By Tamir Shaw | Kingwood High School, TX
Women have made significant progress in business over the past several decades, but the glass ceiling still exists.
While more women are entering fields like accounting, consulting and finance, leadership positions at the highest levels are still mostly held by men. That is exactly why it matters that women continue to pursue these careers and keep pushing toward leadership.
The future of business depends on diverse perspectives, strong collaboration and leaders willing to challenge long-standing systems.
When women enter the business world, they are not just building careers for themselves. They are helping change what leadership looks like.
For many young women, those leadership skills start developing long before entering the workforce.
Organizations like DECA give students opportunities to practice real-world business skills through competition, networking and leadership experiences.
Serving as the president of our DECA chapter has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my high school years. Starting and growing an emerging chapter has taught me that leadership is not just about planning meetings or organizing events. It is about building relationships, encouraging people and creating opportunities for others to grow.
Through DECA, I have also become more aware of the work that still needs to be done for women in business. As I have learned more about leadership and professional industries like consulting and accounting, I have realized that while progress has been made, barriers still exist. That realization has made me even more determined to pursue a career in business and help open doors for others in the future.
Many successful women leaders have spoken about the importance of persistence and confidence in business.
Indra Nooyi once said, “Leadership is hard to define, and good leadership even harder. But if you can get people to follow you to the ends of the earth, you are a great leader.”
Her words highlight the importance of vision and trust when leading others.
Leaders in finance and technology also offer powerful perspectives.
Colette Kress has emphasized the importance of preparation and technical confidence in Leadership. In interviews, she has explained that strong financial knowledge and a willingness to take on difficult challenges are essential for women pursuing leadership roles in business and technology.
Innovation leaders share a similar message.
Gwynne Shotwell once said, “You have to believe in yourself and believe that you are capable of doing hard things.”
Her leadership at SpaceX shows how persistence and problem-solving can open doors in even the most competitive industries. Shotwell has also encouraged young professionals to stay curious and continue learning, explaining that solving complex problems and asking questions are among the most important skills for leaders in fast-moving industries.
Along the way, mentors have made a huge difference in helping me believe in what is possible.
My DECA advisor, Mrs. Laura Abel, constantly reminds me that there is nothing I cannot do if I am willing to put in the work. Her support and encouragement have helped shape the confidence of many students in our chapter.
I have also been inspired by my AP Calculus BC teacher, Mrs. Barbara Murray. Calculus is one of the hardest classes on our campus, and she pushes us to stay engaged and keep going even when it feels challenging. Her message is simple but powerful. Keep pushing and do not give up on yourself. Those lessons apply far beyond the classroom.
Breaking the glass ceiling will not happen overnight. It will take persistence, strong mentorship and young leaders who are willing to keep stepping forward.
As a high school senior preparing for the next chapter, I am grateful for the leadership opportunities DECA has given me. Experiences like these prepare students to enter the business world with confidence and the belief that they can make a difference. Because the future of business leadership will be shaped by those who keep pushing forward and refuse to believe there are limits to what they can achieve.
