Women in STEM and Leadership: the Rise of Sheryl Sandberg

By: V. Toledo

“In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.”- Sheryl Sandberg.

Sheryl Sandberg, the former Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, has become one of the most influential voices in women's leadership development. Her innovative work in technology, advocacy for women's empowerment in the workplace, and initiatives to promote women's inclusion has made her an inspiration for women around the world. 

Sandberg graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Economics, and soon began her career in government, employed at the U.S Treasury Department before converting to working in technology. After moving to Silicon Valley and establishing her role as the COO of Facebook, she contributed towards many successful developments, helping it become one of the most profitable companies globally. She was then placed amongst the highest-ranking people in Silicon Valley, a field typically dominated by men. Her accomplishments proved women can thrive in high-stakes environments, as well as encouraged them to pursue careers in business and technology. 

Sandberg’s prominent contribution to female empowerment was her bestselling book called "Lean In". The book encouraged women to be risk-takers and chase leadership opportunities despite societal biases and challenges they might face in their journey to success. In addition, Sandberg founded "Lean In Circles". These circles are essentially small, supportive groups of women who share their experiences, set goals, and help one another achieve growth in their personal and professional lives. This movement has grown globally and has been shown to help many women succeed in business. 

Sheryl Sandberg’s influence extends far beyond her accomplishments as a business and technology leader. Throughout her journey, she has served as a trailblazer for women in STEM, empowering them to persevere despite any obstacles they may face. Her movement, "Lean In Circles", continues to encourage women to support and mentor each other. Sandberg’s efforts have expanded workplace diversity, advocating for more inclusive environments across industries. Furthermore, her legacy serves as a lasting reminder of the power of determination, collaboration, and the importance of empowering women to lead.