Mid-Career Professionals

Credit: num_skyman, freedigitialphotos.net Editor's Note: The deadline for applications has now passed. Please keep an eye out for the official list, which should be released in May! When people and publications alike start talking about the movers and shakers of the entrepreneurial world, there is an entire generation of women that often gets overlooked. Sure, we hear about the "30 Under 30" go-getters, or the late-blooming "senior" entrepreneurs. But what about all those ladies in the middle? We're here to change that. From now until April 1, we are seeking submissions for our first-ever Power List. If you’re a female entrepreneur between the ages of 35 and 55 who is building a successful company, creating jobs and making an impact -- either in your industry or your community -- then we want to hear from you. Our final picks for the list will be recognized on this site, shared with our media partners and potentially featured in video profiles such as these. Why are we doing this? Last year, we put together our impressive list of Young Women to Watch -- a celebration of 10 enterprising female entrepreneurs under age 35. After we shared the list with the world, we received feedback from mid-career women who, while supportive, were frustrated at the lack of opportunities to be recognized due to their age. And they have a point -- in American society especially, we spend a disproportionate amount of time focusing on youth and seniority, on beginnings and endings, on highs and lows. To add insult to injury, much of the media discussion regarding women 35-55 tends to fall into three main categories: increased health risks, decreased fertility and parenthood. Even we struggled to find an appropriate title for this list at first, as this age group doesn't have a catchy moniker. (We concluded "Middle-Aged Women to Watch" wouldn't endear us to potential nominees.) But once we gave the matter some thought, we realized the answer was right in front of our faces. Women between 35 and 55 are experienced, and at the very height of their earning potential. They are Baby Busters and the MTV Generation, all at once. They are thoroughly interesting and incredibly diverse, in both background and skill. And they are making a real difference -- which is why Power List could not be a more appropriate name for an initiative that recognizes women in this age group. Our final list will be published on this site in early May. We hope to feature applicants from a wide range of industries, from health and beauty to science and technology. Who qualifies? Some information about applying for the Power List: You must nominate yourself. You must be between the ages of 35 and 55 on April 1, 2015. You must have been in business for at least three years. You must have two or more employees (full- or part-time, but not independent contractors). You cannot be a franchisee, independent distributor or sales representative. Your submission will become part of our 1,000 Stories project, an ongoing research project with Babson College. Information provided may be published. You may reside anywhere in the world. If you have male co-owners/employees, you must be the main leader of the company. Spread the word! Tell your friends, colleagues and networks about the Power List. Encourage others to submit applications by sharing via email, Twitter and Facebook.

Mid-Career Professionals

Should You Be on Our Power List?

The Story Exchange

Mid-Career Professionals

Should You Be on Our Power List?

The Story Exchange

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