SisterTableTalk™

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15 years after graduating from college - an issue extending beyond missing work and stemming from systemic biases and outdated policies that contribute to this disparity.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...

In recent times, there has been a growing concern that policy decisions are increasingly favoring profit over the well-being of individuals. Programs and systems implemented to promote equity are experiencing reductions or eliminations, and this shift appears to prioritize the accumulation of power and financial wealth instead of fostering compassion and support for those in need. Working families, women, and marginalized communities often find themselves bearing the burdens because they are disproportionately affected by these changes. The Word of God is clear: greed leads to ruin (Proverbs 15:27), and the love of money is not only harmful, it is a trap that pierces the soul (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Real leaders do not exploit pain; they create peace (Matthew 5:9). If you have been watching decisions unfold and wondering about justice, remember this: we are to be peacemakers, and not passive observers. That means advocating, speaking up, creating alternatives when systems fail, p...

Confidence doesn’t come from a lack of talent; it often comes from years of being told, subtly or overtly, that you don’t belong. For Black women, this experience can be especially layered. The confidence gap isn’t just about gender; it’s also about race, culture, and the spaces we move through. From underrepresentation in leadership to microaggressions in the workplace, Black women often choose to shrink, silence, or edit themselves just to be seen as “professional.” These barriers harm our careers and decrease our confidence, but we’re not staying small. Programs like InfuseHer and safe community spaces are helping Black women reclaim their voice and rewrite their narratives. We’re stepping forward, standing tall, and owning our brilliance on our terms. Let’s keep the conversation going: 👉🏽 How can we better support the confidence and leadership of Black women in our networks?

"Where there is no vision, the people perish…" - Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) "Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." - Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV) The Fog of Uncertainty She stares at the blank page, overwhelmed by the weight of decisions ahead (e.g., career changes, relationship choices, ministry directions), and her questions multiply faster than answers: What is God calling me to do, and am I moving in the right direction, or what if I make the wrong choice? Sound familiar? In a world of endless options and constant noise, clarity can feel like a luxury reserved for the spiritual elite, but what if clarity isn't simply nice to have but a divine necessity? Vision: The Difference Between Wandering and Walking Proverbs 29:18 carries a sobering truth: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." The Hebrew word for "perish" doesn't mean death; it means to be unrestrained, to cast off restraint, to be...

Many women experience feelings of invisibility in their everyday lives, and this shared sentiment highlights the importance of connection and support in amplifying our voices and empowering one another to shine more brightly. In the workplace, it is not uncommon for women's ideas to get overlooked and restated by male colleagues, who then receive immediate recognition and approval, creating feelings of invisibility for women in professional environments. Similarly, at home, parents might experience moments where their guidance is dismissed by their teenagers, only to be acknowledged later when shared with peers. This repetitive cycle of being ignored can foster a sense of frustration and questioning of one's visibility and value within professional and personal spheres. The Weight of Being Unseen Shows Up in Countless Ways Your contributions at work get overlooked or credited to someone else Your emotional labor at home goes unnoticed and unappreciated Years of fait...

While AI can provide instant responses, it can’t replicate the confidence, qualifications, or actionable guidance that comes from real experience. At The SOFEI Group, we empower women to escape the cycle of poverty through practical, skill-focused career training that opens doors to genuine opportunities! If you’re contemplating the value of investing in professional training, here’s why these three online programs are crucial for success in today’s job market: 💻 1. Microsoft Office 2019 Complete Training Bundle You can’t afford to “kinda know” Word or Excel anymore. Our complete Microsoft Office course gives you hands-on practice to confidently manage documents, spreadsheets, email, and more skills employers still ask for every day. What You’ll Learn: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook Time-saving tools for managing tasks Document formatting and spreadsheet functions How to stand out in admin or entry-level roles 🟣 Perfect for Job seekers, career starters, and ...

Several major corporations, including Target, Walmart, and Dollar General, have retracted their commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This shift has sparked a public backlash, with many individuals and groups calling for boycotts of these companies. While the reactions are rooted in genuine frustration over DEI practices, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of these actions, particularly for employees in communities that already face challenges related to limited job opportunities and career growth. The Economic Reality Numerous companies play a significant role as major employers in rural areas, urban food deserts, and communities of color. They provide job opportunities, often the sole options available, that require minimal qualifications - making these positions accessible entry points for individuals facing employment challenges, including single mothers, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those without higher education. The C...

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...

Society has long conditioned women to subtly and overtly regard daily survival as sufficient. Many women live minimally and celebrate getting through the day rather than striving for personal growth and achievement. This mindset often leads to feelings of guilt when desiring more from life. However, operating in survival mode is not a natural state; it restricts our true potential and possibilities for a fulfilling life. Embracing the idea of thriving can unlock opportunities for spiritual, emotional, and financial growth and fulfillment as a daily practice, not as a once-a-year vacation. The Survival Trap Many women who feel like they are simply existing often prioritize the needs of others above their own. They may experience guilt when taking time to rest or believe that struggling is a virtue. Survival mode can deceive them with messages like, "You should be grateful for what you have" when they dare to dream, or "That's selfish" when they try to prior...

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...