Conversations for Equal Pay: Recent Episodes
WOC in the Workplace
We set out on a journey to interview and host discussions with women of color leaders to discuss the pay gap. These leaders disclose some of the challenges they had to overcome to get to where they are now, how companies can perform better, and ways to reach back so more women of color women can thrive. Tune into their stories.
In this episode of Conversations for Equal Pay, we sit down with Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, Executive Director of the Kairos Center and Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign.The struggle for equal pay is often framed as a simple math problem or an "unavoidable" economic reality. Rev. Dr. Theoharis challenges us to see it for what it truly is: a moral crisis and a violation of fundamental human rights.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
The "Moral Revival": Why the wage gap for women of color is a symptom of a deeper spiritual and systemic sickness in America.
* The Leadership of the Impacted: How the movement changes when poor and low-income women of color—those most affected—are the ones leading the strategy.
* The 5 Interlocking Evils:* How systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism, and the distorted moral narrative work together to keep wages low.
Tune in now to learn why we CAN afford to pay a living wage—and why we can no longer afford the cost of inequality.
Connect with Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis:
Website: https://kairoscenter.org/
* Book: Always with Us?: What Jesus Really Said about the Poor*
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Christina Baal-Owens, Executive Director of NAPAWF (National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum), to dismantle the "model minority" myth and expose the systemic barriers holding AAPI women back. Christina breaks down how this term was manufactured to pit communities of color against one another and why the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality is a dangerous fallacy.In this episode, we dive into:
The AAPI Community is Not a Monolith: Why certain subgroups are faring significantly worse than others and the urgent need to disaggregate data to make these struggles visible.
* The Minimum Wage Crisis: The reality of the $7.25 federal minimum wage and why we need nationwide pay transparency to close the gender and racial wealth gap.
* Language Access as a Human Right: How the lack of translated resources keeps immigrant workers in the dark about their rights and workplace protections.
* The Perpetual Foreigner Trope: How ICE enforcement and current immigration policies feed into a culture of fear and exclusion.
* The Power of Solidarity:* How NAPAWF’s framework was inspired by Black women’s advocacy and why collaboration across women of color organizations is the only path toward collective liberation.
The AAPI community is projected to be the largest racial minority group by 2055. It is time we invest in their future, their safety, and their dignity. Connect with our Guest & Support the Mission:
Learn more about NAPAWF:* https://www.napawf.org
Why is the wage gap for Latinas still so wide, even for those with Master’s degrees? This week, we sit down with Karla Pineda, Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), to dismantle the myths surrounding pay equity.In this episode, we discuss: The Education Paradox: Why higher education isn't shielding Latinas from earning less than their peers. * The Power of Unions: How union membership can increase a Latina’s salary by a staggering 40% while providing protection against harassment. * The "150-Year" Warning: A look at the current trajectory of pay equity and why legislative tools like the FAMILY Act are non-negotiable for progress. * Negotiation as a Foundation: Karla shares why your first salary negotiation sets the stage for your entire career and how to "talk about your wins" without fear. * The Value of Bilingualism:* Why corporations need to stop overlooking the cultural and linguistic assets Latinas bring to the table.
About Our Guest: Karla Pineda is the Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and a proud Salvadoran advocate with over 20 years of experience empowering Latino workers. A driving force in national labor initiatives, Karla leads LCLAA’s Latina Equal Pay Campaign, working tirelessly to close the wage gap and address economic inequities. She is a dedicated mentor who believes that when Latina and Latino workers are empowered through inclusive organizing and civic engagement, entire communities thrive.
Host Julene Allen sits down with Dr. Kate Gallagher Robbins, Sr. Economic Justice Fellow at the National Partnership for Women & Families, to confront the brutal truth: The current national environment is failing women of color and is neutralizing progress.Dr. Robbins brings over a decade of experience from organizations like TIME'S UP and the National Women's Law Center, focusing her current research on how policy impacts women of color, disabled women, and LGBTQIA+ women. Dr. Robbins reveals the unseen policy crisis—from discriminatory policies to the immense economic challenge of caregiving—that is widening the gap. She offers a clear-eyed look at the forces pushing women of color out of the workforce and the policies that are actively dismantling progress.What you'll discover:
The Policy Shocks: The specific cuts and legislative failures that are exacerbating inequities and who they hurt the most.
* The Unavoidable Fix: Why a national Paid Leave program isn't just a political talking point—it's the only way to stabilize the economy for families.
* Beyond Compliance: Practical, high-impact actions every company must take, including the surprising power of unions and salary transparency.
* Your Toolkit:* Dr. Robbins shares concrete advice for women to negotiate their value and shows how everyday consumership is a powerful new tool for change.
Don't miss this crucial conversation on the urgent path forward to finally achieving economic parity.
