Sister Table Talk Blog

A recent report by the New York Times delves into the concept of the motherhood penalty, which refers to the significant decrease in earnings mothers experience after the birth of their children. This report highlights that, on average, American mothers earn 42 percent less than their male counterparts, even 15 years after graduating from college - an issue extending beyond missing work and stemming from systemic biases and outdated policies that contribute to this disparity. Research indicates mothers face biases in hiring, advancement, and pay, even in flexible roles, leading many to trade full-time wages for family needs. A Reddit commenter expressed a striking realization: that the unacknowledged and undervalued labor of mothers is the foundation of our societal structures and economic systems, revealing a deep-seated disregard for the vital contributions mothers make to our communities and economy. The Women's Law Center highlights the penalties facing mothers in the wo...

Since 2017, Black women’s labor market experience has reflected both deep systemic inequities and the fallout from significant policy shifts. Our analysis of employment trends, using data from the Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reveals a nuanced picture: Black women made pre-pandemic employment gains but suffered greater economic losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by an uneven and incomplete recovery. Key Trends: Occupational Segregation: Many Black women remain in underpaid, undervalued roles in caregiving, retail, and service industries—jobs most vulnerable to job cuts and instability. Policy Rollbacks: The erosion of DEI programs and worker protections has closed off paths to career advancement. Childcare Crisis: The lack of investment in affordable, accessible childcare has forced many women to reduce hours or leave the workforce entirely. Persistent Pay Gap: Black women earn just 66¢ for every dollar earned by white men—a figure that h...

An analysis of recent policy changes and their implications for economic equity, healthcare access, and opportunity Since returning to office in January 2025, the Trump administration has implemented several significant policy changes that directly impact women of color across multiple dimensions of economic and social life. This analysis examines these policies through the lens of pay equity, career advancement, childcare access, healthcare, and affordable housing. Pay Equity and Career Advancement The administration's approach to workplace regulations has raised concerns among equity advocates. In March 2025, the Labor Department suspended the implementation of pay data collection requirements intended to identify wage disparities based on gender and race. This rollback of transparency measures could make it more challenging to identify and address systemic pay gaps that disproportionately affect women of color, who continue to experience the widest wage disparities in the Am...

For years, the American public has believed that billionaires are self-made visionaries, disrupting industries and driving economic progress. When we look closer, the reality tells a different story - one of the government handouts for the ultra-wealthy. In contrast, everyday workers, particularly government employees, are left out in the cold. Elon Musk, a prime example of this contradiction, has built an empire with the help of government contracts, tax incentives, and subsidies, all while advocating for slashing the very public sector jobs that sustain millions of families. The Government-Funded Rise of a Billionaire SpaceX: Over $10 billion in NASA and Department of Defense contracts. Tesla: Nearly $1.3 billion in federal and state subsidies for factories and electric vehicle production. SolarCity (now part of Tesla): Benefitted from government solar incentives and tax breaks. Government support played a critical role in Musk’s financial success. Despite this, he has r...

Finding Opportunity in Transition Experiencing a layoff from the federal government can be an unexpected detour in your career path; however, the skills, discipline, and commitment honed in public service are incredibly valuable in the private sector. The SOFEI Group can help you leverage your experience into a new, exciting opportunity via our partnership with E&Y Talent Outreach Services. A Broad Spectrum of Roles Whether your expertise is in technical operations, business analysis, or accounting, The SOFEI Group’s comprehensive list of career opportunities offers a gateway to a thriving future. With roles ranging from Cloud Architect, Project Management, and Business Analysis, there’s a career waiting that aligns with your unique skills and expertise. Many of these positions offer remote options, making it easy to transition into a flexible, modern work environment without sacrificing the stability you deserve. Why The SOFEI Group? As part of E&Y Talent Outreach Ser...

The Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) of 1978 represented a significant shift in the management and oversight of the federal workforce in the United States. Before the enactment of the CSRA, federal employees were often subject to politically motivated decisions that could undermine their job security and performance. The CSRA aimed to protect government employees by establishing a merit-based system for hiring, promotions, and job retention, thereby safeguarding them from arbitrary dismissals and politicization within federal agencies. This landmark legislation promoted a more professional and accountable civil service but also sought to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of federal operations by ensuring that personnel decisions were based on qualifications and performance rather than political favor. Recent developments have presented significant challenges to the foundations of the CSRA despite existing protective measures. A notable change is the reintroduction of Schedule ...

Donald Trump eradicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs from the Federal Government - a decision leaving many DEI professionals uncertain about their futures. While this decision may resonate with some, it undermines years of progress in creating inclusive and equitable workplaces across government agencies. The dismantling of DEI programs affects the professionals who led these initiatives, the communities, and employees they served. It challenges us to ask: "How do we rebuild and support those impacted by this shift?" What Can You Do? Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Despite removing DEI programs at the federal level, state governments, nonprofits, and private organizations can continue these efforts. Advocate for DEI initiatives in your local community. Support Those Impacted: If you or someone you know has lost their job due to these cuts, here are practical steps to take: Upskill: Pursue certifications or training in complementary fields like HR,...

