POWER On Heels Fund, Inc. was launched in January 2019, as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization focused on the advancement of LATINAS in the workplace. POHF’s provides programs with the key aim is minimizing the social inequity of gender pay gap and improving the economic empowerment of Latina professionals, business owners, and students. POHF’s also promotes healthier attitudes and behaviors that will enhance individual growth, create future leaders, and promote financial literacy.
1) What is your philosophy?
At POHF, we view women’s empowerment through the lens of Latinas whose growth has been challenged by gender pay gap, social biases, cultural beliefs, and institutional processes. Our core values steer our philosophies to bring awareness, to guide the marginalized and economically disadvantaged Latinas at all levels in gaining opportunities to succeed. Our Education Program – Latina Power Purse Program focuses on 3 key areas – Emotional Intelligence, Conscious Leadership and Financial Mastery. The program is structured to enhance skills, expand opportunities, and advance careers. Most importantly, to position Latinas on how to approach and examine negotiating salary, leadership roles, and finance management skills with ease. The programs’ key areas of learning have an immediate impact on individual and organizational growth. This one-day training is required for application and consideration for the POHF Scholarship. For information on our scholarship, please visit www.poweronheeldfund.org/scholarship
2) What excites you about the future of POHF?
The impact and the differences POHF has made in the last 16 months through our events and programs. Most importantly, the lives we have changed. POHF started our programs locally in Houston. Our five-year plan was to expand regionally and then nationally. But COVID19 changed how we engaged our members. In the last 120 days, POHF moved to ZOOM allowing us to expand our engagement coast to coast. Enabling POHF’s capability to assist more Latinas in understanding how gender pay gap is influencing their economic future.
3) Why are you so passionate about this work?
It fuels my passion knowing we are helping Latinas minimize gender pay gap by gaining access to information that will assist them in increasing their personal and economic POWER! It is so inspiring seeing a Latina find her self-truth, confidence and embrace her strengths. Whether they are 17 years of age entering college or an older transitioning professional bridging her corporate career to entrepreneurship: Each one needs to be empowered, encouraged and supported.
4) How is Power On Heels Fund advocating for Latinas?
By 2024, Hispanic women’s participation in the workplace is projected to increase to almost 14 million, or 8.5 percent of the total labor force. Yet, on average Latinas in the United States are typically paid just 58 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. In Texas, my home state the average is considerably less – 46 cents. Building awareness to this social injustice is the 1st step to helping these women get paid a fair wage. By helping each Latina overcome gender pay gap by building a greater understanding of how to ask for more money, personal leadership style, and financial competency, we are able to help her family and the community she supports as well. That is truly meaningful!
5) As the Founder & CEO of POHF, how are you dealing with the current uncertain times?
The impact that COVID-19 continues to have on the national and global economies is unprecedented. We recognize that Latinas like everyone else are working more at home, facing job losses, and doing more of the dangerous essential work during the coronavirus pandemic. All of these things are creating additional stresses and uncertainty to the existing gender pay gap. POHF is able to continue to guide Latinas to build confidence, reexamine strengths, become stronger leaders and focus on their cash flow. Our programs are timely and certain to influence Latinas during the pandemic and beyond.
The numbers tell a concerning story. Recent the U.S. government reported disturbing unemployment numbers with the jobless rate hitting 14.7% in April, a level not seen since the Great Depression. These staggering numbers were even worse for women. Women make up 49% of the U.S. workforce but held 55% of the jobs lost in April as businesses shuttered to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to an analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by the National Women’s Law Center. The unemployment rate for women stands at an unprecedented rate — 15.5% — the first time ever that U.S. women have faced a double-digit unemployment rate. For Black and Hispanic women, it’s even worse: 16.4% and 20.2%, respectively.
Stay connected!
LI: Power On Heels Fund
IG: poweronheelsf
FB : https://www.facebook.com/POWERONHEELSF
Website: www.poweronheelsfund.org
Contact Founder and CEO Ivette Mayo @ [email protected]
For more information about Ivette Mayo, please visit www.ivettemayo.com