Women’s Equality Day, celebrated annually on 26 August, was created more than 50 years ago by Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY) as a time to observe a pivotal period in history for our nation. A time – in 1920 – when U.S. women earned the right to vote after years of struggle and suffrage led to the passing of the 19th Amendment. And while this still rings true, Women’s Equality Day has evolved in to so much more. Today, 104 years since the end of women’s suffrage, it now serves as an opportunity to recognize how far women have come in all areas of life while recognizing that there is still work to be done to achieve gender equality.
We at the Office of Enterprise Management (OEM) are proud to join our country in celebrating Women’s Equality Day and are honored to have some of the industry’s most talented and respected female professionals and leaders on our team. One of these exploratory trailblazers is OEM’s Business Mission Area (BMA) Data Specialist (DS) Dr. Madeline Bodoh, a recent graduate of the Army War College.
Dr. Bodoh has over 18 years of business process improvement (BPI) experience and consulting with a focus on program optimization, the elimination of operational waste, increasing productivity, optimizing resource management, and cost savings in fast-past operational and strategic environments. She has also dedicated 16 years of her career to strategic leadership, planning, and management with the stellar implementation of organizational development interventions, managing high-complexity projects and high-functioning teams, and leading transformational change.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Bodoh about her role with OEM, her impressive career trajectory, how she’s seen the roles of women change within the business world, and what equality means to her.
You recently joined the OEM team, welcome! Please tell our readers what your role is and what your objectives are.
Dr. Bodoh: As a BM DS, I play a key role in enhancing data governance and maturity within the BMA by implementing best practices and frameworks to manage data effectively. Part of my job is to assess current data management processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop policies to ensure data quality, security, and compliance across the BMA. Additionally, as a DS, I leverage advanced tools and technologies to automate data workflows, enforce data policies, and provide insights that drive informed decision-making. Through continuous monitoring and evaluation, I will help the BMA evolve its data maturity. As a business innovator, I am leaning on my skillsets in Industrial Organizational Psychology, strategic planning, CPI, enterprise project portfolio management, and hyper automation to advance organizational readiness in this role.
As a female leader in your field, we’d love your insight into how you have seen the roles of women change in your industry throughout the years?
Dr. Bodoh: Over the years, I have observed a significant shift in the roles of women in business innovation, transitioning from sidelined participants to key players and thought leaders. In the past, women were often relegated to support roles or faced implicit biases that undervalued their contributions in innovation-centric environments. However, as the industry increasingly recognizes the importance of diversity and varied perspectives, women now occupy critical positions in strategy, product development, and executive leadership.
This change has been driven by a confluence of factors, including increased access to education, supportive networks, and proactive organizational policies promoting diversity. Women are not just participants in discussions around innovation; they are shaping the future by driving groundbreaking ideas and leading transformative projects. The rise of female entrepreneurs and innovators has also significantly contributed to this evolution, illustrating that women's insights and creativity are invaluable assets to any business. As we continue to embrace diverse talent, the potential for innovation and progress in the industry multiplies, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future for women.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned as a professional woman in your field?
Dr. Bodoh: One of the most decisive lessons I have learned as a professional woman in the field of business innovation is the value of embracing failure. In an industry where creativity and risk-taking are paramount, setbacks should not be seen as dead ends, but rather as opportunities for learning and growth. Each failure provides invaluable insights that can inform better strategies and innovative solutions in the future. By cultivating a mindset that views challenges as lessons, I have been able to foster resilience, encourage team collaboration, and motivate others to think outside the box without the fear of making mistakes. This perspective not only contributes to personal growth but also helps create a culture of continuous improvement within organizations, ultimately driving greater innovation and success.
This year’s Women’s Equality Day theme is “Equality Starts with Empowered Women.” What does that statement mean to you?
Dr. Bodoh: Diversity is a cornerstone of innovation and creativity in the business world. By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, organizations can cultivate an environment ripe for innovative thinking and unique problem-solving approaches. Diverse teams are more likely to challenge the status quo, generate a wider range of ideas, and develop solutions that cater to a broader audience. This is especially important in the fast-paced landscape of business innovation, where the ability to adapt and meet diverse consumer needs can significantly impact a company's success. Moreover, fostering diversity not only enhances creativity but also enriches the workplace culture, leading to increased employee satisfaction and retention. As we strive for progress in gender equality and beyond, prioritizing diversity must remain at the forefront of our agendas, ensuring that every voice has a seat at the table and contributes to a shared vision for the future.
What is your hope for women’s equality in the future?
Dr. Bodoh: Looking ahead, my hope for women's equality is to see a world where gender parity is not only a goal but a reality ingrained in every aspect of society. I envision a future where women have equitable access to leadership roles, resources, and opportunities across all sectors, enabling them to thrive without barriers.
It is my aspiration that the next generation of women will not have to fight the same battles for recognition and respect that their predecessors did. Instead, they will inherit a culture that celebrates diversity and fosters a collaborative environment, where everyone's voice contributes to a richer dialogue. ~ Dr. Bodoh
Furthermore, I hope that systemic changes will continue to unfold, resulting in robust policies aimed at closing the gender pay gap and providing support for work-life balance, childcare, and parental leave. Together, as advocates for change, we must commit to mentoring and uplifting one another, ensuring that all women can find their rightful place in the workforce. By reinforcing this supportive framework, we will not only empower women but also enhance the progress and innovation potential across industries, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
Anything else to add?
Dr. Bodoh: Thank you for the opportunity to share my insights.
Thank you, Dr. Bodoh, for taking the time to speak with us!
Social Sharing