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.

In this Conversations for Equal Pay episode, Julene Allen sat down with Farah Harris, CEO of WorkingWell Daily® and author of of the bestselling book, The Color of Emotional Intelligence: Elevating Our Self and Social Awareness to Address Inequities. In this interview, Farah explains how companies can retain women of color.

To learn more about Farah Harris, visit https://workingwelldaily.com.

In this episode, Julene Allen sat down with State Rep Barbara Hernandez, who is a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 50th district. Being the youngest State Representative in the General Assembly for the 83rd district, Barbara explains how shes overcoming being underestimated.

To learn more about State Rep Barbara Hernandez, visit https://www.staterepresentativebarbarahernandez.com.

In this episode Julene Allen sat down with Veronica Antipolo, also known as Sassy La V, a prfessional comedian and storyteller. She is also cofounder of Mosaic Untold Lives - a storytelling platform for Women of Color.

To strengthen one's resolve Veronica explains how can storytelling be a tool to empower women of color in the workplace.

To learn more about Veronica Antipolo visit https://sassylav.com.

In this episode, Julene Allen sat down with Kim Crowder, CEO of Kim Crowder Consulting, an executive coaching, consulting and lifestyle firm. Kim is one of the country’s leading Anti-Racism, Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Speakers, Coaches, Trainers, and Consultants.

So more women of color can get paid what they're worth, Kim explains how to talk about pay.

To learn more about Kim Crowder visit, https://www.kimcrowderconsulting.com.

In this episode, Julene Allen sat down with Cheryl Grace , founding CEO of Powerful Penny, LLC an executive coaching, consulting and lifestyle firm. She is also host of “Live From The Pink Couch”, a web series that provides insider tips, coaching and career advice.

So more women of color can thrive in the workplace, Cheryl breaks down the art of providing constructive feedback for managers.

To learn more about Cheryl Grace visit, https://www.powerfulpenny.com.