By Catie George, Director, Communications and Storytelling
In the past 20 years, women in senior management roles have increased 14.1%, from 19.4% to 33.5% in 2024. For Grant Thornton’s Nichole Jordan, Dallas and Texoma Regional Managing Principal, Women’s History Month is the time to celebrate this progress and continue pushing forward.
“Women’s History Month is a time for gratitude and reflection. We stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way before us, and this month serves as a reminder to pause, appreciate their sacrifices, and acknowledge the progress we’ve made,” said Jordan. “It’s also an opportunity to look forward with optimism—thinking about the ways we can create opportunities for the next generation.”
Jordan specifically shouted out her mother as an inspiration.
“My mother was a hardworking businesswoman who raised our family with strength and an innate belief that we could achieve anything we set our minds to. She taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, and building deep, authentic relationships. Even when there weren’t many women in leadership roles, her influence gave me the confidence to walk into rooms knowing that my hard work, contributions, and ability to add value would speak for themselves.”
As a mother herself, Jordan also shared how her own daughter’s attitude is a sign of the progress that’s been made and emphasizes hope for the future.
“What excites me most is the limitless potential women bring to the table. My 17-year-old daughter is a great example—she’s ready to take on the world, with no sense of barriers or limitations. As a competitive athlete, she demonstrates the power of performance and leadership, giving me hope for the future,” she said. “I’m proud of her mindset and the potential she sees in the world – a perspective that wasn’t always common for women in past generations.”
Jordan shared that Texas is home to 52 Fortune 500 companies, the second largest concentration among states. The Dallas Region is home to 22 of Texas’ Fortune 500 companies. This professional presence, with women at the helm in many cases, is inspiring to young women like Jordan’s daughter growing up with this representation around them.
“Women in business are thriving. Texas’ growing economic environment is on its way to becoming a capital markets epicenter, and we’re seeing more women playing key roles in this growth.”
Jordan advises women who aspire to leadership positions to look to current leaders for guidance.
“Be proactive in reaching out to leaders, scheduling time and showing genuine interest in learning from them. Build strong relationships by offering to contribute and staying engaged,” she suggested. “Collaborate and engage with them outside of traditional meetings, whether it’s working alongside them in community service activities or the organizations they are involved in. This builds deeper connections and demonstrates your work ethic and dedication.”
On the other side of developing women leaders, companies have opportunities to build conducive environments for connection, collaboration, and networking.
“Grant Thornton’s Women and Allies Business Resource Group is a great example, offering a space for women to discuss unique challenges and support each other,” said Jordan. “Additionally, organizations should encourage women to engage with their communities and universities, so that young women can see the possibilities available to them. Candid conversations about real-world challenges and successes can empower women, particularly in underrepresented fields, and provide them with valuable, actionable advice.”