Join us for a powerful conversation with Kim Villanueva, the newly elected President of the National Organization for Women (NOW). As a bi-racial lesbian and the first Asian American woman to lead the organization, Kim shares how her passion for social justice fuels her fight for economic equity.In this episode, Kim unpacks NOW's bold "Kitchen Table Agenda," which directly addresses the pressing economic issues and systemic discrimination faced by women today. You'll hear Kim discuss:
* The Core Issue: Why the wage gap cannot be separated from racial justice and reproductive freedom. Kim argues that discrimination, racism, and the disproportionate burden of caregiving on women deepen economic inequities and restrict full participation in the workforce.
* Legislative Priorities: Despite gridlock in Congress, NOW is relentlessly pushing for critical national legislation, including the Paycheck Fairness Act, stronger protections within the Equal Pay Act, the Healthy Families Act(for paid sick leave), and the recently reintroduced FAMILY Act (for paid caregiving leave).
* Underrepresentation and Accountability: Why women remain underrepresented in high-paying jobs and the necessary steps to enforce accountability against pay discrimination.
* Her Personal Story: Kim tells a compelling story of recognizing her own value and successfully advocating for a salary increase at her company, offering a real-world example of how to tackle workplace pay inequity.
Learn about the historic team of women of color now leading NOW and how they are partnering with marginalized communities to fight for a future where every woman is heard, acknowledged, appreciated, and paid what she is worth.
To learn more about the National Organization for Women (NOW), visit https://now.org/.
In this powerful interview, we sit down with Jennifer King, a pioneering coach who made history as the first Black woman coach in the entire NFL (with roles at the Bears, Commanders, and Panthers). Now serving as an offensive analyst at North Carolina Central University, Jennifer shares her essential blueprint for success in one of the most male-dominated fields imaginable.
Jennifer pulls back the curtain on the dedication required, detailing the immense, unseen work that fills those 15-hour days and the crucial role her parents played in building her early confidence. Most importantly, Jennifer offers an essential playbook for women of color professionals who don't see themselves represented: She emphasizes the need for tough skin and the wisdom to know that "not every closed door is permanently locked. You just have to knock."
Tune in to also learn the critical role mentors and sponsors played in her groundbreaking journey.
This episode features Jenn Stowe, the accomplished Executive Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), the leading national voice for dignity and fairness for domestic workers across the United States. As a seasoned progressive operative and strategic thinker, Jenn leads the charge to fix one of America's most enduring labor injustices.
Jenn makes a powerful case for why domestic workers—a workforce primarily composed of women of color and immigrants—must have the same fundamental rights and benefits as all other workers. She reveals the racist economic policy at the heart of the issue: the intentional exclusion of domestic workers from the 1935 New Deal legislation, which was done because the workforce was predominantly Black.
This historical omission has perpetuated a system of low wages and exploitation. Jenn outlines the NDWA's critical campaign to pass comprehensive state and federal legislation, such as the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, to ensure equal pay, paid time off, and the dignity that millions of essential workers deserve.
Join us for a crucial conversation about dismantling systemic racism in labor law and fighting for true economic justice and equal pay.
To learn more about the NDWA visit www.domesticworkers.org.
In this essential policy conversation, we sit down with Congresswoman Gwen Moore to discuss her legislative priorities for economic justice. The Congresswoman explains the crucial details of the Paycheck Fairness Act, specifically how it will prohibit employers from asking for or basing pay on a candidate's previous salary history—a practice that perpetuates wage discrimination and has disproportionately impacted women of color.
We also explore her bold proposal to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Rep. Moore outlines her Worker Relief and Credit Reform (WRCR) Act, which redefines "work" to extend this vital tax relief to low-income students and working individuals without children, ensuring more people can benefit from one of the nation's most effective anti-poverty tools.
Visit www.conversationsforequalpay.org to tune into more episodes.
For the fourth season of Conversations for Equal Pay, Women of Color in the Workplace presents Men of Color for Equal Pay. The series features male leaders who support equal pay for equal work.
In this interview with Karl F.D. Riley II, VP of Small Business Community Lending of Fifth Third Bank, we learn why it's critical to invest in marginalized communities.
On average, Latinx women suffer from a 47 percent pay gap. Studies state that Latinas lose over $1 million dollars in a lifetime which impacts their day to day spending and savings. Tune into a discussion about the experiences of Latinas at work and what we can do as women of color, allies, leaders, and companies to close the pay gap ONCE AND FOR ALL.
In partnership with The Latinista
MODERATOR
Crystabel Rangel
PANELISTS
Elaine Montilla
Karen Chacón
Dr. Rose Figueroa
Ramona Robles
Krys Flores
Also Featured, Julene Allen, CEO and Bianca Thiros, Public Relations Intern at Women of Color in the Workplace
For the fourth season of Conversations for Equal Pay, Women of Color in the Workplace presents Men of Color for Equal Pay. The series features male leaders who support equal pay for equal work.
