Beyond the Glass Ceiling

How a Woman in Charge Could Benefit the U.S.

As a little girl, I told everyone I was going to be either the first female president or the first woman in the NBA. Now at 42, it might be time to officially retire my pro basketball dreams and let go of becoming the first female president too—but only if it means I get to witness another woman shatter the glass ceiling this year, and inspire other young girls to see what’s possible.

The glass ceiling—an invisible yet evident barrier that has kept women from reaching the highest levels of power—has been steadily cracking over the decades. With Kamala Harris as the first female Vice President, it was clear that change was already underway. But what will it mean for the U.S. to go even further and elect the first Madam President? The potential benefits are profound, not just in terms of gender equality or making history, but for how the country is governed.

Research consistently shows that female leaders often bring a unique and much-needed approach to governance. In a world currently weighed down by division and polarization, a woman’s leadership could foster collaboration, empathy, and long-term vision.

These aren’t just “soft skills”—they are high-level social intelligence traits that have proven essential for effective leadership, particularly during times of crisis. In these periods of division, these qualities could be the key to restoring civil discourse and moving us toward a more unified, forward-thinking future. It’s time we recognize that this kind of leadership is a powerful solution for the challenges we face today.

Consider Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, whose quick thinking and empathetic leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was widely praised. Ardern’s ability to communicate clearly, while balancing public health concerns with economic realities, set a global standard for crisis management. She also set the standard that young moms can also be powerhouses.

Or Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, another prime example of strong female leadership. Merkel’s leadership within the European Union and her approach to foreign policy were marked by consensus-building and thoughtful negotiation.

More than that, a woman in charge would likely shift policy priorities. Female leaders are more likely to prioritize healthcare, social welfare, and family-focused efforts—areas that have historically been neglected. This shift could bring real benefits, like addressing homelessness through comprehensive support services, tackling the childcare crisis to make it affordable and accessible, and safeguarding reproductive rights to ensure that personal health decisions are protected.

Of course, the prospect of a female president comes with its own set of challenges. As I’ve recently written, gender biases persist, and female leaders often face far more scrutiny than their male counterparts. The notion of "electability" often looms large when discussing female candidates.

Just the other day, I heard another woman say she was concerned that a female president couldn’t keep our country safe from international threats. It’s wild that we’re still questioning a woman’s ability to lead in national security—especially given that women like Condoleezza Rice, the first female National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush, Janet Napolitano, the first woman Secretary of Homeland Security under President Barack Obama, and multiple female Secretaries of State have held top roles safeguarding our nation.

Some critics also argue that voting for a woman is simply choosing gender over merit. But, doesn’t this dismiss and devalue women with impressive credentials, suggesting they’re somehow less qualified simply because of their gender? This perspective not only undermines their achievements but also underscores the reality that, historically, women have had to work twice as hard to be recognized as credible leaders.

The U.S. stands on the brink of a significant moment in history today. Having a woman in charge won’t just break a significant glass ceiling; it’s a stand for the fact that our future of governance doesn’t have to be defined by old norms or the same voices.

The election of a female president will also break down gender barriers in politics while redefining leadership for future generations. It sends a powerful message to young girls and women everywhere that they can aspire to the highest office in the land and succeed.

Regardless of who you voted for, a victory for a Madam President should be worth celebrating. But let’s be clear: the work doesn’t end here. A win for Harris at the top will have us catching up with Mexico  and many other nations that have elected women to their highest offices. But we still have a long way to go to reach equality across all branches of our government. Hopefully shattering this glass ceiling will allow us to break many more.