The “Women in the Workplace 2024” report from McKinsey & Co. offers a critical look at the progress women have made in leadership over the past decade. Locally, these findings resonate deeply in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys, where women, especially women of color, remain underrepresented in leadership roles across key industries like hospitality, healthcare, and outdoor recreation.

The report reveals a mix of gains and setbacks. While the number of women in leadership has grown, this progress is fragile, with many women facing significant barriers at the managerial level. At RFL, we see these national trends reflected in our local communities. To address this, we’ve developed women-specific programs aimed at reducing the gender gap and empowering women to take on leadership roles across local organizations. These programs include RFL Mastermind and ELEVATE.

  • ELEVATE will be on November 8th from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs, CO featuring Dr. Angie Paccione, Dr. Patti Schmitt, and Janeth Stance.
  • RFL Mastermind, meeting monthly from January – May 2025, is now accepting applications for its next cohort of up to 14 women. Application deadline in December 15, 2024.

Our programs provide mentorship, networking, and leadership training tailored to the unique needs of women in our region, offering them the tools to overcome challenges and step confidently into decision-making and collaborative positions. We believe that fostering inclusive leadership is essential to the resilience and growth of our community. It’s about creating a community of belonging.

As McKinsey’s report emphasizes, now is the time to double down on efforts to promote diversity, inclusion and belonging. At RFL, we are committed to pushing these initiatives forward, creating a community where women have equal opportunities and support needed to thrive as leaders. By addressing the “broken rung” in the leadership pipeline, we aim to ensure that women in our region are not just present at decision-making tables but are empowered to drive meaningful change.

This work is not just about gender equity—it’s about building stronger, more belonging communities. As we continue to support all genders in their leadership journeys, we are investing in the future of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys, ensuring that our local economy and organizations are led by diverse voices and perspectives.

Source: McKinsey & Co., Women in the Workplace 2024 report.