The Concrete Ceiling: Challenges Women of Color Face in the Workplace

On Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 5:30 pm, the Women’s Leadership Alliance (WLA) is proud to present a panel discussion focusing on the ‘Concrete Ceiling’ at the Boardman Library in Poughkeepsie.  For decades people have discussed the realities of the ‘Glass Ceiling,’ the unseen yet unbreakable barrier that prevents women as a group from moving up the corporate hierarchy. The ‘Concrete Ceiling,’ is an even more formidable barrier that women of color face in the workplace. While we are aware more women are rising to the top as compared to decades past, the reality is that women are not advancing as a whole, by virtue of being women. This is even more so the case for women of color as evidenced by racism, lack of mentorship, lack of role models, exclusion from informal networks of key colleagues, and lack of opportunity to showcase breadth of skills/experience. While there is ample data focusing on the challenges women face in the workforce, there is glaringly limited discussion as it relates to challenges women of color face. 
The WLA presentation will “show the true colors” of several women of color in our community. As leaders in their industry, the speakers will share personal instances when they’ve hit the Concrete Ceiling and what they did to challenge or overcome them. Attendees will learn how to recognize with discrimination based on color or gender, identify and cope with micro-aggressions in the workplace and seek professional support and mentorship.
One of the WLA’s core tenets is collaboration. When women work together, we are stronger, more powerful and able to sidestep potential pitfalls. It is our hope that this panel will begin an ongoing discussion of how we can best support women of color in the workplace right here in the Hudson Valley.
Event Schedule

• 15 minute walk-in/light refreshments and networking
• Chamber introduction of moderator
• Moderator introduction of panelists
• Panelists give brief bio and example of a time when they hit concrete ceiling
• Moderator poses Q&A from write-ins and questions posed live 

• Mecca Santana, VP of Diversity & Community Relations, Westchester Medical Center  
• Karla Jerry: Commercial Insurance broker with Ralph V. Ellis insurance
• Jen Brown, Attorney Legal Services
• Cindy Smith, CPA 
• Sarah Lee, Think Dutchess