Breaking the Glass Ceiling: International Women’s Day Insights

March 8th marks a pivotal day in the calendar, a day on which the global community pauses to reflect on and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. International Women’s Day is not just about acknowledging women’s contributions but is also a clarion call for gender equality.

In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the multifaceted impact of International Women’s Day, share inspiring success stories, and analyze the growing influence of women across various domains. For feminists, entrepreneurs, gender equality advocates, business owners, shoppers, and consumers, join us in unraveling the narrative of women’s empowerment worldwide.

#BreaktheBias - International Women's Day 2024
#BreaktheBias – International Women’s Day 2024

International Women’s Day – A Legacy of Empowerment

International Women’s Day has a long heritage, dating back to the early 1900s. It was instrumental in the mission for better pay, improved working conditions, and the right to vote. The movement has only grown stronger with time, with its focus evolving to encompass a broader sphere, fostering empowerment from the grassroots level to international platforms.

Empowerment movements have had a significant effect on women’s rights, both in legal statutes and societal attitudes. International Women’s Day has served as a catalyst for change, sparking movements that alter the status quo and open new pathways for women’s advancement. Even in the most conservative societies, the day fosters conversations and collective action. It has been instrumental in driving home the message of equality and non-discrimination, laying the groundwork for more inclusive societies.

Shattering Stereotypes with a Success Story in Indiana

To captivate the essence of International Women’s Day, we turn to success stories of women who have broken barriers and achieved pinnacles in their respective fields. Take the Owner and Operator of BAF Corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana, Barbara A. Fleming.

Barb Fleming’s remarkable career is a testament to her varied talents and entrepreneurial spirit. With a foundation in mathematics from Purdue University and additional graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, Fleming began her professional life by imparting knowledge as a math teacher at Lawrence Central High School. Her career trajectory took an enterprising turn when she joined Luminate, where she excelled in sales and lighting design, quickly ascending to the position of Vice President. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in providing lighting solutions for significant projects like the Hoosier Dome and AUL Tower. In what would be a watershed moment, Fleming transitioned to a leadership role at BRSI, which later became known as Oracle Consulting, serving as Vice President.

However, the true hallmark of her diverse career came when she channeled her extensive experience into founding BAF Corporation in 1997, a move that underscored her bold commitment to vision and leadership. Since then, BAF Corporation has earned a solid reputation as a full-service commercial construction and general contracting company by turning out a superior product that is completed on time and within budget. In fact, since our inception, we’ve experienced unprecedented success, growing from just one employee to now three team leaders, including revenues starting at $75 thousand to over $5 million!

Barb’s narrative, like most women entrepreneurs, is not just about individual success; it’s also about making a substantial difference in the lives of others, thus weaving her personal mission into her professional life seamlessly. From political leaders to business magnates, numerous influential women have wielded their power to challenge gender norms and expectations, carving out spaces for themselves and others. By spotlighting these trailblazers, we provide models of success and inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.

The Importance of Gender Equality in Business

Gender equality is not just a moral imperative, it is also good for business. Diversity in the workplace fosters innovation, and companies with a balanced gender representation outperform those without it. On International Women’s Day, we spotlight initiatives that aim to increase the number of women in leadership positions and their impact on corporate culture. Corporate campaigns for gender parity are accelerating change. From mentorship programs to inclusive policies, businesses are starting to recognize the value of an equitable work environment, ultimately serving to empower women within the corporate setting.

Women’s Influence on Consumer Trends

The influence of women on consumer behavior cannot be overstated. International Women’s Day is an occasion to magnify the economic power and potential of women as decision-makers in households and markets. Women are the largest demographic group globally, and their spending power has continued to surge. Understanding and harnessing this consumer trend is key for businesses looking to drive their sales and brand loyalty.

Celebrating and Supporting Female Triumphs

In commemorating International Women’s Day, it is also crucial to highlight and applaud the numerous initiatives and policies that support women’s empowerment and advance gender equality. From micro-financing programs to education initiatives, a variety of efforts are progressively enhancing the position of women in society. Organizations and movements worldwide have been pivotal in ensuring that women have the opportunity and support to thrive. Celebratory events coupled with actionable programs create a potent blend that is driving significant progress.

Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

International Women’s Day is not just a day. It’s a continued imperative for change and the ongoing fight for gender equality. This occasion serves as a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we want to push the boundaries. Empowering women is not solely the responsibility of women. It’s a collective endeavor that calls for the participation of everyone. Through education, support for entrepreneurs, shaping policies, and every interaction that respects a woman’s dignity and rights, we can collectively make a difference.

