The Galveston County Daily News

Editor’s note: Dr. Paul V. Martorana of the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business will open Galveston College’s fall lecture series tonight with a discussion on issues that face women in the workplace.

Q: Is the glass ceiling still solid in the business world? Or would you say it’s crumbling?

A: Unfortunately, current research indicates that although there has been progress there is still a glass ceiling in many domains, including board membership and percentage of women CEOs.

Q: What efforts have shown the most promise in getting women into top leadership positions?

A: Organizations can have policies and institutionalized processes that encourage women to seek leadership positions. Formal mentoring programs are one institutionalized method of helping women gain access to the knowledge and networks that can benefit them. I will address the successes and continuing challenges of these programs.

Q: How did you get interested in this research?

A: My parents were both social workers, and I have always had an interest in social equality. I believe that it is not only the responsibility of organizations, but also each one of us, to engage in practices that support the disenfranchised and underrepresented minorities. I always supported the women in my family and I am proud that my only sister is now on the top management team of an internationally recognized company.

Q: Without giving away the highlights of your talk, what one finding in your research do you think will most surprise your audience in Galveston?

A: One of the most recognized methods to help women break through the glass ceiling may not work exactly as planned.

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At A Glance

WHAT: “Voices for Women,” Galveston College’s lecture series

WHEN: 7 p.m. today

WHERE: Fine Arts room 207, Galveston College, 4015 Ave. Q

DETAILS: A reception for the speaker is set for 6:30 p.m. The event is free, and the public is invited