The Empowered Voice

The Official Newsletter of the

Washington State Women's Commission

October 2024

Presenters pose for group photo after Public Performance Review | Photo Credit: Office of the Governor

WSWC Presents at Governor Jay Inslee’s Final Public Performance Review

     On Thursday, September 26^th, we had the honor of presenting at Governor Jay Inslee's 82nd—and final—Public Performance Review alongside our peer community-focused commissions and the Office of Equity (EQUITY). Each of our agencies shared the ways we're working to make government more accessible and responsive to community needs... read more 

WSWC Deputy Director Leah White introduces community-focused commissions, highlights Activate 3.8 campaign | Photo Credit: Office of the Governor

WSWC is coming to Vancouver!

October Plenary to Focus on Upcoming Legislative Session

     Washington State Women's Commissioners and staff will convene for the Fall Public Plenary in Vancouver, Washington. 

When: October 17th, 10:00am-5:00pm

Where: Workforce Southwest Vancouver, WA
How to attend: If you plan to attend in-person please email wswc@wswc.wa.gov 
The link to attend virtually will be posted on our website!

Blueprints for Success:
Girls in Building and Manufacturing Careers

Activate 3.8: Vancouver event aims to inspire middle and high school girls to explore careers in manufacturing, building, and construction by connecting them with successful women thriving in these industries, regardless of the paths they took to get there.

Banner for Activate 3.8 Vancouver, Blueprints for Success. Closed event for middle and high school-aged girls in Southwest Washington. Event is closed to the public.

ABOUT ACTIVATE 3.8: THE PAY EQUITY TOUR

“When women have access to economic opportunities and stability, it directly leads to better health and safety outcomes,” WSWC Deputy Director Leah White.

The Pay Equity Tour is the first part of WSWC's statewide initiative to Activate the full economic potential of Washington's 3.8 million women. Each of our ten stops connects girls to educational pathways leading to high-paying careers where women remain underrepresented—fields such as STEM, Aerospace, Construction, and the Trades. 

Each stop's programming is customized to meet the unique needs of the community, guided by outreach, partnerships, and local research.

Do you have connections with women in these industries?
Interested in partnering on an event?

Reach out to eliza.craig@wswc.wa.gov

Vancouver, We Want to Hear From You!

While this is a closed event focused on girls in local CTE programs, we aim to collect the stories of women in Washington at each of our stops.   You can use your voice to help shape WSWC’s policy and program priorities in addressing the wage gap in two ways:     Visit the Activate 3.8 website and complete a brief survey. Share your story by answering three short interview questions on video. With your permission, your story can be used to amplify WSWC's efforts and strengthen our priorities.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Latina Equal Pay Day

       Today is Latina Equal Pay Day. Latina women had to work until October 3rd of the new year - 276 additional days - to earn what white non-Hispanic men made the year before.  

     This year, Latina Equal Pay Day falls during Hispanic Heritage Month. The Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA) is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the gender wage gap Latina women face and the barriers and systems that cost Latina women $35,000 a year in the state of Washington. 

     Follow CHA on Instagram, subscribe to their newsletter, or head to their website to learn more. 

Newly appointed Director of the Washington State Women's Commission Grace Yoo

Follow Us On Social Media for the Latest from Activate 3.8: The Pay Equity Tour