Final Thoughts

In honoring International Women’s Day, we encourage you to actively seek out and support women-owned businesses. Whether it’s through direct patronage, amplifying their voices on social media, or contributing to initiatives that support these entrepreneurs, your actions can have a meaningful impact on the empowerment and success of women worldwide.

International Women’s Day stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and achievement of women. By acknowledging this day and actively participating in the movements it propels, we continue to push the needle towards a more equitable and inclusive world. To all the phenomenal women and their allies, Happy International Women’s Day!

Looking for general contractor construction services in the Indy areas for your business or commercial space? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for full-service commercial general contracting and construction in Indianapolis, Indiana. From design build and space planning to construction management and more, we have the commercial construction solutions you need to catapult your business to the next level of success.

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BAF Corporation is Voted ‘Best of 2022 Indianapolis’ General Contractors

BAF Corporation is Voted ‘Best of 2022 Indianapolis’ General Contractors

BAF Corporation is proud to announce that we have been given the ‘Best of 2022 Indianapolis” award for general contractors from the Indianapolis Awards Program! Continue below to learn more about the Indianapolis Awards Program, and how BAF Corporation was selected for this prestigious honor this year!

BAF Corporation - 'Best of 2022 Indianapolis'
BAF Corporation – ‘Best of 2022 Indianapolis’

The Annual Indianapolis Awards Program

The Indianapolis Awards Program is an important annual program that spotlights the achievements, contributions, and best practice commitments of local Indy businesses and organizations. Through prominent public recognition and enthusiastic support, the Indianapolis Awards Program rewards businesses and organizations that have demonstrated a significant effort to create programs that deliver economical advantages and lasting value for their staffs, clients, and surrounding communities. Specially, they assert:

“Each year, the Indianapolis Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Indianapolis area a great place to live, work and play.

The Indianapolis Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. (…) Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.”

The Indianapolis awards program

Here at BAF Corporation, we are so honored and proud to be the recipient of this special award under the General Contractors category!

A Family Owned General Contracting Business Devoted to the Indy Communities

At BAF Corporation, we are a local, family owned and operated commercial general contracting company founded on old-fashioned values of integrity, quality, and respect. Since 1997, we have been committed to the highest standards of excellence, aiming to set the bar higher in the building and construction industry. As is our fervent creed to deliver unparalleled service, so is our desire to make our community a priority.

Impact 100 Indianapolis Indiana
Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis

We have been active members of Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis for many years, which is an esteemed charitable women’s philanthropic committee devoted to granting high impact donations and contributions to nonprofit organizations and initiatives within our community, with a special focus on education, family, arts, environment and animal welfare, culture and preservation, and health and wellness. BAF Corporation owner and President, Barb Fleming, was once the President of the Board.

She also used to serve as the owner’s representative for Girls Inc. and is currently a board member of Outside the Box, which is an Indianapolis-based organization that works with young adults with developmental disabilities.

In the past, BAF Corporation has enjoyed working with the Village of Merici, a revered Fort Ben neighborhood for adults with developmental disabilities, and the Dove Recovery House, a rehabilitation program for women recovering from addiction.

Our Professional Achievements

In 2018, Owner and President, Barb Fleming, was featured in Indianapolis Business Journal in the 2018 Women of Influence segment. This article spotlighted her achievements as a successful, self-made Indiana businesswoman, describing how she founded a commercial construction company that has shown exponential growth since inception in 1997. Additionally, we are a Certified Minority and Women’s Minority Business Enterprise (WBE) Company with the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.

BAF Corporation Commercial Construction Contractors Indianapolis
BAF Corporation Commercial Construction Contractors Indianapolis

Learn More About Our Commercial General Contracting Services

Here at BAF Corporation, our mission is simple: to deliver superior general contracting and construction services for commercial and industrial clients in Central Indiana. All aspects of our company, from the staff we hire to our internal safety codes, systems, and procedures, have been carefully selected and developed to meet the specific needs of our clients and the surrounding communities.

If you are looking for a trusted and respectable commercial general contracting company to perform your business remodeling or real estate development projects in Indiana, we can make your vision a reality. Contact us at 317-253-0531 to learn more about our commercial and industrial general contracting and construction management services in Indianapolis, Indiana, today.

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Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
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