Empowering Women in the Workplace
Tanya Monsef, MOBI Advisory Board Member and Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business Dean’s Executive Professor (pictured right), was a panelist at Inside Poverty: Women as Catalysts of Change, an event hosted by MOBI Partner Sunday Friends on March 6, in celebration of Women’s History Month. The panel was moderated by Sunday Friends Executive Director Tatiana J. Colón-Rivera, and other guest speakers included Dr. Tanya Bakhru, Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at San Jose State University, and Nathalie Carvajal, Interim Executive Director of the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley. (Top image pictured left to right: Colón Rivera, Carvajal, Monsef, Bakhru.)
When Colón Rivera envisioned Inside Poverty: Women as Catalysts for Change, she saw it as more than just a gathering—it was a movement in the making. “At Sunday Friends, we see every day how mothers, sisters, and daughters are not just survivors of hardship—they are innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs in the making,” she says. “This convening is our way of lifting up their voices, investing in their ideas, and positioning them as the architects of a stronger, more self-determined future. We’re not just serving families—we’re walking beside women as they build a new model for community-led transformation.”
Inside Poverty reflects Sunday Friends' growing role as a convener in the fight against generational poverty, offering a platform where women’s experiences fuel entrepreneurial solutions and spark systemic change from the ground up.
Topics of the panel ranged from female leaders and role models to the lessons we can learn from historical social movements led by women to how women can support each other, and more. MOBI asked Tanya to share her thoughts about the panel and the topics in the below Q&A.
Q: When asked to name a remarkable female leader, you spoke about your mom. Can you share more about this?
A: Yes, of course. For me, my mother exemplifies remarkable leadership. As a World War II refugee who later built a new life in the United States after immigrating from Germany, the challenges she navigated in her life are profound. Her strength constantly inspires me. She embodies a unique combination of kindness with a deeply nurturing spirit and an unwavering determination to live life purposefully. Whenever I need inspiration, I reflect on my mother and the triumphs she achieved throughout her life.
A: Intersectionality recognizes the interconnected nature of identity and the unique challenges individuals face due to overlapping identities, such as race, class, and gender. My fellow panelists commented that strong movements in history have brought together many voices, and this is very true. By looking for ways to bring policy, social structures, advocacy, leadership, mentorship, education, and cross gender engagement together, we can collectively lower barriers and create a more equitable workforce ecosystem for women, as well as fostering meaningful impact in the community and economic development. (Pictured left to right: Monsef, Carvajal, Colón Rivera, Bakhru.)
Q: Why is it so important to invest in women in the workforce?
A: My fellow panelists shared an important characteristic of women entrepreneurship: increased women in the workforce benefits everyone. Research indicates that when more women participate in the labor force, economies experience substantial growth. Empowering women economically not only contributes to economic diversification but also fosters income equality, leading to shared prosperity for all. This is a key reason why investing in women in the workforce is so important. In fact, it was cited that bringing women into the workforce helps GDP. Wells Fargo’s 2024 report on The Impact of Women-Owned Businesses stated: “The impact that women-owned businesses make on the economy is undeniable. Women own 14,017,000 businesses, representing 39.1% of all businesses, employing 12,164,000 people and generating $2.7 trillion.” And, women entrepreneurs have a significant impact on local economies by investing in their communities. In August 2024, EY published the results of a study that found 74% of women business owners feel an increased responsibility to their communities, often engaging in activities that foster local development and further entrepreneurship.
Q: It’s clear that building the presence of women in the workforce is important in so many ways, how can we get there?
A: As I mentioned during the panel, a lot of today’s work structure was designed for men—whether this is the physical spaces, where jobs are located, the hours and schedules, or the roles and hierarchy. Since the foundation of workplace dynamics is traditionally built on male gender roles, a thorough and deliberate examination of how we can better support women in impactful ways (workplace flexibility, job descriptions, review process, etc) is critical. In the documentary “She Rises Up” shown after the panel discussion, the featured women entrepreneurs talked about the necessity of bringing education, jobs, and opportunity to women where they are—both literally and figuratively. Meeting women where they are has transformational possibilities. For example, in providing free online entrepreneurship education, without assumptions of educational background, business experience, or technical understanding, My Own Business Institute provides accessible education women can pursue as it works for them. Additionally, as we strive for progress, it’s vital to recognize that this isn't solely a women's issue. Engaging male allies in advocating for equitable policies that support women in the workplace is equally important in closing the gender gap. By working together, we can create inclusive environments that empower women and contribute to their success.
Q: What role can organizations play in empowering women in the workforce?
A: That is a great question! Organizations play a pivotal role in empowering women in the workforce. Alongside fostering male allies, it's crucial for organizations to wholeheartedly commit to cultivating work environments that support women. These efforts must be deliberate and driven by top leadership, ensuring that the initiative permeates all levels of the organization. This entails establishing inclusive spaces, robust HR support systems, structured professional development opportunities, and promoting a cultural shift that acknowledges the importance of everyone's participation. It's crucial to recognize that this isn't exclusively a women's issue; it's a collective responsibility. The good news is that investing in women's professional growth benefits businesses by expanding the talent pool and enhancing skills. As the saying goes, "A rising tide lifts all boats." By championing women in the workforce, organizations can contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Q: Can you share some examples of organizations or programs that are making an impact?
