The Leading Ladies Initiative

Building the STEM Pathway

We are a non-profit dedicated to creating a pathway for underserved high school females to reach their potential through STEM education, internships/job shadow, and leadership development training. The Leading Ladies Initiative provides high school students an opportunity to break the barriers of women entering the STEM industry through a work-based learning program. To achieve our mission, we partner with businesses and organizations. Students experience first-hand how STEM is applied in various careers during the program and understand how high school course selection and college preparedness equips them for a STEM career.

Underrepresented Ladies of Today Can Be the Future Leaders of Tomorrow

We believe that many people never reach their potential due to a lack of skills, resources, and mentorship. We also believe people like you can make a huge difference in the lives of these people through your contribution of wisdom, skills, and resources.


The Leading Ladies Initiative is designed to connect young underrepresented ladies with business and educational opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

Why STEM?

  • STEM jobs are in demand and growing. Over the next decade, STEM jobs are projected to outgrow non-STEM jobs, with positions in computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing leading the way. (Via Change the Equation)
  • African-American and Latino workers now represent almost 1/3 of the general working population, but a much smaller percentage have advanced manufacturing, computing, and engineering jobs. (US News, 2015)
  • Over the next decade, STEM jobs are projected to outgrow non-STEM jobs, with positions in computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing leading the way. (Via Change the Equation)
  • In 2019, women made up 48% of all U.S. workers and 27% of STEM workers. By 2019, the STEM proportion had increased to 27% and women made up 48% of all workers.
  • Women represented only about a quarter of computer workers and 15% of those in engineering occupations.
  • Women working in engineering occupations in 2019 is 15%. And while the percentage of women in computer occupations is higher than in 1970, it actually decreased between 1990 and 2019.

Creating Opportunities in STEM

We are looking for business and community leaders who can provide a short-term work based (job shadow/internship) learning opportunity for young ladies who are underrepresented in STEM.

The trends are clear. While STEM jobs and minority populations grow women are still represented in STEM or have the support to understand what it takes to succeed in STEM. We believe community and business leaders hold the key to the success of the next generation of women.

We are looking for businesses to partner with us by hosting and providing high school students job shadow opportunities during the Leading Ladies Initiative.

Our Mission and Values

Our Mission

To help underserved high school female students reach their potential through STEM education, work-based learning opportunities, and leadership development training.

Why We Started

The Leading Ladies Initiative Inc. was founded because we believe everyone was created to make a positive impact on the world. Unfortunately, many people do not have access to the resources, skills, and people needed to meet their potential.

We work with business to identity unique opportunities for underserved girls who may otherwise have their talent unrecognized.

We believe every person was created with a purpose to make the world a better place, and we need your help.

Our Core Values

  • Empowerment
  • Community
  • Exchange
  • Stewardship
  • Excellence
  • Opportunity

Our Areas of Impact

We believe that STEM isn't an industry but a part of every industry. We value and appreciate relationships and partnerships with people who want to transform their community in all areas of society. We are connecting with and training people to positively impact the following areas of society.

  • Science
  • Education
  • Technology
  • Math

Partnership Opportunities

Programs

We want to partner with businesses and organizations willing to provide work-based learning opportunities for five days during two weeks over the summer, participate in our mentorship program, and host visits for our Leading Ladies cohorts.

Donate

Every donation we receive helps us create a STEM pathway for underserved high school female students. The Leading Ladies Initiative Inc is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN: 472726336). All contributions are tax deductible.

Sponsor

We are seeking business and organizations that will sponsor the programmatic costs of our growing nonprofit

Volunteer

We are always interested in hearing from people with talents and passion to serve the underserved. If you have an interest in helping us, don't hesitate to reach out!