Creating Opportunities as a Female Minority

Since the Civil Rights Movement, minorities and women have made great strides toward equality.

Cathy Ross, the executive vice president and CFO of FedEx Express, grew up in the segregated South and remembers the racism and sexism that so many African American women endured.

Meet This Week’s Top Woman – FedEx Express, Executive Vice President & CFO Cathy Ross – In Honor of Black History Month.

Still, she doesn’t believe that sex or race define her career.

Ross says being a woman and a minority is only a small part of who she is.

“I’m a package,” she says. “I’m often in situations where I am the only woman. And I am often in situations where I am the only African American.”

Ross attributes her success to her curiosity, unfailing preparedness, problem solving skills and ability to listen to others.

By harnessing her natural abilities, she has taken the reins in her career and risen through the ranks – becoming an example for other female minorities.

She advises other women to look at what they can do to create opportunities for themselves instead of relying on corporations to create opportunities on their behalf.

“We are our own worst enemies,” she says. “Mostly, it comes back to taking risks, which [we] are not doing. Risk speaking up; risk changing to give yourself the opportunities you want.”

Bonus PINK Link: Read about successful women who were a part of the Civil Rights Movement.

Share one thing you’ve done to succeed in your career as a minority woman.

By Meghan Miranda

Meghan is a freelance writer based in Atlanta, GA. Check out her blog about life as a 20-something. Follow her on twitter @meghan_says.

“I never walked into a meeting or setting without being prepared.” Cathy Ross