"In Conversation With Women Weekly interviews, monthly topics Now, more than ever, it is time to amplify important female voices and to empower each other through shared experience. And so we've created a platform for women to tell their stories and a space where we can listen and learn from them. If the past several months have taught us anything, it's that coming together is the path forward. As such, we've dedicated the month of November to conversations on the subject of COMMUNITY—from stories of sisterhood to what it looks like to take responsibility for those around us."
"Claire Wasserman and Ashley Louise If you are furious that in 2020 a wage gap still exists—most noticeably for Latin women who make a staggering 58 cents on the dollar compared to white men—you’re not alone. Let us introduce you to Claire Wasserman and Ashley Louise, the women behind the online community and global network Ladies Get Paid. They know first-hand what it’s like to be treated as less than compared to their male colleagues, and they’re here not only to ensure other women feel less alone in those experiences, but also to empower them to advocate for what they absolutely deserve—as it relates to money or otherwise. See what they have to say on this month's topic, COMMUNITY. Q: Claire, tell us about the work experience that became the catalyst for starting Ladies Get Paid? A: I went to this advertising festival in the South of France and it was very glamorous but something happened there that forever changed my life. I walked into a party and this older guy comes up to me, sticks out his hand and says, “Who’s wife are you?” In this moment, I realized, when I thought the workplace was a meritocracy, that I was just as powerful as men…no, these guys were looking as sort of less than."
"Q: So you organized your first event. What power did you see in founding this community? That event, it was like a champagne cork flying off a bottle. There was this immense energy I felt these women had kept bottled inside, but the minute they were surrounded by hundreds of other women it gave them permission to be vulnerable with each other. Q: Ashley, you were part of the community before becoming a cofounder. What was the experience that brought you to Ladies Get Paid? A: I was working at a tech job in New York City and had the probably relatable but also unfortunate situation of finding out that the man that I replaced at my job made twice as much money as me. I thought I was doing some of the best work of my career and to find out that I was so undervalued at a company that I really cared about was truly devastating. Q: Why money? Women have been so systemically boxed out of the conversation around finance and money. It’s so important for us to create an environment where women feel comfortable talking about money. The important first step for women to get financially equal to men is to get more comfortable talking about it with their friends and their coworkers. "
"That recognition that you’re not the only one—that was powerful.” Claire Wasserman"
"Who's Next Stay tuned for more thoughtful conversations as we discuss COMMUNITY throughout November. Kelly Sawyer Patriof and Norah Weinstein Co-Preseidents of Baby2Baby"
"THE ARCHIVE Great conversations remain relevant forever"
"Brandice Daniel If you want to know what it looks like to live in your purpose, just spend a little time with Brandice Daniel. In 2007, she launched Harlem’s Fashion Row, a platform spotlighting multicultural designers and providing them meaningful opportunities. Long before inclusivity was an industry focus, Brandice championed talent of color—making personal sacrifices and weathering many uphill battles because she believed so strongly that these designers were worth fighting for. She also just launched Icon 360, a non-profit offering financial support to designers of color affected by the pandemic and beyond. At a time when divisiveness is the norm, she's about building bridges. Listen to her speak about diversity, vulnerability and more here."
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"Jaclyn Johnson Google Jaclyn Johnson and the first thing you might read is that she sold her original company at age 28. However, what makes her one of the most inspiring young entrepreneurs you'll meet isn't her early success—it's the fact that she's made it her mission to share it. As the founder and CEO of Create & Cultivate, she sees power in us coming together and seeks to support other women at every opportunity."
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"Carolyn DeWitt President and Executive Director of Rock the Vote—and you’ll realize she’s more than the intelligent political enthusiast you see in the media. She sees most things through the lens of service and is deeply committed to ensuring people understand the agency they have to create change. Released a week before the 2020 election, hers is an inspiring call to action"
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"Geena Rocero In 2014, the fashion model, media producer and activist came out as transgender during a TED Talk she delivered to an audience of thousands—a talk which has now been viewed by almost 3.5 million people around the globe. Living her truth has not only inspired others to live theirs (transgender or not), but it has also expanded the world's understanding of what it means to be trans. Here, she shares the importance of voting, how leaders can better support the trans community and more."
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"Desiree Rogers She’s the first Black woman to hold a list of positions that include White House Social Secretary under President Obama, and someone whose life and career beautifully illustrate what’s possible when we refuse to give up. Tune in here as Desiree Rogers champions diversity in all areas, highlights the importance of finding common ground and encourages you to make your voice heard."
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"Xiye Bastida By the time she turned eighteen earlier this year, Xiye Bastida had already lobbied for bills, spoken at international forums and organized strikes—all on behalf of the climate crisis movement. She’s seen the effects of environmental racism and global warming first hand and is well-aware that if corrective measures aren’t taken, it’s her generation that will suffer most. We couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to a name you’re sure to hear a lot more of in the coming years."""
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"Cleo Wade Meet the 30-year-old poet, writer, artist and active citizen whose gift to us all has been a language for how we are feeling—and an encouraging voice that says I support you through it all. See how confidence plays out in her life, the advice she would offer those earlier on in their journeys and more."
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"Fatuma Yusef As a Black, hijab-wearing model who walks runways and covers magazines, the twenty-three-year-old is living her dream and showing young girls who look like her that there's a place for them in fashion. See what confidence means to her."
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"Haley Sacks If equities, interest rates and Roth IRAs have you entirely confused, you're not alone. Enter Haley Sacks, the 27-year-old ""financial popstar"" (her words) who is making it easy—and fun—to become financially literate. Here, she discusses how she's empowering women around money and more. "
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"Courtney Lavine As one of three Black dancers currently at the American Ballet Theatre (including Misty Copeland), Courtney is an inspiring example of extreme dedication and perseverance paying off. She shares with us the confidence she feels when on stage and the encounters with racism that almost made her give up."
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