Barbara J. Danforth, Esq. - Executive Director, YWCA of Greater Cleveland

Despite decades of advancement, women still are not making it to the upper rungs of Cleveland’s corporate ladder. Not one woman has penetrated the Crain’s Cleveland Business list of top-paid CEOs. Only a small handful of women are seated at the top of Cleveland corporations. Across almost every industry, women earn only 76 cents compared to the dollar their male counterparts make. And this isn’t just the case in Cleveland; it’s a national issue.

Barbara J. Danforth, leader of the YWCA of Greater Cleveland since 1995, will speak about the challenges women face in business, gender differences in communication styles, the importance of networking and mentoring and the unique advantages that women bring to the workplace—topics important for women and men in today’s business world.

In the past two years, Danforth has introduced two unique programs to help professional women advance their careers. The Women’s Leadership Initiative is a series of workshops and seminars to help women climb the corporate ladder with emphasis on networking and mentoring. The Leadership Bootcamp, in partnership with Tri-C’s Corporate College, offers women a nine-month curriculum designed to prepare them for executive-level leadership.

Danforth has been recognized as a 2004 Rainmaker by Northern Ohio Live Magazine, a 2004 finalist for the Athena Award presented by Inside Business Magazine, and a 2004 Status of Women Award by Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Greater Cleveland Chapter.

Before joining the YWCA, Danforth served as legal administrator of the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services and as chief prosecutor for the City of Cleveland and cabinet member during Mayor Mike White’s first term. She also served as assistant attorney general for the State of Iowa and practiced at the law firm of Sindell, Sindell and Rubenstein. 

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