The prominence of wealth and power often eclipses the values of integrity and character. This disturbing trend of financial success becoming the primary indicator of achievement is a notable example in the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States. Despite numerous controversies surrounding his character and legal issues, his ascension to leadership compels us to reevaluate our societal priorities and the criteria we use to measure success. The Allure of Wealth and Power Trump’s wealth and perceived business acumen were central to his ascent to the presidency. His name is synonymous with luxury, success, and winning for decades. To many voters, his billionaire status signaled competence and the ability to fix America’s challenges, much like a CEO revitalizing a struggling company. However, this fixation on wealth came at the expense of evaluating critical qualities like character, ethics, and accountability. Society has long equated financial success with leader...

Life’s unexpected challenges can often feel like roadblocks, but they also present opportunities for growth and transformation. That’s why The SOFEI Group is proud to present our latest resource, Empowering Your Comeback: A Guide for Women Re-Entering the Workforce. This comprehensive ebook is designed to equip women with actionable steps, encouragement, and practical tools to navigate the journey back into professional life confidently. Whether you’re rebuilding after a life transition, seeking a new career path, or striving for financial independence, this guide has you covered. Inside the ebook, you’ll find: Strategies to assess your skills and reimagine your professional goals. Tips for creating standout resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Insights on networking, flexible work options, and interview preparation. Encouragement to stay persistent and celebrate milestones along the way. At The SOFEI Group, we believe in the power of every woman to create a fulfilling and successful l...

The SOFEI Group is committed to empowering women to create sustainability and independence for themselves and their families. As a member of EY Talent Outreach Services, we provide women access to career opportunities that lead to their pathway to economic independence. Some career opportunities include remote positions in finance and technical sectors and on-site positions in administration and project management, catering to diverse skills and interests. This collaboration represents our commitment to empowering women through meaningful employment and providing access to training, mentorship, and career growth. Discover exciting career opportunities that could be your stepping stone to a brighter future! Explore our Career Opportunities page today! Let’s build success together!

In an unexpected corporate announcement, Party City declared the closure of its stores, leaving countless employees to face the shocking news that today would be their last day. The sudden upheaval is a stark reminder of how quickly life can shift, turning the familiar into the uncertain. But, when the rug feels pulled from under our feet, we must keep our eyes on the prize. The term keep your eye on the prize originates from the Civil Rights Movement, a rallying cry to stay focused on the ultimate goal despite challenges. Today, it resonates as a call to action for those grappling with Party City’s closure and the countless others who have experienced sudden life disruptions. Let’s explore how we can remain steadfast and turn these setbacks into opportunities for growth and transformation. Reframe the Narrative A job loss can feel devastating especially when done abruptly, but it can also be a moment to pause and reassess. Ask yourself the following: What skills have I gained in ...

In a recent congressional hearing, Representative Melanie Stansbury delivered a passionate and pointed critique of proposed legislation for the federal government's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Her speech reveals deep concerns about the bill's intentions beyond simple policy changes. The Proposed Legislation and Its Implications The bill, co-sponsored by Senator JD Vance, aims to dismantle DEI programs across all federal agencies. Stansbury argues the legislation is not about improving government efficiency but rather about implementing a systematic "purge" of federal employees. Key Criticisms: Blacklisting Concerns: The bill includes a controversial provision that would create lists of federal employees and contractors permanently ineligible for government work. Stansbury draws a stark parallel to the McCarthy era, calling it a modern form of blacklisting reminiscent of the 1950s House Un-American Activities Committee. Qualifications and ...

Resilience is the ability to recover from adversity. For women facing economic instability, it’s not just about bouncing back; it’s about rising stronger, becoming more determined, and having a clearer vision for the future. The SOFEI Group knows firsthand how resilience transforms lives by empowering women to overcome challenges and redefine their success stories. The Power of Resilience in Overcoming Economic Instability Women facing divorce, spousal abandonment, job loss, domestic violence, and health decline often experience economic instability, which can be overwhelming. However, resilience is the foundation for recovery and growth. It empowers women to adapt, learn, and persevere - even with insurmountable challenges. Consider Monica (name changed for privacy), a participant in one of our workforce development programs. After losing her spouse during the pandemic, Monica became the sole provider for her family without support and a safety net. With resilience and a readiness ...

