Women in Leadership: Reflecting on Progress

As we proudly acknowledge Women's History Month at PAR, I find myself in a space of both celebration and contemplation. While I want to recognize and applaud the strides we've made within our organization, there's an inherent tension in celebrating something that should ideally be a fundamental aspect for all companies, not just an exception. This sentiment echoes the ethos instilled by my father, the founding leader of PAR, who championed equality and acceptance from the very beginning. 

As we launch into Women's History Month, let's take a moment to reflect on our progress at PAR, with a workforce where 59% are women, 55% of our department heads are women, and an average tenure exceeding seven years—a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. I mention this because the national average tenure of an employee in 2023 was 4.1 years according to new statistics shared by Forbes. Yet, as we celebrate our accomplishments, we must remain cognizant of the fact that our efforts are not just about numbers; they're about the ongoing journey toward gender equality and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. 

At PAR, our foundation has always been rooted in the principle of hiring the best individuals, so it feels peculiar to commemorate a statistic that should be the norm across all companies. This tension, I believe, is shared by many women who, despite the progress we've made, understand that there's still much ground to cover. Celebrating women leaders is essential, undoubtedly, but it's equally crucial not to lose sight of the broader journey toward true equality. 

Honoring Trailblazers: Women's History Month provides us with a platform to shine a spotlight on those who defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations. From suffragettes to leaders in various fields, their stories remind us of the power of resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice.  

Celebrating Achievements: Let's celebrate the achievements of women across diverse fields and acknowledge the significant contributions made in every sphere. By recognizing individual accomplishments, we inspire future generations to dream big and break down barriers. 

Reflecting on Progress: While celebrating our achievements, it's crucial to acknowledge the persistent challenges. Women's History Month serves as a reminder to continue advocating for change and dismantling barriers that still exist. The fight for gender equality is ongoing, and our commitment remains steadfast. 

Embracing Diversity: Our celebration embraces the diversity of women's experiences, acknowledging that challenges can vary based on intersecting factors. By amplifying diverse voices and stories, we ensure that the narrative of women's history is representative. 

Women Leaders at PAR: PAR proudly emphasizes women leaders within our organization. Throughout the month of March, we are excited to feature inspiring stories of resilience, recognizing the remarkable women who contribute significantly to our success. 

In the coming weeks, we'll explore their journeys, achievements, and the individuals who inspired them. Each profile sheds light on the unique experiences and perspectives of our women leaders, illustrating their paths to success, the challenges they've overcome, and the impact they've had on our organization. 

As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's not only champion women's achievements but also amplify their voices. Together, let's work toward a future where gender equality is not just celebrated in March but becomes a year-round reality. To kick off this series, I'm sharing my thoughts for the first March profile, acknowledging the journey and recognizing the road ahead. Check back each week in March for a new profile. 

Read In Her Own Words: Kristin Greco >

Read In Her Own Words: Melissa Messer >

Read In Her Own Words: Jaleesa Hardy >

Read In Her Own Words: Brooke Maynard >

Read In Her Own Words: Jenny Greene >