US Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta, is the son of Cuban refugees, a native of Miami, and a first-generation college graduate. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University. In 2008, he was named to the list of 100 most influential individuals in business ethics.
Additionally, in 2013, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presented him with the Chairman’s Higher Education Award in recognition of his “outstanding achievements, leadership, and determination throughout a lifetime of caring and giving back to the community.”
Secretary Acosta is continuing to prove his title as a leader, for he had a lot to say at an opening session of the G20 Labor and Employment Ministers’ meeting on women succeeding in the 21st century economy.
Seeing men wanting to stand alongside women as they succeed in the 21st century economy sets a great example for everyone. He spoke about the success that he wants to see for women and acknowledges the importance of ensuring they can achieve their aspirations.
“Over the last decade, technological breakthroughs have fundamentally transformed the economy in the United States and the world. These changes have improved the way billions of people live, and they are creating global demand for high-skilled jobs. But all too often, women do not fully experience these benefits,” he said.
It’s important that he is addressing these issues. Often these issues are not prioritized, which halts the progression of women in the workforce. Secretary Acosta is stressing the importance of investing in women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses to overcome underrepresentation.
According to Science and Engineering Indicators 2016, women remain underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce, although to a lesser degree than in the past, with the greatest disparities occurring in engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences.
Secretary Acosta directly brought attention to this problem with the STEM fields. He stated, “Women are underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics – or STEM – fields, which are playing a critical role in the technological revolution. This must change. Women are invaluable players in the global economy, and investing in women is absolutely critical for fully mobilizing the economy in the United States and throughout the world. The Trump administration has prioritized investing in the resources required to unleash the full potential of women in the workforce.”
Prioritizing resources for the benefit of women in the workforce can make a tremendous difference when it comes to their opportunities and success.
Secretary Acosta closed by saying, “I look forward to working with each of you, sharing successful experiments in removing barriers to women’s economic participation and working together to ensure that each woman and girl can live out her aspirations to the fullest.”
Hopefully, Secretary Acosta’s positive words encourages others to stand with women and help break down the barriers that we see in the workforce.
Featured Image by John Haslam on Flickr
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
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