In this age of technology, the tools professionals use to communicate are changing quickly and dramatically. One thing that has not changed is the need to share your message purposefully and with focus. Some of us struggle to communicate or express our ideas effectively.  Whether we are talking to new acquaintances, our friends, teachers, or family members, expressing ourselves can be frustrating and can keep us from being understood.  Conversing is imperative for obtaining and retaining your personal and career goals.  No matter how intelligent or sophisticated we may be, without a genuine interest in establishing personal bonds with people, we will limit our abilities to achieve our professional and career goals. Remember, we are what we say and do. We are constantly in contact with other people and with ourselves.  Once we send a message, it is sometimes irreversible.  So, let’s make our first impression a good one because we may never get a second chance to make a positive ...

Life can take unexpected turns - a job loss, illness, divorce, or spousal abandonment is one of those challenging detours. This can be a tough season, but it can present an opportunity to rediscover yourself and create a new future. Re-entering the workforce can be difficult, but you can have a prosperous career with a new mindset and the following strategies: Embrace Your Emotions - Embrace your feelings. The emotional aftermath of a job loss, illness, spousal abandonment, or divorce can be overwhelming. Give yourself time to grieve and heal, and consider obtaining support from a therapist or counselor who can help you process your emotions and rebuild confidence. Assess Your Skills and Interests - Take an assessment to learn your skills, strengths, and aptitudes. The assessment results will provide a wealth of information to help you find the right career that matches your assessment profile. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile - Your resume and LinkedIn profile ...

Women of color face various challenges in the corporate culture, such as low representation in leadership roles, leading to feelings of isolation. To address this, companies should prioritize diversity in hiring and promotions and create mentorship programs. Implicit biases and microaggressions create a hostile work environment, so diversity and inclusion training and reporting mechanisms for discrimination incidents are essential. Pay inequality is a significant issue, impacting financial security and career satisfaction. Salary audits will ensure equitable compensation, along with providing negotiation training and resources. Access to professional development opportunities is limited, so equal training and leadership programs should be available. Balancing work and personal responsibilities is challenging, so flexible work arrangements and access to resources like childcare support are crucial. To create an inclusive culture, establishing diversity councils and training leaders ...

In today's competitive job market, having the right skills and certifications can significantly enhance your employability and career opportunities. SOFEIOnline - a training platform of The SOFEI Group , offers industry-developed courses with a top-quality e-learning experience that is on par with leading businesses and universities who deliver comprehensive online training programs and industry certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certification), ensuring individuals have the expertise needed to excel in various professional environments. Why Microsoft Office Specialist Certification? The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is globally recognized and demonstrates proficiency when they pass one or more of the MOS certification exams (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, or Outlook). A MOS certification can open doors to new job opportunities, promotions, and increased earning potential because employers value this certification as a validation of their ability to ef...

The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) online course is a transformative approach for individuals seeking to enhance their project management skills. For women of color, this course offers benefits that can contribute to their career growth and foster leadership empowerment in the workplace. This blog post explores the specific advantages the CSM online course provides women of color, emphasizing the potential for skill acquisition, network expansion, and leadership development. Accessibility and Flexibility - One of the primary benefits of a CSM online course for women of color is the accessibility and flexibility they offer. Many women face unique challenges, like balancing self-care, work, and family; however, online courses allow women to tailor their educational journey to fit their schedules to pursue professional development without sacrificing other essential aspects of their lives. Inclusive Learning Environment - Online CSM courses foster an inclusive learning environm...

According to Fortune Magazine , the average Black woman will have finally earned the same amount the average non-Hispanic white man earned a year earlier—eight months later. That’s a problem, not just for Black women who lose out on $900,000 in lifetime earnings, but for everyone. Black women who normally are the heads of their households (i.e., primary breadwinners) earn 63 cents of every dollar a white man makes. Shannon Williams, director of Equal Pay Today - a project of Equal Rights Advocates stated, "The issue of equal pay is not just a woman’s issue because it trickles down into our families, communities, and the overall economy." The Black Women’s Wage Gap is a problem for everyone, but everyone isn’t working to address it! One way to close the wage gap is to close the skill gap. The SOFEI Group is working to decrease pay inequity among women of color through free professional, technical, and certification training for women who want to upgrade their skills to el...

The Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification program prepares small business owners and leaders to succeed in today's competitive business landscape. An ESB certification will validate the skills and knowledge for individuals to work in a middle-skill trade profession, as an entrepreneur, or to pursue small business career aspirations with an understanding of core business principles and essentials to launch and sustain a successful business. Candidates of the ESB Certification will need to have a conceptual knowledge of entrepreneurial and small business principles with a minimum of 150 instruction hours. However, students are not required to have real-world business experience to take and successfully pass the ESB exam. The ESB core concepts are: Entrepreneurship Recognizing and evaluating opportunities Planning, starting, and operating a business Marketing and sales Business financials and funding Exam criteria: Complete a one-year high school level cours...