Gender bias can manifest in many ways, one of which involves how the names of organizations influence how they are perceived. Even today, companies with masculine-sounding names might receive more initial interest from investors. This Women’s History Month, we want to share the story behind Howard Delafield International (HDI), a story that goes far beyond the surface. It’s a testament to the trailblazing spirit of Susan Howard and Sylvia Delafield, the founders of our women-owned and women-led team of creative problem-solvers who perpetually pioneer new ways for people and communities to solve social, environmental, and health challenges, big and small.
Challenging Times
HDI came to life at a time when female entrepreneurs were a rarity and not taken seriously. Funding opportunities were scarce, especially for women, and leadership roles were often seen as the exclusive domain of men. Undeterred, Susan and Sylvia, each in their twenties, had a burning ambition to break barriers and defy gender norms by establishing their very own organization. It would be a catalyst for progress, a force for good, and a bridge between innovative ideas and real-world impact. They held a bold vision to unlock human potential and positively impact the lives of people across the world — and they’d let nothing get in their way.
Susan presented the duo’s five-year business plan to a retired businessman who was volunteering to provide support to entrepreneurs. Their strategy of leveraging commercial marketing and business practices to solve public health and social problems was met with laughter and ridicule. But this experience only strengthened their resolve. Thankfully, others, like the KfW Development Bank, the same entity that financed Lufthansa, saw the potential. KfW’s belief and support are what empowered their journey of humanitarian work across Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, and Ethiopia, and gave rise to HDI. This innovative approach of harnessing business practices and marketing techniques is what is now called ‘social innovation and social entrepreneurship’. This story is a testament to the power of believing in yourself, even in the face of doubt.
A Strategic Choice
When it came to naming their organization, Susan and Sylvia faced a dilemma: they wanted a name that represented who they were and what they stood for, but as young female entrepreneurs, they were keenly aware of the potential bias against women-led organizations and knew they had to choose a name that conveyed authority. They recognized a name traditionally perceived as masculine would open doors and grant them a seat at the table in a field dominated by men. In a bold move, they decided to combine their last names — ‘Howard’ and ‘Delafield’ — and adding ‘International’ to communicate the global nature of their work and the scale of the company.
‘Howard Delafield International’ was born, a brilliant name that represented both Susan and Sylvia, yet cunningly came across as a male name, serving a clear purpose.
“When Sylvia and I attended meetings, the sheer surprise on people’s faces discovering we were young women was quite amusing.” Susan humorously recounted.“It’s also funny, because I have an uncle named Howard. Every year, we would send a Christmas card from Howard Delafield International to my uncle Howard Delafield. One time, we accidentally emailed it to ourselves! Other than the Christmas mix-up, the name was definitely an asset and helped us get our feet in many doors.” Sylvia recalled.
Positive Impact
Howard Delafield International’s name embodies the spirit of Women’s History Month; it not only granted Susan and Sylvia access to opportunities, but it reflected their ability to overcome obstacles. The name helped them to do the impactful work they were resolutely committed to: integrating behavioral insights, commercial expertise, and emerging technologies to positively impact lives the world over. The name is a symbol of their unwavering commitment to their vision and the challenges women face.
HDI has come a long way since it was first established and so have women in the workforce, but there’s still so much work to be done. From the very beginning, HDI has championed women and girls around the world, and they continue to push boundaries beyond borders and stay ahead of the curve. Their commitment shines through in their game ‘Go Nisha Go’, made with and for girls in India. Through relatable and interactive gameplay, girls can practice informed decision-making and shape their futures to create a more equitable world.
Famous Female Pseudonyms
History is filled with inspiring women who adopted pseudonyms or masculine-sounding names to achieve their goals. Literary giants like Louisa May Alcott, the author of the classic novel Little Women, used the name ‘AM Barnard’ when writing more sensational narratives to appeal to a wider audience and secure higher compensation. It wasn’t until many years after her passing that the true identity of AM Barnard was discovered. As AM Barnard, she wrote Behind a Mask, Pauline’s Passion and Punishment, and The Abbot’s Ghost among others.
Like Louisa May Alcott and Mary Ann Evans (who went by the alias ‘George Eliot’) and many other gifted women, Susan and Sylvia used their names to strategically overcome a significant barrier.
A Legacy of Resilience
Today, people often call them by their acronym HDI, but the name Howard Delafield International stands strong as a legacy of resilience, adaptability, and courage, reminding us that sometimes, to break barriers, we need to be creative.
“Our name may have sounded more like a Law Firm than an organization in the development sector, but it opened doors for us as female entrepreneurs and allowed us to focus on what truly mattered — creating positive change.” Susan shared.
The landscape has changed significantly and it’s much more common and acceptable for companies to have more abstract or unconventional sounding names. And fortunately, the number of female entrepreneurs, female leaders, and women in the workforce has increased significantly, thanks to the fearless women who paved the way before us. That being said, the fight for true gender equality continues. In many communities around the world, women still face significant barriers to education, careers, and even basic safety.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we end with a call for action: Challenge the status quo in your endeavors, embrace innovation, think creatively, lift up girls and women, fight for equality, and never underestimate the power of your voice, no matter what your name may be. Together, let’s build a world where every voice is heard and celebrated as well as every name.
