Montgomery County: Twice in One Forbes’ List

“Women comprise 47% of the workforce in the United States but are 10% more likely than men to work in lower-paying jobs, according to a report published in June by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce. … Women now make up 35% of U. S. workers in the 10 highest-paying occupations-such as physicians, lawyers, pharmacists, physicists, chief executives, and sales engineers–up from 13% in 1980,” - Forbes.

To help women continue to progress and close the gender wage gap, Forbes created America’s Best Employers for Women list, year seven. The top 600 companies were ranked by criteria received from 150k women:

• Working environment
• Pay equity
• Parental leave
• Company’s process for sexual misconduct & discrimination incidents
• Percentage of women executives and board members
• Referrals & recommendations

Companies That Made the Cut

Conroe Independent School District (ISD) and Lone Star College (LSC) ranked in Forbes’ top 200 out of 600 Best Employers for Women!

Conroe ISD continues to influence all students who aspire to lead and young women to achieve success. Conroe ISD is no stranger to ranking in Forbes’ lists. Conroe ISD also ranked:

• America’s Best-in-State Employer 2024 (in alphabetical order) 
• America’s Best Large Employers 2024 (ranked 37 out of 600 total & ranked 1st out of 14 K-12 education systems)
• America’s Best-in-State Employer 2023 (ranked 64 out of 1,392)

In a press release, Chief Financial Officer Karen Garza said, “Women stay in organizations where they can see that other women are trusted, respected, and contributing in meaningful ways I love being a part of an organization that values the contribution that women have in the workplace. Conroe ISD has a culture where women are valued at all levels and has a commitment of ensuring everyone has an opportunity to grow professionally if they so choose.”

In the same press release, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Hedith Sauceda-Upshaw said, “Everyone is given the support and opportunities they need to move ahead, including embracing and providing resources to working mothers. We grow our own people.”

Ranking 168 out of 600, Lone Star College (LSC) topped four-year universities Duke, Princeton, and Syracuse. As a business with 7k employees, 60% of LSC’s employees are women. In a press release, Human Resources’ Senior Associate Vice Chancellor Patrica Woods said, “Being recognized on Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women 2024 list is a testament to the equitable environment Lone Star College fosters for all employees and students.”

To further LSC’s goals, college employees “launched an American Associate for Women in Community Colleges chapter to support and assist in changing women’s lives through education, service, and leadership development, the Lone Star College way,” - Interim Vice President Jerica Nickerson, Ed.D. 

Consider Conroe

Conroe is a fast-growing community rated A- overall and A for diversity by Niche Rankings. It is a city that prides itself on building upon success. Having a welcoming community, beautiful scenery, year-round recreation, affordable options, and 45 minutes away from Houston’s hustle and bustle, Conroe offers small-town living and family-friendly fun for every budget from entry-level workers to C-Suite executives.

Consider Conroe for your business expansion or beginning. Contact Conroe Economic Development Council and ask how CEDC can help your more be made in Conroe.