Sustainable Ambition
Redesigning Success: Career Innovation for Women in the 21st Century explores how women, particularly those graduating from social science programs, navigate the complexities of a labor market still influenced by outdated career metrics and gender bias. This capstone project examined the structural and psychological barriers that women face, such as unconscious bias, limited access to mentorship, and rigid definitions of success based on job titles and salaries. Grounded in feminist epistemology and career development theory, the study highlighted the need for new, inclusive frameworks that prioritize fulfillment, agency, and adaptability. Through a combination of qualitative research and narrative analysis, the project presented a reimagined vision of sustainable success for women in today’s workforce.
Redesigning Success
Solution
The capstone project introduced a practical and inclusive model of career development that balances risk and resilience. At the core of this solution is a dual-risk strategy—formative and transformative risk-taking—that enables women to strategically advance their careers while staying true to their personal values and circumstances. The project emphasized essential 21st-century skills such as collaboration, self-efficacy, and problem-solving, which are vital for success in a dynamic labor market. Additionally, it redefined success beyond traditional markers like salary, incorporating subjective aspects such as personal fulfillment, well-being, and a sense of social belonging. By applying feminist standpoint theory, the study validated the lived experiences that are often overlooked in conventional career discourse and provided tools for designing inclusive pathways forward.
Role
I worked as a social impact researcher and strategist, addressing gender inequity in professional development. By combining literature reviews with real-world data, I identified key issues and created accessible career resources. Using feminist standpoint theory, I highlighted underrepresented narratives and examined how identity and power shape careers.
Tools
- Feminist Epistemology - methods to uncover unseen dynamics - ensuring every solution starts from lived experience, not assumption.
- Standpoint Theory - decoding of underrepresented stories to reveal patterns of exclusion and opportunity.
- Conflict & Risk Strategy - bold enough to grow, safe enough to support