What Do We Know About Leader Identity Development in Girls and Young Women?

• In Event: Cultivating Leadership Development for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Short Description

Despite societal interest in leadership creating a multi-billion-dollar leadership industry, and the significant surge in leadership research over the last half century, persistent social inequalities between genders make it necessary to continue to study leader identity development, particularly in women. The literature overwhelmingly represents leadership practiced in middle- to late- adulthood and is contextualized in professional settings. Little research exists which addresses how girls and young women make meaning of early leadership experiences and develop their leader identity. A scoping review was used to answer the research question, what research exists at the nexus of girls (age 0-18), young-women (age 15-24), and leader identity development? The goal was to focus exclusively on girls and young women to understand the complexity and diversity of their lived experiences and the ways in which those experiences contributed to their leader identity. Four salient themes emerged which were related to the process of leader identity formation – a) relationships, b) personal characteristics, c) meaningful engagement, and d) social identities. The findings from our review are significant because leader identity development directly impacts engagement leadership as an adult, in formal positions and informal roles. For women, this affects their elevation to high-level positions within their careers, thus influencing their earning potential. This presentation will outline steps for practitioners and researchers to continue to advance the scholarship on women and leadership and create effective programs to develop successful girl and women leaders.

Key Takeaway 1: Attendees will leave the presentation with knowledge about the scholarship on girls’ and women’s leadership identity development.

Key Takeaway 2: Attendees will leave the presentation with key steps for practitioners and researchers to continue to advance the scholarship on women and leadership.

Key Takeaway 3: Attendees will leave the presentation with ideas to create effective programs to develop successful girl and women leaders.

Streams and Specialties: Leadership Development - Leadership Development Across Ages & Life Stages

Participants

• Deborah N. Smith, Kennesaw State University Interdisciplinary Studies Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
  Presenter

• Stacy M. Smulowitz, University of Scranton Communication & Media Associate Professor & Chair
  Presenter

• Amy E Rutstein-Riley, Antioch University Graduate School of Leadership and Change Associate Dean & Director of PhD Program
  Presenter