Featured Guest: Patrick Kabanda, International Consultant and Author of The Creative Wealth of Nations
On average Native women are paid just 60 cents in comparison to the dollar a non-hispanic white man makes. Native American women are a complex group, facing a myriad of barriers. To only address a singular issue does not tell the complete story. On September 8th, we are joined by moderator, Julene Allen, CEO of Women of Color in the Workplace and
Panelists:
Hannah Cirelli, Assoc. Exec Directive of American Indigenous Business Leaders
Dee Koester, Exec Dir of WA State Native American Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Prairie Rose Seminole, Political Consultant, Coach and Policy Analyst
To learn more about our Native Women's Equal Pay programming, visit https://www.nativeamericanwomensequalpayday.org
There's no secret that black women are undergoing a different experience in our society. On August 3rd, Black Women's Equal payday, we discussed the socio-economic barriers facing black women today. Learn from our panel of experts. Tune into a discussion with Moderator: Financial Expert, Dr. Sherri Reese
Panelists:
Julene Allen, CEO, Women of Color in the Workplace
Emily R. Williams, DEI and Organizational Development Strategist
Bhakti Mary, Author of brownBerry Books and USAF Veteran
Thanks to WOCITW interns Cielo Muñoz-Perez and Bianca Thiros.
To learn more about our Black Women's Equal Pay programming, visit www.blackwomensequalpay.org.
Please tune in to listen to conversations with Amanda Guzmán and Monica Cucalón on the pay gap impacting Latinas and their families. As a former corporate attorney, Amanda discusses the myth about Latinas and their progress and success. Monica stresses the importance of doing your research on which organizations work to be more diverse and inclusive.
Tune into to a conversation with powerhouses, Michelle, Glover, Chief Executive Officer of Journey Unlimited, and Alexis White, Chief Administration and Finance Officer for the City of Chicago-Office of the City Clerk
Tune into a rare discussion with the Women of Color in the Workplace Team featuring CDO, Maybelyn Plecic, CEO Julene Allen, and COO, Jame Geathers on Estimating Your Worth
Programming Sponsors: Lean In of the Sheryl Sandberg and Dave Goldberg Foundation and Ingredion, Partners: National Organization for Women, United State of Women, Ms. Foundation for Women, Conservation International, Center for American Progress, Shriver Center on Poverty and Law, The Latinista, Speak Truth, The Impact Alliance NFP, The Enriched Mind, Synergetic Virtual HR Consulting LLC, Office of the City Clerk, Anna M. Valencia, City of Chicago, Journey Unlimited, and Lean In Michigan.
Elisa is 9/11 survivor and her interview comes in good timing as we discuss how women of color can maintain resilience in a COVID-19 world, what it means to have good sponsors that have your back and even how to build confidence in girls.
Elisa is 9/11 survivor and her interview comes in good timing as we discuss how women of color can maintain resilience in a COVID-19 world, what it means to have good sponsors that have your back and even how to build confidence in girls.
Elisa Charters is a passionate advocate for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), community and small business development. In 2008, Gov. Corzine appointed Elisa to the State of Jersey’s Minority and Women Business Development Advisory Council. In 2012, Gov. Christie appointed Elisa to the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority (NJHCFFA), where she served as Vice Chair for four years. Tune in here.
Thank you to our partners in this episode, Latina Surge.
In an interview with Paloma Delgadillo, VP of Chapter Development at the Illinois State Chapter of the National Organization for Women, she discusses the need to affirm the importance of diversity and inclusion inside companies and normalizing parental and family leave across the workplace. Also, Delgadillo leaves those who are facing challenges throughout the COVID-19 quarantine with some critical advice. Tune in to listen to learn more.
Thanks to partners Chicago NOW and Organic Oneness
In this interview with Enna Jimenez, she shares small things we can do in light of the most recent global COVID-19 pandemic, how to gain sponsorship at work successfully, and why it's just good business to pay people what they are worth. Thank you to our partners, ALPFA Boston and National Diversity Council.
Susana Contreras Mendez is the daughter of immigrants, first of her family to go to college and a champion for higher-ed.
Her initial plans were to attend community college until she received some unwelcome advice from an educator who explained that she should train to become a flight attendant because she spoke Spanish.
She says, "...being a strong-willed Latina with a drive and motivation to change the educational system that perpetuated racist thought and ideology, I knew deep down inside my journey would lead me into the educational space..."
In this interview, learn about the research she is doing at IWPR and what tips she provides about securing and retaining mentor/mentee relationships.
