WCC Makes Waves at the SOMOS 2024 Legislative Conference

In partnership with 100 Hispanic Women National, 100 Hispanic Women Long Island, and HOPE, WCC convened a powerful panel discussion, From Awareness to Action: Closing the Latina Equal Pay Gap, for the Women Empowerment Series. This impactful event brought together over 300 women to explore systemic and structural challenges preventing economic equality for women, with a focus on Latinas and women of color.

The panel discussion offered a data-driven lens on the gender pay gap’s disproportionate impact on women of color, guided by insights from WCC’s recent reports, Unequal Ground and Closing the Gender Pay Gap, as well as findings from our partners. Topics included occupational segregation, wage deprivation, the structural changes required for wage parity, and actionable policy priorities.

Speakers included Sharon Sewell-Fairman, President & CEO of WCC; NYC Council Member Carmen De La Rosa; Alicia McGrath, President of 100 Hispanic Women Long Island; Catherine Garcia, National President, 100 Hispanic Women National; and Madeline Marquez, EVP, Ponce Bank. Panelists included Na’ilah Amaru, VP of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations of WCC; Grace C. Bonilla, Esq., President & CEO, United Way of New York; Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Former NYC Council Member and HOPE Chair; and Margarita Guzman, Executive Director, Violence Intervention Program, Inc. They shared their insights in a discussion led by moderator Debbie Roman, who is Managing Director of Per Scholas and a WCC Board Member.

This event reinforced the urgency of addressing wage disparities through community organizing, policy advocacy, and education. Together, we are committed to enhancing awareness and collaboration among stakeholders to dismantle barriers to economic equality. By advocating for systemic change, we can drive meaningful progress toward achieving wage parity and creating opportunities for all women.

As part of our goal to increase civic participation among women, WCC partnered with Citizen Action to co-host the BIPOC Democracy Table event at SOMOS 2024. The BIPOC Democracy Table advocates for structural reforms to increase civic engagement within BIPOC communities, fostering a shared vision and actionable agenda for an inclusive, equitable democracy. As a steering committee member, WCC is deeply committed to advancing this new coalition’s vision of a state government that reflects and serves the diverse needs of its communities.

Events and organizations like this are crucial to elevating underrepresented voices and driving systemic change. Learn more about the BIPOC Democracy Table and how you can get involved.