Wise Women

Dr. J and Casey talk with the Northeast Ohio Workers Center about Cleveland’s new pay transparency law, which requires salary ranges in job postings and bans asking about salary history. This change aims to close wage gaps — especially for women and marginalized workers. They highlight the coalition behind the law, the importance of grassroots organizing, and ongoing efforts to educate and empower workers in the region.

Dr. J and Casey speak with retired tradeswoman Doreen Cannon about her path into the construction trades and the challenges women face in the industry. Doreen shares how a pre-apprenticeship program launched her career, the value of union apprenticeships, and the importance of support networks like the Greater Cleveland Trades Women Council. She encourages more women to explore trades careers, highlights programs like Cleveland Builds, and promotes the upcoming apprenticeship fair at Tri-C on October 27.

Dr. J, Casey, and Sarah Taylor break down labor market information to help women explore high-paying, non-traditional careers. They explain key employment terms, stress the importance of understanding data for career planning, and encourage using tools like O-Net, Gale Courses via Cleveland Public Library, and Wise Pathways. The hosts also touch on how LMI informs policy and advise listeners to stay focused on career growth while leveraging community resources.

Dr. J, Casey, and Sarah revisit workplace communication, stressing psychological safety, authenticity, and strategies to navigate microaggressions. Drawing on McKinsey data, they examine code-switching, its costs, and the pressure to conform, while sharing tools like the STAR method and clarifying questions to challenge bias. The hosts emphasize trusting instincts, documenting interactions, and maintaining cultural identity while building professional relationships.

Dr. J, Casey, and Sarah explore the challenges of workplace communication for women, focusing on safety, authenticity, and advancement. Drawing on McKinsey’s 2024 report, they discuss microaggressions, code-switching, and psychological safety, while offering strategies like the STAR method, active listening, and cultural competence. The episode stresses that women shouldn’t have to erase their identities to be heard.

Sylvia Rios of Manufacturing Works discusses clean energy, climate change, and Northeast Ohio’s growing green job sector. The episode highlights the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, renewable energy initiatives, and workforce programs like Wise Pathways that prepare women and minorities for high-demand careers, stressing that strong skills and a willingness to learn are keys to success.

Dr. J, Casey Roach, and Sarah Taylor explore global sisterhood and the role of cultural exchange in empowering Cleveland women, especially in immigrant communities. Featuring Trey Rainey from the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, the episode highlights how international programs build leadership, empathy, and career growth while offering practical ways for listeners to engage, from hosting visitors to joining exchange initiatives.

Dr. J and Sarah Taylor interview April Walker of Philanthropy for the People, who shares her shift from fundraising for large nonprofits to launching her own equity-focused venture. She challenges traditional views of philanthropy, highlighting funding disparities for Black-led organizations and the need to confront ego, apathy, ignorance, and racism in the sector. April stresses cultural competency, honest dialogue, and true power-sharing over performative actions, envisioning a philanthropic landscape where resources are distributed equitably and communities are empowered to thrive.

The Wise Women podcast spotlights the Spanish American Committee’s role in supporting Cleveland’s Hispanic community. Guests Jan Rodriguez and Jasmine Pena share SAC’s history since the 1960s and highlight programs like the Latino Construction Program and Little Footsteps childcare. They discuss adapting to community needs—from Hurricane Maria relief to immigration support—while showcasing innovations like AI translation earbuds and SAC’s commitment to career growth, skill-building, and empowerment.

This Wise Women episode features Dr. Salwa Beheiry, Director of CSU’s Construction Management Program, discussing sustainability, technology, and women’s leadership in construction. She highlights CSU’s hands-on curriculum, industry partnerships, and use of biomimicry for energy-efficient design. Dr. Bahiri shares her journey in a male-dominated field, encourages women to focus on merit, and outlines program opportunities and scholarships that prepare graduates to lead the industry.

Legal Works of Northeast Ohio, featured on Wise Women, helps individuals overcome legal barriers to employment, particularly women facing challenges due to old warrants or records. Jasmine Jackson, Esquire, explains Legal Works' mission to provide legal support for expungements and related issues, distinguishing their hands-on approach from Legal Aid. They focus on criminal matters, offer services at community centers, and advocate for policy changes to reduce barriers to economic advancement. Listeners are encouraged to contact Legal Works at 216-675-0010 or LegalWorksNEO.org and to explore resources like the Cleveland Public Library's Gale Courses and the Wise Pathways cohort.

Dr. J and Sarah Taylor celebrate Pride Month with Amanda Cole of Plexus, discussing LGBTQ workplace inclusion, policy setbacks, and the need for true allyship. Amanda shares how Plexus supports LGBTQ professionals through advocacy, training, and visibility, urging businesses to adopt inclusive practices. The episode closes with local Pride events and resources.

Beth Dawson, Director of the Apprenticeship Program at Manufacturing Works, joins Wise Women to talk about the growing need for talent in Ohio’s manufacturing industry—and why more women should see it as a real career option. With over 12,000 manufacturing jobs open across the state, she shares how apprenticeships, hands-on training, and supportive pathways are helping women step into roles they may have never considered.

Simone McNitt, Executive Director, and Shirley Rush, Program Administrative Assistant at Encore Employment Enterprise (E3), join Wise Women to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities for women over 55 reentering the workforce. They delve into E3’s mission to assist individuals aged 50 and older in finding meaningful employment and more.

Chamomile Hendricks, Communications Manager at the Cleveland Office of Reentry, joins Wise Women to talk about what it takes to support women returning home and reentering the workforce. She shares how the city is connecting women to real opportunities—especially in the skilled trades—and why reentry isn’t just about a second chance, but about building a future with dignity, purpose, and support.

In this episode of Wise Women, we explore how to support women navigating transitions at every stage, from reentering the workforce to shifting into new industries. We discuss the barriers, the breakthroughs, and the importance of mentorship, resources, and flexibility in building real career mobility. You’ll also hear from a Wise Pathways graduate who shares her personal journey through career change—and how the program helped her take the next step.

Constance Haqq, Chief Administrative Officer at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, joins Wise Women to talk about the vital role of infrastructure—and why it’s a powerful career path for women. She shares her own journey into leadership, the impact of NEORSD’s efforts to recruit and support women, and how expanding access to these careers strengthens both communities and futures.

In this episode of Wise Women, we unpack the concept of emotional labor—what it is, who carries it, and why it often goes unseen in the workplace. We explore how this hidden workload affects career growth, mental health, and what real support in the workplace should look like.

Shelia Wright of Frontline Development Group joins Wise Women to talk about what it means to be a Black woman in real estate development—and why it’s about more than bricks and mortar. She shares her journey, the challenges and wins of navigating the industry, and how she’s focused on building stronger, more connected communities from the ground up.

Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones shares how her background in public policy informs her work as a leader in Cleveland’s Ward 7. In this episode of Wise Women, she talks about her commitment to improving outcomes for Black women and girls, uplifting families, and creating stronger communities through people-centered policy. From public safety reform to community investment, she breaks down how real change happens—one conversation, one policy, and one neighborhood at a time.

In this episode, Sarah Taylor, Community Engagement Manager at HHW Ohio, reflects on her transition into the role and how she brought her experience and passion for people to the work. She opens up about personal growth, what it means to truly serve a community, and why building connection is at the heart of everything she does—both inside HHW Ohio and beyond.

Daveda Bencs, Transportation Manager of Bus Operations at GCRTA, shares her journey from dispatcher to leadership, what inspired her to build a career in public transit, and the deeper mission behind the work.