CANYON — Three West Texas A&M University faculty members will discuss their research on women business leaders in the Panhandle at two upcoming events.
Dr. Leslie Ramos Salazar, Dr. Jillian Williamson Yarbrough, and Dr. Elaina Cantrell Robinson, all faculty members in WT’s Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, will present “Her Business Stories: Stories of Women Business Leaders in the Texas Panhandle.” Oct. 2 and 8:30 a.m. Oct. 23 at the WT Enterprise Center, 2300 N. Western St. in Amarillo.
The event is free and open to the public. The October 2nd event is fully booked, but you can book your October 23rd event here: eventbrite.com/e/herbusiness-story-narratives-of-women-business-leaders-of-the-tx- panhandle-tickets -1028949554817.
“There are now more women leaders looking to lead and own businesses,” said Ramos Salazar, WT’s Abdullat Professor of Business Communication. “However, the gender gap still exists and some women struggle to succeed financially. The few who have broken the glass ceiling have been able to overcome many challenges. Ta.”
The trio won an Engler Social Impact Research grant from the university. These grants fund projects that meet critical needs in the Texas Panhandle region. This research was also made possible through a partnership with WT’s American Small Business Development Center and WT Enterprise Center.
The research team interviewed women leaders to learn their unique stories about their identities and the challenges of leading and owning companies and organizations. The women also shared a variety of resources and skills needed to succeed in rural areas such as the Texas Panhandle.
“The opportunity to learn from the experiences of women, especially women entrepreneurs in the Texas Panhandle, was powerful,” said Yarbrough, WT’s Virginia Engler Professor of Management. “The Panhandle is unique and has a unique and strong group of women who drive entrepreneurial experiences that not only help businesses succeed, but truly support the success of their communities.”
The results of this study will be used to mentor and inspire future women in the Texas Panhandle region to lead or own businesses of their own choosing.
“Our participants come from a variety of backgrounds, often overcoming difficult circumstances and working hard to succeed,” said Cantrell Robinson, clinical assistant professor of marketing and business. “Their accomplishments and desire to serve their communities are inspirational.”
Faculty receive numerous internal and external grants to pursue impactful research as part of WT’s commitment as a regional research university. This reflects the goals of the university’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.
Photo: Dr. Elaina Cantrell Robinson, from left, Dr. Leslie Ramos Salazar, and Dr. Jillian Williamson Yarbrough are the authors of “Her Business Story: Texas,” based on their research on women business leaders in the Texas Panhandle. Stories of Panhandle Women Business Leaders.” Mr. Panhandle will be speaking at two events at the WT Enterprise Center.
