I will never forget the triumphant days of the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was incredible to watch alongside my young daughter, a budding athlete herself, as women Olympians claimed their rightful place in equal numbers to men on the world stage. It signaled that gender equality in sports is finally becoming a reality. Similarly, advancing women’s leadership in the nonprofit sector is not only possible, but necessary.

The first-ever gender parity Olympic games felt like a full-circle moment for me as a champion of gender equality and women's rights. I am confident we are at an inflection point in history, strengthening my resolve more than ever to help women secure seats at the table.

Our foundation benefits significantly from our all-women leadership team and their hard work, dedication, and tireless commitment, highlighting the importance of advancing women's leadership. These incredible women demonstrate strong collaboration, excel at building trust, and prioritize a people-first approach to leadership.

Not surprisingly, research from Leadership Circle found that female leaders are typically more competent in "building caring connections, mentoring and developing others, and showing concern for the community."

According to the American Psychological Association, decades of studies confirm that women leaders "enhance collaboration [and] inspire organizational dedication." I can attest firsthand that these qualities contribute to a more positive and inclusive work environment.

Another plus of having an all-woman leadership team is that each member serves as an exceptional role model for young women within our foundation and beyond.

Much work remains in advancing women's leadership in the sector for today's young women and girls, as there are still many serious obstacles to overcome.

According to Leanin.org, the "broken rung" is a significant barrier for women aspiring to become leaders. The phenomenon involves women not being promoted to managerial roles at the same rate as men, causing a bottleneck restricting their professional advancement.

The nonprofit sector, often seen as a champion of equality, faces a stark gender disparity within its ranks, underscoring the need to advance women's leadership.

Read the full article about advancing women’s leadership by Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro at Forbes.