The role of girls' schools in driving change through intentional leadership

By Dr. Marissa Muoio, Head of Upper School and Director of the National Center for Girls' Leadership at Stuart 

The latest report from LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Company shines a light on some tough truths — despite all the talk of progress, women entering the workforce are facing the same, if not worse, challenges as generations before them. From stalling out at entry-level positions to facing harassment and a lack of allyship from younger male colleagues, it’s clear we can’t just sit back and wait for change to happen.

The National Center for Girls Leadership at Stuart believes that real change starts by actively preparing women to lead with resilience, purpose, and a commitment to shaping a better world. Our students learn to embody values that counteract these workplace barriers: integrity, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose-driven leadership. Girls leave here not just prepared to face challenges but to drive the cultural shift we need. They’re stepping into the workforce with the mindset and skills to advocate for equity and foster environments of respect and inclusion. If we want real progress, we have to do more than hope for it — we have to be intentional about creating it, starting with the way we prepare young women today.