Students Juliet Gallegos, Edith Flores, and Karla Guzmán, beneficiaries of the Advancing Women in Business scholarship, share their perceptions of the reality women face in organizations.
By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL
According to the study Women Matter MX, just 25% of managerial and executive roles are held by women, a figure that drops to 8% for C-Level positions.
Men and women alike share the same level of ambition. However, given the reality reflected in these statistics, women are less optimistic about reaching the higher levels of the organization.
In this context, three EGADE Business School students, who are beneficiaries of the Advancing Women in Business scholarship, share their perceptions of the challenges and opportunities faced by women leaders in organizations.
JULIET GALLEGOS
Junior Brand Manager at Urrea and EGADE MBA student in Guadalajara.
Challenges
“I think that one of the reasons why women aren’t taking these management positions is self-exclusion. What does that mean? Women, sometimes, owing to the prejudices we know we are going to face, don’t aspire to these executive positions and I think that this is the right time to trust in ourselves and believe that we can do this and even more.”
Opportunities
“I would like to pave the way for many women and help them realize that they can excel in diverse industries, even the ones that are considered very masculine. And something else that I think is very important is that we must continue with our preparation to acquire the confidence and skills needed to take on an executive position.”
Juliet studied Biotechnology Engineering at Tec de Monterrey, Campus Guadalajara. After graduating, she joined Kraft Heinz, where she was able to train in the area of marketing in Brazil. She volunteered in Africa, working as a kindergarten teacher, an experience she rates as the best in her life. She served as coordinator of the DIF (National System for Integral Family Development) Volunteer program in her hometown, Valparaíso, Zacatecas. She is currently the Junior Brand Manager at Urrea and an EGADE MBA student in Guadalajara.
EDITH FLORES
Administrative Manager at GQS Asesores and EGADE Master in Finance student in Monterrey
Challenges
“One of the greatest challenges is to achieve a work-life balance from the point of view of being a mom. You have to do the same tasks as a man, but, at the same time, have to fulfill personal commitments, something to which the professional environment is not yet accustomed. There are 10 men, perhaps just one mom has to ask for permission to attend a family event, which is a huge challenge. But, as more women start to enter the professional world, these practices will gradually begin to change, making way for greater flexibility and an improved balance.”
Opportunities
“We women must continue to persuade ourselves that executive positions are within our reach. As we begin to believe this, we will gradually create aspirations to train and prepare to reach those positions. I think that very often we haven’t yet taken this step. I feel that, as women, we can dare to keep advancing, ask to continue to grow, and, at the same time, have the necessary preparation.”
Edith graduated in International Commerce from Tec de Monterrey and completed studies at UBC in Canada and ESC Clermont in France. She has 12 years of experience in the financial sector, specifically in stock markets. She is currently the Administrative Manager at GQS Asesores and a Master in Finance student at EGADE Business School in Monterrey.
KARLA GUZMÁN
Program Manager at Flex and EGADE MBA student in Guadalajara
Challenges
“The greatest challenge, and not only at the corporate level, is the cultural side of the role men and women play in a home, in a family. So, I think it is extremely important to change the chip or perception. It’s up to us to fight and strive to change this mentality and prove that everything is possible for us.”
Opportunities
“Regarding opportunities, the truth is that you have to open doors for yourself. It’s not easy for anybody, success isn’t guaranteed anywhere, but I am aware that every effort produces a result and everything you do well has an impact on yourself and the people around you. Be yourself, that’s fundamental; never, under any circumstances, stop trusting and having confidence in who you are and what you can be. I think that’s vital.”
Karla studied Administration and International Business at Universidad Panamericana and completed a major in Foreign Trade at Instituto de Estudios Bursátiles in Madrid. She served as assistant to the Trade Delegate at the Canadian Consulate in Guadalajara and is currently the Program Manager at Flex and an EGADE MBA student in Guadalajara.
Through the Advancing Women in Business scholarship, EGADE Business School propels talented, academically exceptional women with outstanding business experience, who aspire to the highest leadership and professional development levels. Learn more here.