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For some Fed watchers — and others on social media — the decision to replace Yellen spotlighted a dynamic that female leaders may find familiar.
“You have an example of this incredibly, superlatively qualified woman getting replaced by Yellen lite,” said Heidi Hartmann, an economist and president of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, referring to Powell’s support of Yellen’s interest-rate decisions. “It’s not a good message if you’re trying to diversify leadership and integrate dug-in professions where men are very protective of their turf.”