Action Plan Title: Invest in Her: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Samia P.

Hometown/Country: Miami, Florida

Program/Year: Leadership Institute On-Campus (2024)

Describe the need or issue you are trying to address in one sentences.

Invest in Her is an initiative that amplifies the successful trajectory of women in executive positions by inviting women executives to present and share their professional experiences with my school community, boosting financial literacy and female confidence in the workforce.

Describe your project in detail, including what steps you've taken to advance your project. 

At Brown University Leadership Institute’s Women in Leadership, I examined the underrepresentation of women in executive corporate positions. Utilizing my research, I presented an Action Plan highlighting how gender diversity impacts decision-making, innovation, and long-term organizational success, demonstrating the social and economic benefits of a more equitable workforce, particularly in the C-suite. Recognizing this issue persists in my own community (only 22% of Florida businesses are female-owned), I founded “Invest in Her” at my school, Gulliver Prep, a Business Club initiative that amplifies the successful trajectory of women in executive positions. I organize speaker events, inviting women executives to present and share their professional experiences with my school community. In doing so, we inspire and empower young women to explore careers in business and economics and normalize women in these positions for my entire community. I found that companies with gender-diverse leadership are up to 25% more likely to outperform their competitors in profitability and productivity.

Describe the need or issue you are trying to address in one or two sentences.

Invest in Her strives to address the underrepresentation of women in finance by providing education, mentorship, and opportunities that empower young women to pursue careers in the industry. It aims to break gender stereotypes and build confidence in financial leadership from an early age.

What next steps will you take regarding your Action Plan?

My action plan, although complete, continues to evolve. One of the highlights was a speaker event featuring singer-songwriter Tina Shafer, founder of The New York Songwriters Circle. As a woman who broke barriers in the male-dominated music industry, Tina inspired our members by demonstrating that resilience, confidence, and creativity are essential traits for women aspiring to lead in any field, including business. Her story underscored the importance of challenging norms and owning your voice--lessons that resonate deeply with our mission. At our speaker events, members are encouraged to actively engage and ask questions, gaining firsthand insight into the business world. Through these events, as well as our regular meetings, members build financial literacy skills and grow into empowered, future-ready leaders.

One of my most significant milestones with Invest in Her was presenting my Action Plan at my school’s Student Initiatives Summit. I curated a presentation that highlighted the purpose of Invest in Her and the impact it strives to create. Speaking on an issue I care deeply about in front of faculty and peers was an incredibly rewarding experience--it left me feeling proud and energized to continue advocating for gender equity in leadership.

How did you get interested in this issue? Why does this issue matter to you and why should it matter to others? What new insight or learning do you have about this issue? 

Growing up in a bustling city, I was always drawn to the energy of business--reading articles, watching the news, and researching market trends in my free time. But despite my passion, I rarely saw anyone who looked or identified like me in those spaces. This disconnect made me question why women, especially young women, were so underrepresented in business leadership. That question became the foundation of Invest in Her. I’ve learned that representation matters--not just for visibility, but for changing narratives--and that inclusive spaces empower the next generation to see themselves as future leaders.

What impact do you think your project has had?

My project has inspired many girls to see business as a field they can connect with their passions--whether that’s art, medicine, music, or environmental sustainability. Several students have come up to me expressing newfound interests and excitement about exploring how their unique hobbies can intersect with careers in business and entrepreneurship. Beyond sparking interest, Invest in Her has helped girls build confidence in their abilities and leadership potential. I’ve noticed a growing sense of empowerment among members, who now feel more comfortable stepping into roles they might have previously thought were out of reach. Additionally, the initiative has fostered a more inclusive environment at my school, where students of all genders engage in conversations about equity and support one another’s ambitions, no matter the subject. Overall, the project has not only advanced awareness of gender gaps in business but also created a community that encourages diversity and confidence in future leaders.

What knowledge or skills did you learned during your BELL/Leadership Institute course you have applied to your work on this project? 

During my time in the BELL/Leadership Institute course, visiting the Women’s Center was especially impactful. It showed me the power of creating intentional spaces that uplift and support women, which inspired the inclusive environment I strive to build with Invest in Her. Additionally, the course helped me develop essential outreach and advocacy skills. I learned how to effectively communicate my message, engage diverse audiences, and build partnerships--skills I applied when promoting events and encouraging students to get involved. These lessons have been crucial in growing the initiative and making sure our mission reaches beyond just a few individuals to create real, lasting impact.

What tips?

Be yourself and be bold! Reaching out can feel scary—I remember how nervous I was sending my first email to a guest speaker. But taking that first step opened doors I never expected. Trust in your passion and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. People want to support genuine efforts, and your confidence will inspire others to join your cause. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and remember that being authentic is your greatest strength.