Black Women's Equal Pay Day 2021: A Conversation with Juliette Mayers
August 3, 2021, marks National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. This day symbolizes how far into the year Black Women have to work to earn what white men earned in the previous year.
In our 2019 wage gap analysis, we found that Black women in Boston made just 49 cents for every dollar a white man makes.
As we prepare to launch our 2021 Gender Wage Gap Data Report this fall, it is important to recognize this day and bolster the voices of Black women’s leadership in the community.
We asked BWWC Council member and CEO of Inspiration Zone LLC, Juliette Mayers, a few questions about the importance of this day:
As a thought leader, and DEI consultant, what is your view on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day?
I think it’s important to track the data and to bring attention to the persistent disparity in pay for Black women. That said, I’m more concerned about addressing the underlying inequities that lead to the poor results for the 2019 data. Given the disparate impact of COVD-19 on marginalized people, I suspect that the 2021 data will show a similar trend.
In addition to examining the numbers, we need to examine the lived experiences of the people behind the numbers – the realities for Black women in the workplace.
We will not get to “equal pay” until our society faces the structural and systemic inequities that contribute to the disparities for Black women.
What could closing the wage gap for women of color do to Boston’s economy?
I think there is tremendous opportunity. We can do this. According to the Boston Globe and the Massachusetts Tax Payer Foundation, “closing the wealth gap between white residents and Black and Latino counterparts could trigger the state economy to grow by $25 billion over five years”. The Black community is ready and has been for a long time.
The difference now is that we must seize this time of racial reckoning to shine a light on inequities and to ensure lasting change. That means addressing pay gaps and ensuring the full economic participation of Black businesses. Black organizations such as BECMA and the NAACP are helping to coordinate members of the Black community.
Why did you join the Boston Women’s Workforce Council?
The BWWC is an opportunity to work and network with like-minded women – and men, who are committed to closing the wage gap. I have tremendous respect for co-chairs Evelyn Murphy and Cathy Minehan.
What is your advice to organizations trying to close the pay gap?
I encourage organizations serious about addressing the wage gap to sign the 100% Talent Compact and engage with the BWWC. It’s a way to show your commitment and to be part of the solution. There are also great resources including quarterly learning sessions, practical case studies sharing what has worked and not worked at other organizations, and a network of committed leaders.
“As a small business owner, I work with executives who truly want to move the needle on diversity, equity and inclusion. Gender equity is a tangible way for companies to take action. I’m also hopeful that we will see advancements for women of color.”
ABOUT JULIETTE
Juliette C. Mayers is Founder and CEO of Inspiration Zone, a strategic consulting firm specializing in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy, Brand Management and Thought Leadership. When it comes to diversity and inclusion, she is unapologetic about her business-focused orientation. With 30 years of leadership experience with Fortune 500 companies and large not-for-profits, she helps organizations create diverse and inclusive environments – from assessments, work with executive teams, to practical plans with built-in accountability.
A trusted advisor and confidante to CEOs and senior executives, Juliette uses her influence to position brands for DEI success in the global marketplace. In addition to leading her award-winning consulting practice, she motivates and inspires audiences through her keynotes and workshops on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, strategic networking, personal branding, and women’s leadership.