Strong Networks Have High Net Worth for Women Leaders

Women executives in healthcare have unique challenges to building strong professional networks. As in corporate settings, women in healthcare delivery systems often represent a large constituent group within the organization, but are only a small percentage of the organization's leadership pool. Male leaders often are identified as viable candidates for advancement through professional networks and invitations to participate in collegial networking opportunities. With this advancement may come higher earning power, autonomy, and author- ity. Since women continue to be underrepresented at the top of most corporate structures, it is imperative they be provided better opportunities to network, and be included in invitations extended to their male counterparts for company- sponsored networking activities.