Marilyn Loden was a diversity advocate who coined the phrase “glass ceiling” and successfully fought for U.S. Navy women to serve on submarines.
- Died: August 6, 2022 (Who else died on August 6?)
- Details of death: Died in St. Helena, California of lung cancer at the age of 76.
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Life of advocacy
Loden was working in human resources for AT&T when she coined the phrase “glass ceiling” in 1978, while speaking on a conference panel. The concept was picked up by media in attendance and quickly caught on, spreading to describe the invisible barriers that have historically kept women out of leadership roles in the business world. Loden went on to become a diversity consultant who advocated for women’s leadership in fields including the military. Her work with the U.S. Navy directly led to policy changes that allowed women to serve on submarines for the first time and increased accountability for sexual harassment. Also an author, Loden wrote books including “Feminine Leadership, or How to Succeed in Business Without Being One of the Boys.”
Notable quote
“If you had asked me 40 years ago did I think that we would be having this conversation today, I would have said absolutely not. But we are. It’s going to take longer, and it’s going to be maybe a little more painful than anybody predicted.” —from a 2018 interview for Thomson Reuters Foundation
Tributes to Marilyn Loden
Full obituary: Napa Valley Register
