Teen Girls on Business - Simmons College

<strong>Teen</strong> <strong>Girls</strong> on Business: Are They Being Empowered?experiences that would introduce them to careers in thisarea. Hispanic girls may therefore feel less confident abouttheir chances for success in a stereotypical business world.However, they understand the power of business in manyrespects, and are eager to take on the challenge of havingtheir own business.“I really don’t like the way . . . the wholebusiness world is right now. So I’m kind ofthinking I’ll kind of change it.”-Latina High School GirlThe Power of Latinas as Future Business Leaders!There are over 30 million people of Hispanic origin in theUnited States today. This important group represents one ofthe fastest growing segments of the population; it is forecastedto account for almost 20% of all people living in thiscountry by 2025. 28 Our study included a sample of 530 selfidentifiedHispanic girls in middle and high schools aroundthe United States. This robust sample allowed us to delvedeeper into some of the unique characteristics of thisimportant group.The Latinas in our sample stood out for the strength of theirambitions and values. They are driven most to strive forfinancial security, and as young women they fully intend totake a major role in supporting themselves and their families.Over 90% of Hispanic girls in our sample live in zip codeswhere the median household income is under $50,000, suggestingthis drive is at least in part due to the economic realitiesof their daily lives. Latinas were passionate in theirdesire to use their education to move up the economic ladderand avoid the trap that many of their parents face.But Latinas in our study do not just care about doing well.They care about making a difference. A full 85% want theircareers to matter by helping others, and many talk abouttheir desire to fight social injustice and inequality. And theseare not young women who shy away from responsibility–theyvalue being the boss more than any other group.When prompted, almost 50% of Latinas are eager to takeon the challenge and benefits of entrepreneurship. Latinasare positive about business, believing it will be well paying,exciting, and satisfying. And they feel businesses arerespected and do good for their communities. But they arethe least likely to spontaneously list a career in business.Interestingly, Latinas rated themselves lowest of girls of allracial/ethnic identities on a number of different skills relatedto business success, suggesting they may lack self-confidencein some critical areas. And they are less likely tohave exposure to leadership opportunities through teamsand clubs, and less likely to have the positive effects ofparental role models in business. Latinas rely heavily ontheir schools for career advice, so teachers and guidancecounselors can play a vital role.With strong values and drive, these are exactly the typesyoung women we want to attract to business. We need tomake sure that business is top of mind for them. We mustcare about empowering this promising and passionategroup of women by giving them the skills, confidence, andopportunities to help them feel they are prepared to succeedin business.“And actually when you have your ownbusiness, you feel stronger, like‘ooh, I’m macho,’ you know?”-Latina High School Girl“That’s why my dad wants me to stayfocused on school, because he doesn’t wantme to become the average Latino.”-Latina High School Girl28U.S. Census Bureau Web site. Statistical Abstract on the United States. Available at:http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs. Accessed on February 10, 2002.29