Female Strong ® is a 501c3 non-profit organization and community of committed individuals that offer hands-on programs, mentorship, and experiences that build confidence in middle and high school girls. We support the inclusion of all girl, trans, gender-fluid and non-binary youth as we propel them to become future leaders. By empowering young women with the skills they need early in life, we help them realize their potential and preempt the inequities that exist for women in the workplace today.
Overall, women working full time and year round make just 84% of what men make. A woman must complete at least one additional degree to make the same as their male counterparts with less education.
Women make up 42% of the global workforce and 31.7% of senior leaders, lagging behind men in nearly every industry and economy. While women hold 50% of entry-level positions, they still lack access to the C-suite, holding just 25% of top positions.
Women are obtaining college degrees at higher rates than men. Yet, they remain underrepresented in certain degree types that tend to lead to employment in well-paid jobs, such as those within the STEM workforce.
Almost two-thirds of women report a lack of senior or visibly successful female role models as a major obstacle to their career advancement. While women are almost half of the US labor force, they make up 6% of CEOs and 11% of high earners in the S&P 500; and women of color are nearly invisible on both S&P 500 boards and Fortune 500 boards.
From a survey of more than 17,000 girls in 5th through 12th grade:
In a 2016 study:
As an organization designed exclusively for girls, we provide a safe space for exploration in a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages vulnerability and stepping out of your comfort zone. Our programs center around entrepreneurship, championing creativity, leadership, and passion to instill lasting business-related and soft skills in girls.
Female Strong is focused on building entrepreneurial skills, improving confidence levels, and creating lasting friendships for young girls.
Entrepreneurship education contributes to developing “grit,” which researcher Angela Duckworth states is the most important factor in an individual’s long term success.
Friendship and companionship encourages girls to try new things and reduces feelings of loneliness and depression.
Participants in Female Strong’s programs report seeing a 100% improvement in confidence, conflict resolution, negotiation, sales, and persuasion skills. All girls have reported that they use skills gained from our programs to pursue aspirations they originally felt were beyond their reach.