The number of women in leadership positions in the future depends on the efforts of those who hold the positions now.

“Spotting talent, being an advocate for programs, be a role model, be a mentor — these are ways that women can support other women in terms of leadership development,” she says.
Dubick says she hopes to have a mentorship program available to help women assume leadership positions in the future.

“Sometimes it’s so helpful when you are knowing there are going to be challenges,” Dubick says. “If you have women helping you who have had experience, it makes things easier.”
Samuelson’s strongest mentors have been those in her family, especially her mother and grandmother.

She says her grandmother was a materials handler at a time when women usually did not hold that type of industrial position and won an award from a women’s organization. Her mother is a speech pathologist and has had three books published.

“She’s always been a working mother,” Samuelson says. “She showed me it’s OK not to be a housewife.”*