Despite the advancement of women in society, they are still underrepresented in leadership positions. Women account for only 16.9 percent of Fortune 500 board seats. Only 4.6 percent of the Fortune 500 Chief Executive Officers are women, and women receive 60 percent of undergraduate degrees and 60 percent of all master’s degree, according to the Center for American Progress.

This week’s Feminist Friday, titled “Developing Women’s Voice in Leadership,” will discuss how gendered learning and cognitive development influences the leadership gap, defined as the gap between how one assesses their current leadership ability and true potential as a leader.

During the discussion, the attendees will also address how undergraduate women enrolled in leadership studies programs develop their voice.

Amber Manning-Oullette, lecturer in leadership studies in the department of psychology, will be leading the discussion.

Manning-Oullette has received a Bachelors of Arts in psychology, a master’s in counselor education and a doctorate of philosophy. All were received at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. 

During her time at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, she co-coordinated the first annual women’s leadership conference and created a first-year women’s leadership course. 

“As we continue to see a gap in the representation of women in leadership roles, it is important to identify obstacles and discuss strategies to strengthening women’s voices in leadership,” Manning-Oullette said. “It is important to move beyond the notion of equal representation; we need to amplify marginalized voices and ensure they are heard.”

Feminist Fridays are held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday in the Sloss House.