.

Today’s topic is women in workforce development and the intersection of identities and gender. The lead moderator was Shari Dunn, the CEO of ITBOM Consulting and the author of the upcoming book, “Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work.”

The panelists are Dr. Carol Parker Walsh, founder and CEO of Carol Parker Walsh Consulting; Dr. Libra Forde, executive director of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon; and Dr. Robin Beavers, vice president of community and social impact for the Portland Timbers. 

We dove headfirst into the challenges women face when aiming for leadership roles, and explored actionable strategies for organizations AND women to shatter that glass ceiling! 

Some key takeaways include:

• Mentorship & Sponsorship: We need champions to advocate for women and guide them on their leadership journey.
• Challenging the Status Quo: Time to ditch those outdated norms and embrace inclusive leadership models.
• Amplifying Women's Voices: Creating spaces where women's perspectives are heard and valued is crucial.

Click HERE to read or watch the entire discussion.