The Scoop on Women Leadership

“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

Make A Difference Day 2013

The little things mean much more than realized. American Essayist and Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) summed up a fantastic way to live, a message still applicable on this very day, “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

On National Make A Difference Day Saturday, October 26, 2013 millions of volunteers will unite to improve the lives of others in their communities on the largest national day of community service.  Thousands of projects in all different scales from small groups of individuals to entire states take on problems they see in the community and accomplish a solution.  USA Weekend Magazine and Points of Light have teamed up for more than 20 years to sponsor Make A Difference Day along with other organizations that recognize the power of inspired people serving their communities.  The Make A Difference Day website allows anybody to register  their project to raise awareness and accrue volunteers, there is also a search engine for projects within the total mile radius of the entered zip code to find places to volunteer on Saturday.  Projects include fixing up city gardens, packaging at food banks, and cleaning/repairing community centers.  Regardless of the project size registration on the Make A Difference Day DAYtaBank submits the project for consideration to receive a $10,000 donation from Newman’s Own.  

It is not too late to create a project and many are still in need of volunteers.  Begin a new tradition with family, friends, or coworkers and dedicate time to serve the community, one day of volunteering can spark a habit of it.  Children learn from the actions of adults, family friendly projects will engage the awareness of children and involve them to aid in successfully improving their community while shaping their path toward future volunteering. The children may ask to do more, luckily the upcoming holiday season provides numerous opportunities, but engaging in service all year long and striving to Make A Difference each and every day is the true goal and inspiration of the mission.

The little things count, start by smiling and making eye contact with people. Trends have occurred recently including an anonymous person buying coffee for everyone that comes in that day, or grand restaurant tippers, and the more infamous random act of kindness when a homeless man turned in a lost bag filled with over $50,000 cash only to have inspired the do-well in another gentleman that set up a website to donate funds to the homeless man; he is now worth over $100,000. Go ahead, create a trend and raise awareness to make someone's life a little happier in any capacity it is worth it. The cycle should never end, people will always remember the way another made them feel. Make A Difference Day certainly calls to us nationwide to join our neighbors helping others and our communities, it could be contagious.

What project will you participate in for Make A Difference Day this Saturday, October 26, 2013?  

Come share a Scoop of Happiness with us and other volunteers at Pino Gelato after your project!