Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Me and 22 men


An American Girl in Italy, 1951

I don't know why, but I love this photograph.

Today's professional luncheon reminded me of this picture. I was one of 5 people in my profession that was invited to listen to a talk on a current estate tax topic that was given by a bank that we routinely do business with. I didn't realize it was going to be such a small group - 23 people. During the talk, I counted. Guess what? I was the only female. I wouldn't say I was uncomfortable, but I was certainly surprised. The only other females were the 2 ladies that checked me in when I arrived.

Has something like this ever happened to you?

12 comments:

kim said...

At my work, it's like 20 men to 1 woman. =/

weezermonkey said...

Work
Court
High-level math classes
Sporting events

delovelydetails said...

I was a tom boy so I'm used to being the only girl around.

Liz said...

It happens to me most every day. I am also so young compared to others. I love that photograph!

HaveShoesWillTravel said...

My department is all men as is my industry. Plus I'm young and cute so I definitely stand out. Most other engineers are ummm not as cute.

Bree said...

Yep - I work in a male dominated field. I have been in many meetings of 10-12 where I am the only woman. Walking onto a construction site also makes you very aware you are the only woman for miles.

JD 2 B said...

Yeah a lot. I work in a male dominated industry. They used to love having one woman manager (me) at the office--they thought it meant all the male managers could go golfing and leave me to manage everyone for the day. :/

Baby Mama said...

Ditto WM. Most of my math classes in college were male dominated. And most math teachers are male too.

It just means we have to make sure to represent!

Insomniac said...

lol - I've always hated that photograph. I would have crossed the street rather then run that gauntlet.

amber said...

Rarely, but it does happen. My favorite story related to this: When we sat courtside at the Lakers game a couple years ago, we were sitting next to two old pleasant white guys. I'm rattling off about the game to Jim (player stats, who should be doing what, etc, etc) when one of them turns to me with a smile on his face and says "Wow, you actually know what you're talking about, don't you?" Yes, sir, yes I do. ;)

Angie Eats Peace said...

I work at a high school, teaching is a female dominated field, yet, I am one of the few females on staff.
: /

Winnie said...

College was like that for me. So is work sometimes. Me + lots of nerdy engineers and programmers = not hot.