Boren study looks at the past, present, and future of Oklahoma women in business

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Senate Business and Commerce Committee held an interim study Tuesday on the past, present, and future of women in business in Oklahoma. The study was requested by Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman. Boren said her study was initially spurred by the release of a 2023 Oklahoma Business Leaders Poll, by the State Chamber. She said while child care has traditionally been seen as a women’s issue, the poll shows business leaders recognize the impact child care has on the workforce and economic development.

“Eighty-two percent of respondents agree with the need to expand availability of after-school care to improve the workforce, and 79 percent support state incentives to expand child care,” Boren said. “I believe this poll reflects a shift in attitudes toward child care. There’s a growing recognition that this is critical for businesses seeking to attract and retain well-qualified employees, and that child care is in fact an economic issue for Oklahoma as a whole.”

Sandra Shelton, government relations and communications manager for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, presented a case study of women in the aerospace and aeronautics industry in Oklahoma. Shelton highlighted some of the groundbreaking women in aviation. In 1921, Bessie Coleman, who studied at Langston University, became the first African American to earn a pilot’s license.  In 1929, Oklahoman Pearl Carter Scott became the youngest pilot in the United States, and in 1978, University of Oklahoma alum Dr. Shannon Lucid was recruited by NASA, becoming part of the first class of astronauts to include women. She flew in space five times and held the record for the longest duration spent in space by an American and by a woman.

While Oklahoma women in aviation have made their mark, the challenge is that the percentage of women in those jobs has not measurably changed. Fewer than 10 percent of pilots are women and 12 percent are engineers. While aerospace and aeronautics is the second largest industry in the state, members were told it cannot become number one without an increase in female participation. Shelton pointed to ongoing efforts, including the “You Can Fly” program offered in several public schools throughout Oklahoma, helping more students get a jumpstart on careers in aviation.

Amy Million, founder of Million Wealth Management, presented information on the strengths and challenges facing women entrepreneurs and on empowering the next generation of women entrepreneurs. She highlighted the need for affordable child care, health care, education, and financial literacy. The following presentation by Kristen Caruso, a University of Oklahoma lecturer of management and legal studies, also touched on the need for greater access to affordable child care, noting 34 of the state’s 77 counties are child care deserts.

“I think our state has made progress, but we still face significant challenges,” Boren said. “Efforts here in the Legislature, including investments through ARPA funds to better support women and children, and the results of the Business Leaders Poll are tremendous positives as we continue to work to strengthen opportunities for all Oklahomans.”

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Boren at 405-521-5553 or Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov