stepstone
/ˈsteptoʊn/Definitions
1. noun
A person or thing that helps someone to achieve a goal or reach a higher position in life.
“She worked hard and became a stepstone for young women in the industry, paving the way for future generations.”
2. noun
A stepping stone, typically a flat stone used as a stepping place, especially in crossing a stream or a river.
“The hikers used the large rock as a stepstone to cross the shallow river.”