It is not easy to forge a path. In fact, the sheer rates of failure among those who attempt to make something out of nothing discourage many from even trying. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers show 20 percent of businesses shutter within their first year. The National Center for Education Statistics reported in 2018 that 33 percent of first-generation college students drop out during their first three years, and Aspiring Author notes that 95 to 99 percent of book manuscripts submitted to editors never see the light of day.
Those who are not only bold enough to chase their dreams but tenacious enough to succeed are an elite group indeed. It is those trendsetters, leaders and entrepreneurs who Arkansas Money & Politics has the privilege to honor as the 2025 class of “Trailblazing Women.”
Women change the world in ways big and small each and every day. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2023, in the United States, women comprised more than 30 percent of university presidents, 10 percent of CEOs at Fortune 500 companies and 24 percent of governors reported in 2023 that the more than 14 million women-owned small businesses in the country account for nearly 40 percent of the nation’s businesses, generate $2.7 trillion in annual revenue and employ nearly 12.2 million workers.
It is not an easy path to the top. The Pew Research Center’s 2023 study of attitudes about women in leadership roles found that although record shares of Fortune 500 CEOs and board members are now women, 55 percent of Americans believe there are not enough women at the top of the business ladder.
As Americans see it, the main reasons for that are women having to prove themselves more than men and gender discrimination, 58 percent and 50 percent of respondents, respectively, noting those as major causes of the disparity. In addition, 48 percent of respondents said the comparatively small numbers of female leaders are caused by family responsibilities, 43 percent said businesses were not ready to hire women for top positions, and 40 percent cited sexual harassment.
The impact of women who overcome such obstacles to become powerhouses in business, politics and the community cannot be overstated. Not only do such fearless females leave their mark on the state’s economic and cultural landscape, but they provide inspiration for the next generation of women planning to take the reins in government, business and nonprofit work.
The links that follow honor 12 outstanding women who have left an indelible mark on industries such as health care, education, banking, real estate and more. While each story is different, the honorees share a drive and determination that makes AMP proud to call them “Trailblazing Women.”
• Phillis Nichols Anderson, Ed.D.
Feature image: iStockPhoto.
