National Business Women’s Week® is celebrated every year during the third week of October. It provides a valuable opportunity to recognize and honor not only working women but the employers who support working women and their families. For nearly a century, this celebration has helped to promote leadership roles for women and to increase opportunities for personal and professional growth.
With a culture of employee engagement, OCTA offers a variety of programs designed to encourage advancement for all, regardless of gender. They include the Leadership Development Academy, the Management Development Academy, the Early Career Academy, the Employee Rotation Program and the formal mentor program.
“OCTA’s programs open the door to opportunity while educating and building confidence,” said Maggie McJilton, Executive Director of
Human Resources and Organizational Development/(Interim) External Affairs. “This can be particularly helpful to women, as studies show that women often have less confidence in critical areas, such as negotiation. These programs provide the skills that can lead to advancement.”
More than 44 percent of OCTA’s executive team is comprised of women. “This sends an important message to female employees and encourages them to take risks in their careers here at OCTA,” said McJilton. “If you want something, you can go for it.”
Looking back on her own 20+-year career trajectory, much of it spent in male-dominated industries, McJilton sees opportunities for women increasing, especially at OCTA. “There is no limit here to what you can do with your career. If you want to move forward, let's see how we can make that happen.”