“One could do worse than be a swinger of birches” (Frost 59). Absolutely, Mr. Frost, as there undoubtedly are less desirable careers than one involving gelato on the daily. Selling Scoops of Happiness to smiling faces certainly does not seem to be hard work, but creating Pino Gelato was against the odds. As a woman owned company derived from passion and an aptitude for success there are obstacles that have been pummeled in order to exist against the unfortunate statistics.
On March 8th the world celebrated International Women’s Day for Inspiring Change: the 2014 theme present on the global hub to encourage advocacy for women's advancement everywhere in every way. There is quite a bit of “Women’s History” Month left this March to partake in the celebration for the achievement and growth that has occurred since the first International Women’s Day in 1911. Inspiring change for more women in senior leadership roles, growth of women owned businesses, and increased financial independence of women are only a few of the highlighted efforts to refresh awareness of the detriments to women in the workforce. Women in senior management is stuck at 24 percent globally, few women have beat the odds to make up the 17 percent of women holding corporate board seats, and only 12 percent of women have the role as CEO (thank you, Ramona Fantini for existing as CEO of this phenomenal company).
 |
| Pino Gelato CEO, Ramona Fantini |
Rare as a women owned business is, still it is almost unbelievable this qualifies a company as a certified diversity supplier in America. It is almost obscure to compare differences to former male boss’ (only one of whom actually owned a company, partially), though recalling the personalities and advice in certain decision making situations-- hands down boss lady. The freshest campaign on the scene is #banbossy with the goal to encourage girls to lead. An increasing trend is on the rise to educate women on presence, risk, and the full capabilities to that of male counterparts in the same field. Targeting the issue beginning in early education #banbossy is a partnership between LeanIn.Org the nonprofit organization founded by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg to empower all women to achieve their ambitions, and Girl Scouts of USA. On banbossy.com a light is shed on the facts, such as, girls are called on less and interrupted more in class and are twice as likely to worry that leadership roles will make them seem “bossy”. Thus justifying the movement that the time to start building female leaders starts now and begins in the classroom.
Education is the foundation for cultivating future women leaders and will be vital in order to make progress in closing the gap that exists for women. Fantini is a role model as CEO of Pino Gelato, with the same confidence she executes running a successful company as she had in taking the risk to follow her passion and start her own business in the first place. Fantini shares her leadership in entrepreneurship to university campuses through lecture and practical business models. Gelato as delicious as it may be, also has granted fortunate individuals the ability to work for a company with an accomplished woman leader.
Beyonce spreading #banbossy to initiate a buzz, a teacher alleviating gender bias in the classroom, or corporations implementing policies for gender equality, are all incredible means to eliminate gender associated leadership and instill anyone can be greater than they imagined. Tremendous are the disadvantages faced by women of the world, counteracted by the commitment for inspiring change while creating opportunity and sharing the accomplishments of women that have succeeded to break through the barriers. The resources stemmed from the activity of Women’s Day and Women’s History Month 2014 are incredible outlets to develop ways to become an advocate for human rights in the constant coalition to improve equality for women. Swing a bit higher from the branches, thrive to excel. Any venture can start with a scoop of vanilla and the taste for success.
Have you contributed to Women's Day or Women's Month events? Please share with us in the comments section below!
The Poetry of Robert Frost (1969) http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173524
