The Hidden Cost of Progress: Centering Equity for Black Women in the Workplace Inspired by Renée Barton-Rose

This episode challenges the conventional narrative of progress for Black women in the workplace, exposing the hidden costs behind headline-making diversity gains. Drawing on powerful data and lived experiences, we examine the recent mass exodus of Black women from the U.S. labor force, the persistent racial wage gap, and the barriers to advancement in leadership roles. Discover why representation alone isn’t enough, how policy decisions shape real outcomes, and what it truly takes to create equitable workplaces where Black women can thrive—without sacrificing their wellbeing or authenticity.