Marisa Porges
Marisa Porges is the author of this book, and gives a personal account of her own experiences with sexism in the workplace, and how her gender has impacted her journey. Porges frequently shares her real-life experiences to illustrate her arguments, showing how her lessons are applicable in a practical way. For example, she shares her experiences with sickness while flying for the navy, detailing how she needed the ability to adapt to her situation and come out stronger. Overall, Marisa's aim in this book is to educate and inspire young girls to thrive in the workplace and to hold their own, which she does by exploring the relevant research and offering practical advice for the parents of young girls.
Marc
At the beginning of the book, Porges introduces Marc, a father of two daughters who shares his worries about his girls growing up, and the kind of world they will face. He tells Marisa that his daughters are the "favorite parts of my day," but also admits that he worries about their future because they have a tough road ahead.
Brianna
Brianna is introduced as a final year student at Marisa's all-girls school. She spoke to Marisa after a class about gender-bias in the workplace, concluding that the boys and girls in the class acted differently. For example, she tells Marisa that one of her male friends repeated exactly what she said and took the credit for it. Here, Marisa concludes that "even though she and her friends weren't yet in the working world, they were all still acting out the gendered behaviors typical of adults."
Later in the book, Marisa reaches out to Brianna, now at college, who is "dealing with the typical challenges that come with leaving home." She ultimately concludes that throughout her childhood and adolescence she absorbed and observed a lot from the people around her, showing how our words and actions are important in shaping the futures of young girls.
Parents and teachers
Throughout the book, Porges details ways in which parents and teachers can inspire and nurture the girls in their lives. As such, they can be considered characters in this book because they have a huge influence and significance over the way girls grow and come to think of themselves and their abilities.
Lieutenant Shannon
Lieutenant Shannon is introduced as being the only female instructor in Marisa's squadron. Marisa explains that the "combination of her standoffish demeanor, combat stories, and long blond hair meant that she had a small group of followers and fans," who all admired her achievements and attitude.
Marisa tells us that after she had been crying in the bathroom she bumped into Lieutenant Shannon, who told her "whatever you do, don't let them see you cry. Put on your game face." This advice is something Marisa remembered for the rest of her career, following it whenever she felt unprepared or worried about a situation.
Joyce and Maddie
Joyce and Maddie are two young students at Marisa's school, who pitch their ideas about starting a cupcake company at the school. Although Marisa has to decline for various reasons, she admires the student's ability to present their ideas and use their voices to ask for something they want effectively.
Jocelyn
Jocelyn is a student at Marisa's school, who experienced sexual harassment when walking through a college campus. Marisa admires how Jocelyn handled this situation, as she chose to write an email to the head of the college, reporting what she had experienced. As such, Marisa uses this as an example of how girls can effectively use their voices and stand up for what is wrong as they go through their life.
Laura
Laura is another female head of school (the only other one in the meeting!) who is accused of "poaching," a member of staff by a male head of school. It is not long before Marisa realizes that it was actually her school who employed the "poached" member of staff and that he had in fact mistaken the two women.
Julissa Marenco
Marenco is introduced when Marisa is talking about women using their voices effectively. She is portrayed as a bold and confident woman whose "booming voice enters a room ten seconds before she does." She has a lot of energy, which is reflected by her colorful outfit, and according to Marisa, she knows how to use her voice assertively and effectively. When speaking about women in the workplace, Julissa states that "women, generally speaking, are often their own worse enemy," and often underestimate themselves.
Colonel Abigail Linnington
Colonel Abigail Linnington is used as a "real-world example" of a role-model. She is introduced as a "career army officer who rose through the military ranks," becoming one of the senior officers in the U.S military. When Marisa asks her about the reasons for her successes, Linnington credits her ability to speak up and be assertive.
Kara
Kara is a middle school student described as having "long brown hair and an easy smile," who is preparing to speak in front of the entire school. In her speech, she talks about the future and how it is unknowable and unpredictable, especially with the advancements and changes happening in the modern world. Porges uses this case study in order to talk about the ever-changing job market in the world today, and how girls must be taught a number of important skills to thrive and adapt in a new environment.
