I remember my former classmate Georgia Akwudike, a young single woman in leadership, sharing a moment of vulnerability. She whispered a prayer: “God, I can trade all of this—my career—for family.” Almost immediately, she felt convicted. Her purpose, tied to the impact she makes through her work, wasn’t something to sacrifice. It was a reminder that her journey wasn’t an either/or equation.
The definition of success for young single women rarely includes leadership. Ironically, the word leading implies excelling, yet when a young single woman occupies that space, it becomes unacceptable. Yes—gender norms happened. They dictate what is considered “appropriate” for young women. Being aspirational, single, and successful is often treated as deviance.
Why is being a young woman in leadership not the norm?
For the same reason, women in leadership are not the norm, but even more so. As a young woman, you get penalized for making career choices that land you in leadership. It is perceived as though you’ve “unchosen” the things society deems right for women. Simply put, you’ve broken a record. The systemic barriers designed to exclude women from leadership suddenly feel like walls you’ve somehow bypassed.
It is almost as if to say you have no purpose or existence outside traditional gender roles. To lead authentically, then, can feel like betraying yourself—your own authenticity is at stake.
For me, being in leadership was a deliberate pursuit, almost like an epiphany that hit me. I came to a realization early: so many people point fingers at the government for their problems, but change essentially starts with us. As a young undergraduate, I started volunteering for several initiatives in search of answers to social issues.
One of my earliest social impact projects was to furnish public school libraries. I saw the gaps, felt people’s burdens, and I wanted to be part of the solution. That desire unknowingly put me on a trajectory toward leadership.
So no, I did not arrive in leadership by accident, and there is nothing wrong with that. Except, of course, that I am not a man. And I had this epiphany at 21.
The story of Georgia – Defying Gender stereotypes as a young woman in leadership
When I wrestle with stereotypes, I look at women like Georgia, and I am reminded: purpose-driven leadership is not about conforming to stereotypes, but redefining them. In a world where young women in leadership are often treated as anomalies, Georgia Akwudike stands as a bold contradiction. As Director of Specialty Operations across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey for Amazon in a male-dominated sector, she challenges the systemic idea that ambition in your youth and being a woman are mutually exclusive. Beyond the boardroom, she DJs, and occasionally boxes—proof that leadership is not about narrowing yourself into a mold, but expanding into purpose wherever it leads. More importantly, Georgia’s story reveals something else: that the real sacrifice is made when women silence their purpose to fit stereotypes.
Showing Young Women it’s Possible – Defying Molds
You are not the Norm
And that’s okay. Standing out is simply an outcome of hard work, not something to be shamed for. If we don’t celebrate those who excel, we risk raising a generation of women who will not attain their full potential but limit themselves to fit narrow expectations. That is why I am proud to have facilitated a session at Georgia’s Raising Giants Initiative, which nurtures young women the Proverbs 31 way, fostering a holistic, multidimensional definition of success.
You are the Definition of Success
A friend once told me that success, my way, is unattractive. That day, I not only refused to see myself through that mirror but lost myself in the process. I own my success and the values I stand for. Leadership, excellence, aspiration, and authenticity are not crimes; they are expressions of purpose-driven growth and self-awareness.
It’s a Double Standards world
It’s ironic how young women are criticized for rising into leadership, yet simultaneously expected to cross boundaries. There’s an expectation that young women in positions of power have freedom, lack accountability as singles, and must be reckless, opportunistic, or morally lax. True leadership is rooted in discipline, integrity, and courage—qualities too often assumed absent in young women who dare to lead.
Lift as You Climb, Lets Raise More Young Women Leaders!
Breaking molds isn’t just personal, it’s generational. By mentoring, advocating, and creating spaces for young women to see themselves reflected in leadership, we ensure that they know they too can thrive without sacrificing authenticity.
