In honor of Women’s History Month, The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University hosted members of the Executive Committee of The City of Pittsburgh’s Gender Equity Commission (GEC) last Friday. as part of their Women Business Leaders Breakfast at Home series. Committee members Ms. Janet K. Manuel, MS, SHRM-CP, PHR, and Ms. Morgan Overton, MSW discussed current efforts to promote intersectional equity in Pittsburgh and what that means for all of us.
I, (Abigail Kneuss ’23) attended this event to see what I could learn from these powerful women and what we all can do to enact change and strive for gender equity here in Pittsburgh and on-campus. Here are 5 key takeaways.
Morgan Overton, MSW
Community Engagement & Policy Associate, Jewish Healthcare Foundation
Janet K. Manuel, MS, SHRM-CP, PHR
Director, Human Resource & Civil Service
1) Keep it Local
Both panelists expressed that the way to reach true equity is to come at the issue with unique solutions to the problems specific to our city. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Morgan Overton conveyed that her experience as a working-class woman in Pittsburgh has informed her civic involvement immensely. She has seen firsthand that, “Although Pittsburgh is a city of bridges, there is a disconnect between the power and the people. When you think of who holds power in Pittsburgh and Allegheny county, it’s not representative of who is living here.”
Although not a Pittsburgh native, Janet K. Manuel has learned throughout her time here that although we can look to other cities for guidance on gender equity, all things Pittsburgh must be “Pittsburghized,” including solutions to inequalities. She encouraged others to not shy away from getting involved in community efforts going on around the city and in local government.
Members of the Chatham community looking to be leaders in public life should check out the great events and programming held regularly by our Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics.
2) Seek out Solutions
One point that Overton expressed repeatedly was the need for those in power to seek out the talent within their communities to raise those facing disparities and recognize their abilities. She thinks that a lot of young people and women are leaving Pittsburgh because they feel like they can’t reach their full potential and aren’t recognized for the talent they possess. Likewise, Manuel encouraged employers to take an extensive look at their organizations to see where inequalities lie and what procedures and policies can be implemented that are inclusive and effective.
Those looking to improve internal solutions here at Chatham should consider joining the Diversity and Inclusion Council, a council focused on creating an environment centered around respect, acceptance, personal responsibility, and recognition of the value of all individuals.
3) Push for Policies
During the panel discussion, Morgan Overton proclaimed herself a “policy nerd” who loves policy because it is something that impacts us all personally. She encouraged others to start thinking of the ways that policy affects them and their fellow neighbors here in Pittsburgh. She also noted that policy change happens at all levels, whether that be local, state, or national, and emphasized that we all have the power in our hands to advocate for these changes.
Janet K. Manuel echoed this sentiment. She spoke on her experience in the world of Human Resources and how she has witnessed the impact of workplace policies firsthand through her work as the Director of Human Resources and Civil Service for the City of Pittsburgh. She noted that changing policies and procedures to help bring a higher quality of living for all individuals is what drives her to remain in the world of HR.
Interested in policy? Our Policy Studies major and minor will help you gain skills in political, social, economic, and historical analysis, communication, and problem-solving.
4) Amplify the Voices of Black Women
Manuel also stated that her own lived experiences as a Black woman working in the corporate and private sector continue to drive her to work towards spreading the word on equity issues. “Until CEOs and those in positions of power hear the message and implement the changes, I will not stop being the voice of that message.”
Overton expressed that what drew her to the Gender Equity Commission (started by our own Dr. Jessie Ramey of the Women’s Institute), was the intersectional approach they take to gender equity and their strong focus on how inequalities affect Black women. She mentioned the misconception held by many that when we are focused on Black women, we are leaving other women out. She vocalized that Black women face the largest inequalities here in Pittsburgh, and by advocacy for their needs, all women are supported and lifted up. She emphasized that we must listen to the needs and ideas of women and women of global cultures to truly understand and be able to better support them.
For more information on how you can be an ally to Black and IPOC-identifying people in your daily life, go here. For specific ways you can support Black women in the Chatham community, go here.
5) Be bold, Be Involved, Be Collaborative
When asked what piece of advice she would give for people looking to promote gender equity, Manuel said the most important thing was to not shy away from getting involved and to continue to be bold once you are in organizations to make your voice heard. She noted that it will take all of us working together to tackle this all-encompassing issue. Overton agreed that change requires each and every one of us to be bold and be involved. “We all play a role at achieving equity and justice. It literally takes a village.”
Looking to get involved with promoting gender equity on-campus? Check out the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship, the Chatham Women's Institute, the Gender & Sexual Violence Prevention Committee, and the Chatham Masculinities Project.