Beyond the Ballot: The Next Frontier for Women’s Leadership
As a former board member of the Susan B. Anthony House and a mother of two daughters, I often reflect on the incredible privilege of having the right to vote—something that was hard-won by the suffragists who came before us. If Susan B. Anthony were alive today, I believe she would be championing a new frontier: women in corporate leadership and boardrooms.
When Anthony and her contemporaries fought for women’s suffrage, their vision extended beyond voting rights. They believed in the full participation of women in shaping society, from policymaking to business decisions. Today, we stand on their shoulders, but the work is far from complete. While women have made significant strides in political representation, they remain underrepresented in corporate governance. Despite evidence that companies with diverse leadership perform better, women still hold less than 30% of board seats in U.S. public companies—and the numbers are even lower for women of color.
Just as Anthony and the suffragists faced resistance, the push for gender parity in leadership encounters systemic barriers: unconscious bias, traditional networks that exclude women, and outdated perceptions of executive leadership. But history teaches us that change comes when we challenge the status quo, persistently and unapologetically.
Mentorship as a Catalyst for Change
One of the most powerful ways to advance women in leadership is through mentorship. Just as the suffragists guided and uplifted each other, we must continue fostering mentorship to create pathways for future women leaders. Learning from those who have paved the way and embracing guidance can be transformative, whether in boardrooms, businesses, or personal growth.
To support this movement, here are some essential books that offer valuable insights into mentorship, leadership, and breaking barriers:
For Mentors & Mentees:
The Mentor Leader – Tony Dungy
A guide to mentoring with integrity, humility, and service, emphasizing leadership as an act of influence rather than authority.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead – Sheryl Sandberg
While focused on women in leadership, this book discusses the power of mentorship and sponsorship in career growth.
One Minute Mentoring: How to Find and Work with a Mentor—and Why You'll Benefit from Being One – Ken Blanchard & Claire Diaz-Ortiz
A practical guide to mentorship, offering short but impactful lessons on how to build and sustain mentor-mentee relationships.
Dare to Lead – Brené Brown
Explores leadership, vulnerability, and how mentorship is essential in developing courage and resilience in others.
The Go-Giver Leader – Bob Burg & John David Mann
A leadership fable that highlights the power of mentorship through giving, trust, and influence.
At sayhii, we believe in breaking down these barriers. We are committed to creating environments where diverse perspectives thrive, where women’s voices are not just included but valued in decision-making spaces. Just as voting gave women a seat at the table of democracy, board representation ensures they have a seat at the table of economic power.
So, how do we honor Anthony’s legacy today? By mentoring the next generation of women leaders, advocating for board diversity, and holding organizations accountable. By using our voices—just as she did—to demand more than a symbolic presence. Because the right to vote was just the beginning. The right to lead is the next step.