Four Reasons to Work in a Woman-led Business

Companies led by women help guide individuals, professionals, and other companies towards a more equitable and better future. Here are four reasons to work in a woman-led business.

- Success and Security: Companies led by women have proven to be more successful than those led by men. An analysis by Quantopian found that women CEOS in the Fortune 1000 generated three times more prokts than companies led by men.

Successful woman-led businesses also tend to offer their employees equal pay, health and wellness benekts, extended maternity leave, and other signikcant compensations. As women understand the struggles of balancing family and work life better, they tend to be more 5exible and accommodating with situations that may arise.

When women see others assume leadership roles, they feel empowered and motivated to embark on new projects that they might not have had the opportunity or conkdence to accept before.

In 2022, for example, the Puerto Rico Builders Association (ACPR) made history by appointing architect Vanessa De Mari as its Krst woman president. De Mari focused on the opportunities and challenges facing the construction industry, such as rising costs, material shortages, lack of labor, and the rebuilding of Puerto Rico.

As the Krst president, she paved the way for other women architects to feel empowered to take on leadership roles, both within and outside their jobs. This not only applies to the architecture industry but to all others as well.

- Growth and Development: To help employees continue to grow professionally, woman-led businesses offer various opportunities and tools such as job promotions, entrepreneurship seminars, and leadership workshops. Women have always had to work twice as hard to achieve any goal, and we are more in tune with the challenges faced by other women and minority groups.

For example, the American Institute of Architects (AIAPR) held a signikcant exhibition in 2022 titled "Women in Architecture: The Impact of Women Architects in Puerto Rico." It publicly showcased over 62 women who have contributed to the profession and development in different areas, including design, leadership, professional practice, education, research, public service, and volunteer work. The exhibition also helped launch emerging architects by offering them the opportunity to showcase their work, advance their careers, seek mentorship, and connect with others in the industry.

- Inspiration: Woman-led companies inspire other companies and industry professionals to follow their lead and hire more women. In AD&V, 87% of leadership positions are held by women.

* Cristina Villalón (Puerto Rico) is the co-founder of the architecture and interior design Krm Álvarezdíaz & Villalón. She was awarded the 2023 US Pioneer in Sustainability Award by the United Nations Global Compact Network. https://www.alvarezdiazvillalon.com/