Written by Marissa Cherepanov, CEO/ Visionary
Marissa is widely recognized for her contributions to female leadership and women's empowerment. She is the CEO visionary of No Girl Left Behind, a leading organization fostering female empowerment. She is also a sought-after motivational speaker, career coach, and active advisor at Linfield University's Women in Leadership Program.
In 2024, the global movement for female equality is gaining unprecedented momentum, with more women stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers, and closing the gender gap across industries. Despite significant progress, women still face systemic challenges, particularly in terms of pay, representation, and leadership opportunities. However, the rise of female leadership programs and advocacy movements is reshaping the landscape, providing the tools and support women need to succeed.
Global gender gap: The current landscape
The 2023 Global Gender Gap Report from the World Economic Forum highlights both achievements and ongoing challenges. While the gender gap in education has closed by 96.1%, women still earn, on average, 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, and they hold only 22% of executive roles globally. Despite advances, industries like finance, technology, and government remain heavily male-dominated.
Nonetheless, the future looks brighter as more institutions and organizations take action. Leadership programs specifically designed for women are emerging as powerful tools to equip women with the skills, confidence, and networks necessary to close these gaps.
Linfield university’s women in leadership program: A model for empowerment
One standout example is Linfield University’s Women in Leadership Certificate Program, a comprehensive initiative designed by industry experts to provide women with the strategies and tools they need to excel in leadership roles. This hands-on, interactive program emphasizes practical skill development, including:
Personal leadership assessments: Participants begin by evaluating their strengths and areas for growth, setting the foundation for targeted leadership development.
Team building and organizational culture: Through collaborative learning, women gain insight into managing teams and cultivating inclusive, positive workplace cultures.
Negotiation strategies: Closing wage gaps and securing leadership positions require strong negotiation skills, which this program emphasizes.
Communication skills: Participants learn to articulate their vision, influence decision-making, and lead with clarity, which are key elements for effective leadership.
What sets Linfield apart is its focus on real-world application, allowing participants to roll up their sleeves and directly apply their newfound skills. The program also fosters a strong network of peers and mentors, creating a supportive community where women can engage, uplift each other, and inspire positive change.
The growth of leadership programs across the country
Linfield University’s program is part of a broader movement across the U.S. to empower women through leadership development. Several other institutions are offering transformative programs tailored to women, including:
Harvard University’s Women and Power Program: Designed for senior executives, this program explores power dynamics, strategic alliances, and leadership challenges unique to women in high-level positions.
Stanford University’s Executive Program for Women Leaders: This initiative brings together senior women leaders for an immersive experience focused on decision-making, organizational impact, and global issues.
The Athena Leadership Lab at Barnard College: Aimed at younger women, the Athena Lab offers courses on negotiation, public speaking, and financial literacy, equipping them with leadership tools early in their careers.
No Girl Left Behind movement: Focused on grassroots empowerment, No Girl Left Behind offers workshops and events that aim to build confidence and leadership skills in young women, particularly in male-dominated fields like construction and technology.
Women in STEM and politics: Key areas of growth
Female leadership programs are also making a significant impact in fields where women have historically been underrepresented, such as STEM and politics. Initiatives like Girls Who Code and the SheCodes global movement are equipping women with technical skills to compete in high-growth, tech-driven industries. Although women made up only 29% of the global tech workforce in 2023, these programs are driving progress.
Similarly, the representation of women in political leadership is rising, with women now holding 26% of parliamentary seats worldwide. Countries like New Zealand, Finland, and Iceland have women at the helm as heads of state, though overall underrepresentation remains an issue.
A movement for lasting change
Leadership programs like Linfield University’s Women in Leadership and grassroots movements like No Girl Left Behind show that real progress is being made in the push for female equality. These initiatives are empowering a new generation of women to step into leadership roles in industries ranging from business to government to STEM.
By fostering mentorship, offering hands-on experience, and providing essential tools like negotiation and communication strategies, these programs are critical in helping women navigate systemic barriers and excel in their careers. They also serve as platforms for creating lasting change both in policy and organizational culture, ensuring that future generations of women will have equal opportunities to thrive.
As we move forward, the continued rise of female leadership programs will be essential in closing the gender gap. The conversation about gender equality is no longer about what needs to happen in the future. It’s happening now. The challenge ahead is ensuring that these efforts lead to sustainable, systemic change, paving the way for women around the world to lead, influence, and succeed.
Read more from Marissa Cherepanov
Marissa Cherepanov, CEO/ Visionary
Marissa is a dedicated leader committed to empowering women. She shares her life story and unique insights on personal growth, dedicating her life to inspiring others and driving the female empowerment movement. Marissa serves on the Board of Advisors for Linfield University's Women in Leadership program and is the CEO of No Girl Left Behind.
