Attracting more women to these careers benefits them and also allows society to reap their full human-capital potential.

WHITEHOUSE: Equal Futures: Opening Doors to High-Quality Education and Career Opportunities for Women and Girls in STEM | The White House

In fact, supporting the growth of your income is so powerful, that if possible, consider investing not just in a retirement account, but in yourself and your "human capital" and future earning potential.

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Whatever the causes, this is lost human capital that isn't realizing its full potential or contributing to national well-being.

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When human potential is unleashed and individuals are provided with capital and support, they will deliver results that are creative, sustaining, fulfilling and profitable.

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"It's venture capital for artistic, intellectual and social entrepreneurs, an investment in human potential, " Socolow explains over an excellent lunch at Manhattan's tony Lespinasse restaurant.

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In the startup world, the tech economy certainly feels as if it has potential to see long-term growth, and if history is an accurate predictor, human capital will far outweigh rules and regulation.

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