The Facts

Did you know that every year since 1982, women earned more bachelor's degrees than men? Did you know that every year since 1987, women earned more master's degrees than men? And, every year since 2006, women earned more doctorate degrees than men? And, did you know that women comprise 44.7% of the Fortune 500 workforce? 

Given their educational achievement and strong representation in the workforce, it would seem logical that women would hold an equivalent number of the top jobs in America's biggest companies. Sadly, that is not the case.

Why So Few Female CEOs?

According to McKinsey, reasons women fail to advance to higher levels in organizations, include:

• Lack of female role models;

• Exclusion from informal networks; and,

• Not having a sponsor in upper management to create opportunities.

Additionally, many current corporate CEOs were raised during the 1970’s and ‘80’s. During their formative years and early careers, much of the following could be found:

• Boys and girls observed men in CEO roles almost exclusively;

• Boys were more often directed toward science, math and engineering college programs while girls were more often directed toward teaching, nursing and social work;

• Once in their career, men were given operating and other line roles while women were relegated to staff positions;

• As the primary source of income in most families, men were offered relocation opportunities more often than women; and,

• Women were the primary caregiver to their children which limited the number of long hours they could work in demanding careers.

We've Come a Long Way

There is progress, but it has been slow. In 1972, Katharine Graham became the first female Fortune 500 CEO when she assumed control of The Washington Post. Over the next 45 years, 63 additional women claimed the top position. 2017 was a banner year when the Fortune 500 saw 32 women in CEO positions — a record-breaking 6.4%. However, progress is not consistent. In 2018, the number of female CEOs dropped 25% from 32 to 24. In February of 2021, barring departures, the appointment of Lauren Hobart to CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods will bring the female CEO count to an all time high of 41.

The Future Is Bright

Eventually, as more women begin to assume CEO positions, even more women will follow their lead. In the future, there will be more role models and female mentors to provide real-time guidance to other women in a manner equal to the way young men have historically received guidance from senior men in the workplace. Until that time, ABC to CEO is a source for young women to help them on their way. 

Our Goal Today

Today, many companies and organizations provide excellent programs to educate and elevate women who are already in the workplace. But we need to provide young women with information before they enter the workforce or early in their careers so that they do not inadvertently make decisions that will get them off track to become CEO. It is our goal to provide young women with knowledge about educational, lifestyle and early career decisions (accelerators and stallers) to prepare them for the possibility of becoming CEO of the world's largest companies.