04. Why Women of Color Are Systematically Underpaid—And How to Protect Yourself

In this episode of The Ambitious Woman of Color, Jessica sits down with Carla Santamaria, career strategist and host of The First Gen Coach Podcast, to unpack why women of color are systematically underpaid—especially in mission-driven and nonprofit spaces.We explore how women of color are socialized into low-paying roles in the name of “giving back,” how purpose is often used to justify inequitable pay, and why being aligned with a mission should never require financial self-sacrifice.Carla shares her journey of more than doubling her salary in 10 months by leveraging transferable skills and pivoting industries from higher education to healthcare to tech. Together, Jessica and Carla discuss how women of color can recognize underpayment, protect themselves in inequitable systems, and build careers that support both their values and their lives.IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERWhy women of color are drawn to mission-driven and nonprofit workHow “purpose” gets weaponized to justify low payThe systemic undervaluation of women of color’s laborWhy job titles and compensation often don’t match responsibilitiesHow to recognize when you’re underpaid (even if you love the work)What it really means to maintain integrity in your careerWhy financial freedom expands—not limits—your ability to give backStrategic ways women of color can protect themselves at workHow to make an impact beyond nonprofit rolesABOUT THE GUESTCarla Santamaria is a community psychologist, career strategist, and LinkedIn educator who more than doubled her salary in 10 months by leveraging transferable skills and pivoting industries. A Honduran-born, Miami-raised, first-generation professional, Carla helps women build careers that support the lives they want to live. She is the host of The First Gen Coach Podcast and has been featured in Univision Noticias, PopSugar Juntos, and Latinas in Tech.CONNECT WITH CARLAInstagram: @carlasantamariaPodcast: The First Gen CoachWebsite / Work with Carla hereWORK WITH JESSICAIf this episode resonated and you’re ready to stop being underpaid for work that matters, this is exactly what I support my 1:1 clients with.I work with ambitious women of color who want to:Advocate for higher pay without burning outNavigate promotions and pivots strategicallyStop overworking to prove their worthBuild careers that support their lives—not drain them📅 Book a consult call ⁠here⁠📱 Instagram: ⁠@jessicalynnrojas⁠ ✉️ Join my ⁠email communitySubscribe & Review:If this episode resonated, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s next. If you loved the conversation, leaving a 5-star review helps other women find this podcast.