Measured Success: A Perspective on Women in History by Haley Powers

In 1974, women again fought for the right to open their own credit cards. Before that, they needed a man to co-sign when a single, widowed or divorced woman wanted to open a credit card (Equal Credit Opportunity Act).

The following year, I graduated from Eastern Michigan University. After serving as a concierge for eight months, I was allowed to apply for a management training position with Hyatt Hotels. I am very grateful for the opportunities Hyatt gave me and rose to mid-management after nine years. I then worked for the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau for an additional nine years. Throughout this time, women made $0.78 on every dollar men made.

In the ‘70s, a new advertising campaign dominated the airwaves. “You've come a long way, baby” remains one of the most famous advertising campaign lines in U.S. history. It was meant to convince women that they were on the path to securing equal rights, even though they were still behind in gender equity pay.

Determined to become my own boss, in 2002 I started my own meeting planning company. I received my CMP in 2005 and have had the pleasure of teaching this class for over nine years.

As with all entrepreneurs, there have been good years and bad.Today, women make up 70% to 80% of the meeting planning industry and average $46,588 in anual salary.

Women have come a long way; we still have further to go to achieve pay equity. It will be the next barrier to overcome because rights are never simply given.

I know my mother would agree.