A: The My Own Business Institute in the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University is making an impact around the world. MOBI has over 100 partners who help bring its free entrepreneurship curriculum to those who need and want it most. Not only do these partnerships help MOBI reach the audiences who can benefit most from its curriculum, but they also provide the information in ways that best serve their specific communities. Sunday Friends, host of the panel and MOBI Partner, is a wonderful example. Sunday Friends’ mission is to help families break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Through its Dream. Build. Mentor. (DBM) Lab: Entrepreneurship Accelerator, Sunday Friends provides a customized MOBI course in a hybrid format, with online learning and in-person sessions held on the weekend that include two family members. Sunday Friends discovered that by providing instruction to family units, they could encourage more consistent attendance and also greater applicability. Since family members often help with a small business, this model is a way to provide more training to a greater number of people involved in the business at the same time.
Q: Imposter syndrome tends to be especially prevalent among women. What are some recommendations you would give to women who experience that self-doubt?
A: I recommend cultivating a healthy relationship with your inner critic. Start by separating this voice from your core identity; you can even give it a name. By creating a playful and distinct persona for your inner critic, you can begin to diminish its power over you. Once you've established this relationship, make a conscious effort to acknowledge and set aside your doubts when they arise. Remember that impostor syndrome is a common experience and doesn't define your abilities or worth. Gradually, you'll become more adept at managing and overcoming these feelings, allowing you to operate with greater confidence and resilience.
Q: In addition to your teaching role at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, your position on the MOBI Advisory Board, and your role as an executive coach, you are a global facilitator for the Women Leaders for the World and Coming Into Your Own programs. Can you share some of the insights and activities from your involvement in these organizations?
A: My involvement with these organizations provides me with the privilege of collaborating with a diverse, global community of women leaders who are dedicated to creating positive change, embracing their power, and recognizing the impact that local, grassroots initiatives can have on a larger scale. I gain invaluable insights into the importance of fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another as we collectively strive for progress, all aimed at empowering women to become effective leaders and change-makers in their respective communities and beyond. The passion, resilience, and determination displayed by the women in these programs serve as a constant source of inspiration and remind me of the tremendous potential that lies within each of us to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Q: One last question, what gives you hope?
A: There are many things that give me hope for the future of women’s entrepreneurship and equity in the workforce, as well as equity in opportunity. I have been particularly inspired by the message of the Revolutionary Love Project, an organization established by Valarie Kaur. This project aims to inspire and empower individuals to foster community through love, reframing love as an act of activism rather than merely a sentiment. In a world rife with fear, it's easy to become paralyzed, but when we remain rooted in love, we maintain our agility and purpose. Embracing intersectionality, taking action, and making a difference are all within our reach when we approach our efforts with compassion. I wake up each day thinking, what is one thing I can do today to make a difference?
About Tanya Monsef
Tanya Monsef is a globally recognized leader in women's leadership and entrepreneurship, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in today's dynamic landscape. With over 25 years of experience in Silicon Valley's high-tech industry, startups, and nonprofits, Tanya brings expertise in finance, marketing, and strategy to drive impactful change.
As a global facilitator, Tanya has worked with leaders from over 40 countries, delivering impactful leadership capacity-building programs with a focus on economic empowerment. Tanya's dedication to empowering individuals extends to designing leadership training, leading workshops, and providing personalized coaching. She maintains a strong focus on global innovation, leveraging her expertise to drive forward-thinking strategies that empower individuals and organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape. With a commitment to continuous learning and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Tanya Monsef is a trusted advisor dedicated to supporting women to thrive in leadership roles and succeed as entrepreneurs.
She is Dean's Executive Professor at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business and actively contributes to various community programs and nonprofit initiatives. Tanya has held esteemed positions including Board Chair for the Global Women's Leadership Network, co-founder of the SF Turkish Women's International Network, and Lead coach for the Women’s Startup Lab. She is on Santa Clara University's Board of Fellows and is an advisory board member for My Own Business Institute and Readability Matters. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions by being named a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence and receiving the Tribute to Women in Industry award.
About the My Own Business Institute
The My Own Business Institute (MOBI) at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business is the world’s leading provider of free online entrepreneurship education. MOBI students and alumni represent all 249 countries and territories recognized by the International Standardization Organization (ISO). MOBI partners with over 100 organizations and institutions around the world to bring free online entrepreneurship education to those who need and want it most. The MOBI curriculum and website are based on the work of Phil Holland, a successful entrepreneur and author of The Entrepreneur’s Guide. MOBI was generously gifted to Santa Clara University in 2014 by Phil and his wife Peggy, an accomplished school teacher and administrator, along with an endowment, valued at $22 million at the time of transfer, to ensure that the organization and its accompanying websites would flourish into the future and continue to support the vital social and economic contributions of small businesses worldwide.