Women's History Month in East Tennessee

Women are flexing their muscles in East Tennessee. Media darlings such as Dolly Parton highlight the power of women in their profession. According to Fortune Magazine, 15 Fortune 500 Companies are run by women. On the government front, leading the charge are Secretary of State Hilliary Clinton and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Yet, many people forget the impacts that career success has on professional women.

This article focuses on the issues facing professional women in the area. Liza Fuller is a government program manager with a decade of experience in handling difficult environmental issues in East Tennessee. Her real name is not disclosed to protect her since she works in a small industry. She is a midlife professional, married with two children. She is highly educated with a degree from Vanderbilt University and also an advanced degree. She exists in a mostly male dominated industry. She assisted her organization with celebrating Women History Month. In truth, Fuller is a genuine role model for today's working professional.

Discuss your heroes when you were growing up and how they have shaped you as a person.

I have always spent a lot of time around adults with PhDs so I have not really been much of a kid. My heroes were astronauts, teachers, John Kennedy, my parents, and strangely enough Vanderbilt basketball players, probably because my dad took me to the games. I really admired Tommy Arnholt, a very good, but not very tall, basketball player in the early 1970s, and admired him more when I found out he also helped with the Special Olympics. My dad also took me to college archaeology lectures and started my love for discovery, adventure and science. My mom and dad also taught me to love the earth and take care of it.

Describe what most people say are your best qualities.

My nickname was "United Nations" because I could talk to anybody about anything and I have great diplomacy skills. I am also very helpful and kind. I am the kind of person who likes to please people.

Discuss your professional career and education (your progression as a professional woman).

I got my B.S. at age 20 and my M.S. at age 41. If I had time I think, I would to go back to school and focus on epidemiology and try to figure out what we are doing to cause so many cases of cancer and other problems and what part of our modern life should be changed to attain better health for all people. I think I would have been a great detective in another life.

What are the challenges facing working women in the workforce today?

Women are still expected to work harder than men to prove themselves and avoid criticism. Attractive women still get grief about being promoted for reasons other than their own merit and it's not fair. The other challenge is trying to make a fair amount of time for your kids while they are young and balancing their needs with those needs of a demanding boss or demanding job.

What are issues associated in a relationship where a female makes more than her husband? Do roles change?

In my case my husband is unemployed. Yes, I ask him to do more housework and to cook and he takes the primary role with the kids. Are more demands made on the female? Yes. I still have to do the housework but I get lots of help. You have to have a strong partnership and accept all the help your partner gives and not dwell on the money. You also have to be financially disciplined and teach your kids to be also.

Do you feel it is possible to climb the corporate ladder as a female without sacrificing your family?

No, there is always a sacrifice because you spend more time away from your family. Is the issue the same for males having the same advantages in today's modern society? Yes, I think so, but they usually have wives who take care of the home and kids for them.

What tips would you give to young professional women (Generation Y) coming into corporate America so that they can progress successfully?

You know what, I have no idea what their expectations are. Give your best to your job while you are there. Just remember that your family will be there to love you when you get a bad review or have a fight with your boss, so always put them first. Work at home after the kids go to bed, if you have to, and tell your kids and husband every day that you love them.