Legal Works of Northeast Ohio, featured on Wise Women, helps individuals overcome legal barriers to employment, particularly women facing challenges due to old warrants or records. Jasmine Jackson, Esquire, explains Legal Works' mission to provide legal support for expungements and related issues, distinguishing their hands-on approach from Legal Aid. They focus on criminal matters, offer services at community centers, and advocate for policy changes to reduce barriers to economic advancement. Listeners are encouraged to contact Legal Works at 216-675-0010 or LegalWorksNEO.org and to explore resources like the Cleveland Public Library's Gale Courses and the Wise Pathways cohort.

Dr. J and Sarah Taylor celebrate Pride Month with Amanda Cole of Plexus, discussing LGBTQ workplace inclusion, policy setbacks, and the need for true allyship. Amanda shares how Plexus supports LGBTQ professionals through advocacy, training, and visibility, urging businesses to adopt inclusive practices. The episode closes with local Pride events and resources.

Beth Dawson, Director of the Apprenticeship Program at Manufacturing Works, joins Wise Women to talk about the growing need for talent in Ohio’s manufacturing industry—and why more women should see it as a real career option. With over 12,000 manufacturing jobs open across the state, she shares how apprenticeships, hands-on training, and supportive pathways are helping women step into roles they may have never considered.

Simone McNitt, Executive Director, and Shirley Rush, Program Administrative Assistant at Encore Employment Enterprise (E3), join Wise Women to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities for women over 55 reentering the workforce. They delve into E3’s mission to assist individuals aged 50 and older in finding meaningful employment and more.

Chamomile Hendricks, Communications Manager at the Cleveland Office of Reentry, joins Wise Women to talk about what it takes to support women returning home and reentering the workforce. She shares how the city is connecting women to real opportunities—especially in the skilled trades—and why reentry isn’t just about a second chance, but about building a future with dignity, purpose, and support.

In this episode of Wise Women, we explore how to support women navigating transitions at every stage, from reentering the workforce to shifting into new industries. We discuss the barriers, the breakthroughs, and the importance of mentorship, resources, and flexibility in building real career mobility. You’ll also hear from a Wise Pathways graduate who shares her personal journey through career change—and how the program helped her take the next step.

Constance Haqq, Chief Administrative Officer at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, joins Wise Women to talk about the vital role of infrastructure—and why it’s a powerful career path for women. She shares her own journey into leadership, the impact of NEORSD’s efforts to recruit and support women, and how expanding access to these careers strengthens both communities and futures.

In this episode of Wise Women, we unpack the concept of emotional labor—what it is, who carries it, and why it often goes unseen in the workplace. We explore how this hidden workload affects career growth, mental health, and what real support in the workplace should look like.

Shelia Wright of Frontline Development Group joins Wise Women to talk about what it means to be a Black woman in real estate development—and why it’s about more than bricks and mortar. She shares her journey, the challenges and wins of navigating the industry, and how she’s focused on building stronger, more connected communities from the ground up.

Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones shares how her background in public policy informs her work as a leader in Cleveland’s Ward 7. In this episode of Wise Women, she talks about her commitment to improving outcomes for Black women and girls, uplifting families, and creating stronger communities through people-centered policy. From public safety reform to community investment, she breaks down how real change happens—one conversation, one policy, and one neighborhood at a time.