March is a big month for women! This week marked International Women’s Day. We heard from campus leaders and there was even a rally and protest on campus - a sure sign that students, faculty and staff are returning to campus and finding a way to express their voices!

Our Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, Dania Matos sent a CalMessage and reminded us of the trailblazing women of the Bay Area and the resources here on campus. Specifically we wanted to amplify the comments VC Matos made in her message:

A large percentage of Berkeley’s community identify as women, including well over half of our senior campus leadership, most notably Chancellor Carol Christ and Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Catherine Koshland. However, there are still disciplines and leadership positions where women, particularly women of color and transwomen, are underrepresented. Additionally, we know that women may face disparate treatment such as salary inequity and sexual harassment and are continuously working to address those issues through robust programs and services. Sexism, misogyny, transphobia, cissexism, and intersectional discrimination exist in our community and, as a campus, it is incumbent on each and every one of us to learn more about these issue, uplift all women, and remove barriers to all women’s success, advancement, and sense of belonging.

Don’t forget that Equal Pay Day is also coming up next week! This year it will be on March 15. Research has shown year over year that women, on average, are paid less than men for similar work across the country. While the average for all women is $0.83, it’s important to note that this varies for women of color. According to a review by Equal Pay Today, in 2019, compared to each $1 earned by a white, non-Hispanic man, on average:

• Asian-American women earned $0.85, so their equal pay day was March 5;
• African and Black American women earned $0.61, so their equal pay day was August 22;
• Native American women earned $0.58, so their equal pay day was September 23;
• Latinas earned $0.53, so their equal pay day was November 20.

Status as a mother also changes when equal pay day is. On average, in 2018 mothers earned $0.69 for each $1 earned by fathers, their equal pay day was June 10.

We’re also approaching the two year anniversary of the shelter in place and the beginning of the pandemic. In that time a disproportionate impact has been felt by women. Even though we are starting to see restrictions begin to relax and more people on campus on a daily basis, in many ways the effects of COVID have not abated and are still taking a toll on women in our community. Impacts are still felt with continued loss of loved ones, daycare and after-school closures, and changes in our day to day work as we shift into yet another ‘new normal’. The balance between our professional roles, personal lives, and service to our communities is always a tough balancing act.  As we celebrate the month and the many accomplishments of women, let’s also remember to lift each other up and to support one another. To that end, we are a bit belated in sending our March newsletter but we hope the wait was worth it as we have many events and information to share for the remainder of the spring semester!

What is it? Get a professional headshot to use on your professional networking profile! A professional headshot conveys professionalism and helps with networking. We will have a photographer available from 11am to 3pm in the Nathan Grove (on the Northside of Haviland Hall). Refreshments will also be available!
 

Featuring:
Sunny Lee, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students;
Bahar Navab, MPH, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff, Division of Student Affairs; and
Angela L.M. Stopper, Ph.D., Chief Learning Officer & Director of People and Organization Development

This panel discussion will focus on the following questions:

• What is the larger national trend?
• How is that affecting Cal/Higher Ed?
• What can leaders, supervisors, and managers do to retain talented staff?
• What opportunities are there on campus for learning and development?

Plan on joining us for a great conversation! Webinar link will be sent out soon.

Thanks for everyone who participated in Cycle 1!
We will be wrapping up at the beginning of April. Stay tuned for information on how to particpate in the new cycle.

Join us for a show and drinks!
Buy your tickets through CalPerformances! Join us after at East Bay Spice Company for socializing!

Enjoy a rare glimpse into the exceptional musical chemistry between composer and performer in this intimate duo recital. Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, soprano will be performing here on campus with Jake Hegge on piano.

Jamie has captured the music world’s attention with her brilliant vocal performances, but she is also lauded for the ways she uses her powerful voice offstage—advocating for women and LGBTQ+ people and speaking out on topics such as body positivity, diet culture, and social justice issues.