Our partners in the episode are IWPR and The Melanin Collective.
Dr. Patricia Campos Medina is a nationally recognized labor and political leader. Patricia is considered an expert on issues related to workers' rights, immigration policy, and international trade. In this interview, she reveals her secret sauce to success and why being your authentic self is critical to advancing at work.
Thanks to our partners, LUPE PAC and Amplify Latinx. Learn more at www.latinasequalpayday.org
In honor of Asian American Equal Pay Day, we highlight an interview with Dr. Joanne Li, formerly Dean of the Raj Soin School of Business at Wright State at the time of this interview, now Dean of Ryder Eminent Scholar Chair in Business. In this startling yet real-girl-talk conversation, Li discusses stereotypes for Asian women and even intimidation tactics she's experienced at work. Yet Li talks about not backing down and when it's time to stand firm.
Marysol Castro recently made history by becoming the first Public Address Announcer for the New York Mets. This new calling would also make her the first Latina Public Address Announcer in the entire MLB. Having worked as a journalist and commentator for several years, in this interview, Marysol discusses why she's pushing back on everyday media and plans to make sure Latinas have more visibility.
Highlighted in this interview is our partners' United State of Women and Latina Surge.
What some may consider a dream job, Erika Swilley, Senior Director of Community and Social Responsibility for the Detroit Pistons, discusses the excellent work she is doing to empower its community. She also shares whether women should lean in for opportunities when they don't meet all the necessary qualifications and advises how other women and girls can land a job in sports.
In 2017, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia made history as the second woman to hold her seat since 1837! She's known for shaking things up in her city and also established a record-staff comprised of a majority of women and women of color. In this interview, Valencia discusses the necessity of mental health care and how companies can strengthen when they support women.
Our partners in this episode are the office of Chicago City Clerk and Mujeres Latinas en Acción. Check them out!
In this interview with Carla M. Kupe, Esq, she speaks about the power of authenticity, what it means to boldly speak up about injustices, and how that impacts the inequality black women are experiencing in the workplace. She discusses the power we each have to change how our workplaces operate. Highlighted in this episode are words from our allies, SRW Sports Marketing & Digital Media and The Melanin Collective.
In this honest conversation with Senator Ruiz she discusses what it means to have thick skin as a political leader. She shares why bringing your whole self to work matters and how her Senate candidacy was a way to remember her father.
Tune in to listen to this powerhouse discuss her challenges, hard work, and hurdles on her journey to leadership and her passion for making the world a better place. Plus, Cherita Ellens leaves our audiences with some eye-opening details about gender disparity.
In this cheerful interview with Dr. Jessica Esquivel, learn a bit about the work of a particle physicist. Being in such an exclusive world, traditionally comprised of white men, she opens up about what it felt like being an Only then finding that space that accepted her multiple identities. Also, Dr. Esquivel speaks out about the universal code of silence regarding pay.
Highlighted in this episode is Veta Martin, VP of Lean In Women of Color, National, and our ally, Syda Segovia Taylor, Executive Director of Organic Oneness.
In this honest conversation with Lenora Hardy Foster, we discuss the prove it again syndrome which is common for women of color, what it takes for a woman to lead and how to cope with the pay gap impacting women of color at every level.
Partners and allies highlighted in this episode are Laurie Morse-Dell, Regional Leader of Lean In Michigan, Rosario Ubiera-Minaya, Executive Director of Amplify Latinx and Argelia Martinez, Managing Director at Hauswirth/Co
In this interview, Dorri discusses successful personality traits for leadership, why it's not that complicated to close the pay gap and what it means for women of color to leave behind a legacy.
Highlighted in this episode is President Pro Tempore Elizabeth Brown of the Columbus, Ohio City Council, Tania Del Rio Solorzano, Executive Director at the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement in Boston and Lulu's icecream (Miami).
In this interview, Amy S. Hilliard discusses prioritizing family, taking a BIG business risk and winning, and what Lean In means for women of color.
In this interview with Illinois State's Attorney Kimberly Foxx, she discusses Black women's complex experiences with the criminal justice system, what it means to be an effective, unapologetic leader, how companies can be intentional to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Thanks to allies and partner highlighted in this episode, National Organization for Women, National Organization for Women: Chicago Chapter and YWCA Evanston/Northshore. This episode is sponsored by The Impact Alliance NFP and Speak Truth Summit.
Do you think attending an Ivy League school guarantees success? In this interview Andrea Zopp discusses what type of education matters to get ahead, how to address bias and unfair pay in the workplace and how women of color should broach mentorship.
Thanks to allies and partner highlighted in this episode, the Institute for Women's Policy Research, Closing the Women's Wealth Gap, and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. This episode is sponsored by The Impact Alliance NFP and Speak Truth Summit.