TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- New research from Florida State University shows major disadvantages against women in business.
One local entrepreneur wants to knock out the stereotype that women can't dominate in the business world.
Alissa Rudloe is her own boss. This isn't her day job, but she puts in the work to run her own business at the same time.
"I think society is moving in a good direction and I hope more women do want to become business owners because it is rewarding to say that you own your own place," said Rudloe.
That's why she opened "Train, Fight, Win" in Tallahassee six years ago. It offers a range of mixed martial arts and fitness classes.
Rudloe is part of a rise of women owning businesses.
Nationwide, they make up 30 percent, according to the State of Women Business Owners.
"I think it's awesome that more women are wanting to do this now. I would just encourage women to do it and not be intimidated by the fact that there's mostly men," said Rudloe.
To better understand the influence of gender on CEO's careers, FSU professors, Michael Holmes and Gang Wang, performed a two year study.
They found an extreme under-representation of women CEO's across the country.
They say just five percent of Fortune 500 companies had female CEO's last year and that's an all-time high.
"We do have to fight for space I think and sometimes it's frustrating but you just keep on pushing through," said Rudloe.
Rudloe says one challenge is people often mistake her for the front desk girl and assume her husband owns the gym.
Just one reason she makes sure women have a place to feel empowered and bring that with them into the business world.
"I always try to make sure that women know they can do it. I want them to know they you have a space and they're supposed to be here. So I think that translates from MMA into the business world," said Rudloe
Rudloe says sometimes men shy away from partnering with women for drills in class and says it can be the same in business. But that's not stopping her from fighting for representation.
