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Working Girl

Working Girl

By: Rachel Mpala
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In a world on fire, Working Girl brings you the stories of women who refuse to look away — and choose to do the work.


Hosted by activist Rachel Mpala, this podcast spotlights women working in the trenches of social justice and nonprofit sectors: from fighting gun violence and homelessness to defending abortion access, dismantling racism, and navigating America’s broken systems.


Each week, we go beyond headlines and job titles to ask:

  • What does it really take to stay in the fight for justice — without burning out?
  • How do these women protect their joy while doing some of the hardest work in America?
  • And how can you support them?

Expect raw conversations, practical insights, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a woman working at the intersection of purpose, pain, and power.


This isn’t corporate career advice anymore.
It’s a reckoning — and a rally cry.


Topics include: women in nonprofits, activism, burnout, social justice, gender equity, homelessness, gun violence, reproductive rights, healthcare, racism, prison reform, immigration, human rights, education, xenophobia, trans rights, veterans, feminism, progressive leadership


© 2025 Working Girl
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Episodes
  • Season 1 (OLD FORMAT) - Negotiating Your Worth with Keri-Lynne Shaw
    Jul 2 2024

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    This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.


    Ready to become a stronger negotiator and break free from gender bias? In our season finale of Working Girl, we're thrilled to chat with Keri-Lynne Shaw, Founder of The Salary Bump. KL shares her inspiring journey from a high-pressure career to empowering women like you to confidently advocate for your worth.

    In this episode, we dive into the art of negotiation, making it feel like a win-win and normalizing those tricky money conversations at work. KL offers priceless insights on proposing salary ranges that fit both market value and your personal goals, while also negotiating for perks beyond just salary.

    We'll tackle the challenges women face due to historical biases and stereotypes, giving you practical strategies to overcome them. From using HR as an ally to staying on top of market trends and building a fact-based approach to negotiations, KL's tips are a game-changer. We also explore how societal expectations have painted women as poor negotiators and share ways to shift that mindset. With personal stories and professional advice, this episode gives you the tools to confidently stand up for your true value.

    But we don’t stop at salary. We’ll look at the whole compensation package, from benefits and PTO to personal coaching and memberships. Transparency and preparation are key themes, and we’ll discuss the financial perks of job-hopping versus sticking with one company

    Join us as we create a community of empowered women, ready to redefine success on their own terms.

    Support the show

    If you loved this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. And share it with your fellow working women!

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    54 mins
  • Season 1 (OLD FORMAT) - The Struggle for Respect and Validation in Beauty
    Jun 18 2024

    Send us a text

    This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.


    We’ve talked about the experiences of working women in the corporate world, but what all of the incredible women working outside of corporate America? Join us as we welcome a seasoned makeup artist from the beauty industry who shares her eye-opening experiences with gender bias. Her story isn't just about her work; it's about overcoming resistance and judgment from others and the subtle and not-so-subtle biases from a diverse clientele that often hails from corporate backgrounds. You'll hear firsthand how ignorance fuels unconscious bias and how she's navigated this complex landscape to build a robust career.

    Our guest doesn't hold back as she recounts the condescending remarks and judgment-laden comments she's faced, both from men and women alike. From intrusive questions about her finances to dismissive attitudes toward her profession's legitimacy, we explore how societal perceptions can erode self-confidence. Through candid anecdotes and personal experiences, she underscores the importance of recognizing the value of one's work despite societal underestimation and the relentless struggle for respect and validation.

    We also dive deep into the broader issues of misogyny and unrealistic expectations placed on women in various professional settings. Whether it's outdated views on women's appearances affecting their capabilities or the double standards in dress codes and workplace attire, our conversation sheds light on the pervasive nature of gender-based discrimination. With a focus on creating a more equitable society, we emphasize the need for change and challenge these deeply ingrained norms. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will leave you reflecting on the everyday realities of gender bias and the ongoing battle for equality.

    Support the show

    If you loved this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. And share it with your fellow working women!

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Season 1 (OLD FORMAT) - Reality for Women in Finance
    Jun 11 2024

    Send us a text

    This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.


    In this episode, we welcome a guest in finance who shares the many struggles women have to face in her industry. She initially sidestepped gender-based assumptions by adopting a unisex nickname at a major investment bank. However, her move to a male-dominated firm revealed the deeper, more insidious layers of bias that women continue to face in finance. Her story highlights the persistent barriers and systemic challenges within male-dominated sectors.

    From confronting the antiquated practices in corporate America to the token diversity efforts that fall short, we discuss the broader implications of gender bias in the workplace. Hear firsthand accounts of raising concerns with HR only to face silence, and the unequal opportunities for feedback during performance reviews. Our guest also shares her shift to a client-facing role, where female clients were often dismissed and funneled to her, highlighting not only gender bias but the cost of outdated practices on professional growth and client relations.

    Emotional expression in the workplace is another critical topic we touch upon. Internalized societal norms discourage vulnerability and create additional hurdles for career progression, especially for women. We explore the stigma faced by both women and men when showing emotion at work, and the importance of creating safe spaces for expressing those emotions. Additionally, we discuss managing burnout and the inappropriate responses from higher management, emphasizing the need for heartfelt conversations and support. Through these narratives, we aim to advocate for meaningful change and healthier work environments in male-dominated industries.

    Support the show

    If you loved this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. And share it with your fellow working women!

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
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