Selected Work in Progress

Economic networks often exhibit homophily, the tendency for connections to form more frequently between similar individuals or entities, which can reinforce existing inequalities. In the context of firm-to-firm linkages, this study uncovers a significant pattern of gender homophily, with firms being 3% to 9% more likely to establish connections with others led by individuals of the same gender. Given that male-led firms tend to be larger and better connected, this bias disproportionately affects female-led firms, limiting their access to high-value networks and constraining their growth potential. By innovatively controlling for family ownership and the inheritance of networks, factors that have been largely overlooked in prior research, the analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how structural biases in economic linkages hinder the broader participation and advancement of female-led firms in the economy. 

(Draft available soon)

The relationship between gender and leadership outcomes has long been debated, yet the specific ways in which female leadership influences firm performance remain understudied. This study explores disparities in firm outcomes following male and female CEO appointments, revealing that female-led firms demonstrate distinct advantages: they become more capital-intensive, recruit higher-skilled employees, and achieve significant productivity gains within three years of a leadership transition. By separately estimating worker and firm effects through a wage determination model, the study investigates whether female-led firms actively prioritize skill and productivity in their hiring practices. Notably, the findings challenge the notion of a "glass cliff," as there is no evidence that women are disproportionately appointed during periods of crisis.

(Draft available soon)

The interplay between household dynamics and career progression has profound implications for gender equity in leadership. Using a unique dataset from Costa Rica that integrates firm, worker, and family network information, this study investigates how marriage and childbirth influence the likelihood of men and women ascending to CEO positions. The findings highlight a stark divergence: while marriage and childbirth significantly boost men’s chances of becoming CEOs, they hinder women’s progression into these roles. These life events often reinforce household specialization, with women assuming greater domestic responsibilities and men prioritizing career advancement.

(Draft available soon)

International trade plays a vital role in driving growth for small open economies, yet its impacts through supply chain dynamics remain underexplored. Using detailed data from Costa Rica that links firm-to-firm transactions, customs records, and financial information, this study uncovers how connections with exporting firms can reshape the performance of their suppliers, boosting sales, employment, and productivity. An innovative aspect of the research is its focus on export destination spillovers, revealing that suppliers often follow their export-oriented partners into the same international markets. These findings illuminate the ripple effects of export activity within supply chains, highlighting the pathways through which exporting firms catalyze broader economic growth and enhance domestic firms' integration into global markets. 

(Draft available soon)

Pretrial practices reveal stark disparities shaped by race, ethnicity, and gender. Using data from Harris County, Texas, and Multnomah County, Oregon, this study finds that Black and Latino men face higher detention rates, longer stays, and larger bond amounts than White men, while Black and Latino women are more likely to be released on their own recognizance with lower bonds. These findings highlight systemic biases in pretrial decisions and underscore the need for reforms to ensure equitable treatment in the justice system. 

(Draft available soon)

Cumulative disparities in the criminal justice system disproportionately impact Black and Latino defendants, funneling them into more punitive pathways from pretrial detention to conviction. Using data from Harris County, Texas, this study finds that Black and Latino defendants are more likely to face pretrial detention and harsher outcomes, while pretrial detention increases conviction rates more significantly for White defendants. 

(Draft available soon) 

Free Trade Zones (FTZs) are critical economic tools for attracting investment, promoting trade, and generating employment, yet their localized impacts remain understudied. Leveraging rich administrative data from Costa Rica, this study investigates how FTZs influence employment growth across urban and rural areas, focusing on both direct and indirect effects through supply chains. The analysis incorporates nightlights data to explore the effects of FTZs on urban development, alongside methodologies such as shift-share instrumental variables, event studies, and border-pair regressions, to assess the nuanced contributions of FTZs to local labor markets. 

(Draft available soon)