Making Space: What It Means to Be a Young Woman Starting Out in a Women-Led Industry
It’s Women’s History Month, and I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a young woman entering the workforce.
I graduate in just a few weeks with a degree in Communication Studies, and like a lot of soon-to-be grads, I’m both excited and a little overwhelmed. But working at an all-women PR and digital marketing agency—where leadership is female—has shaped how I see my future.
Finding My Place in a Women-Led Industry
Here, I’m not “the intern.” I’m part of the conversation. I’m encouraged to speak up, ask questions, try, fail, try again—and be proud of what I bring to the table. That kind of environment isn’t guaranteed. And I don’t take it for granted.
Why Women Excel in Communications
There’s a reason women thrive in communications. This industry takes strategy, empathy, listening, storytelling, and intuition—things that women have always brought to the table, even when we haven’t been recognized for it.
I’ve learned that being a strong communicator isn’t just about writing well or being “good with people.” It’s about understanding how to make people feel seen, heard, and understood. That’s powerful. And when women lead communications, we don’t just build brands—we build trust, culture, and change.
Learning from Women Who Paved the Way
Here are a few women I look up to—women who took risks, changed industries, and created space for the rest of us:
Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble, who flipped the script on dating apps and made women the ones to make the first move.
Sara Blakely, who started Spanx with $5,000 and turned it into a billion-dollar brand without outside investors—while lifting up other women entrepreneurs along the way.
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, who led with strategy and empathy, pushing for more inclusive policies for working parents.
These women didn’t just succeed. They made space for other women to succeed, too.
Representation and Leadership: The Road Ahead
There’s still a long way to go—especially when it comes to representation, equity, and leadership opportunities. But I feel hopeful. Because in places like this—where women mentor other women, where questions are welcomed, and where collaboration beats competition—I can already see what’s possible.
Gratitude for the Women Who Inspire Me
For the professors who pushed me, the peers who encouraged me, and the women I work with now—who show me every day what it looks like to lead with confidence and kindness.
Here’s to the women who came before us, the ones paving the way now, and the ones (like me) who are just getting started.
About The Author
Peyton Sides is the Digital Marketing and Public Relations Intern for Kwedar & Co. As our Digital Marketing and Public Relations Intern, Peyton helps our team with ongoing content creation, public relations research, and communication support.
Peyton is set to graduate from Tarleton State University this May with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, with a special focus on Public Relations and Social Engagement, and a minor in Business. Originally from Fort Worth, Peyton now lives in Stephenville, Texas with her basset hound puppy, Fancy Nancy.