Based on current trends, pay equity will not be achieved until the year 2106. The Younger Women’s Task Force (YWTF) of Youngstown and YWCA Mahoning Valley have partnered to change the course of pay equity by educating women on how to negotiate for a fair salary through the program WorkSmart on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 5:00PM to 8:00PM at YWCA Mahoning Valley’s Youngstown office: 25 West Rayen Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44503. WorkSmart educates women on how to identify and communicate their value; how to benchmark a salary and benefits; and how to negotiate for a fair salary, raise, and/or promotion. The workshop also educates the public on why the pay gap exists and persists.

 This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated. Light refreshments will be provided.

Today, women earn 80% of what white men earn; this gap is greater for women of color. In the state of Ohio, which ranks 37^th nationally for pay equity, there are no laws barring employers from asking candidates about their salary history and then using that salary history to make an offer. Since women make less than men, their salary histories reflect lower earnings and, thus, they receive lower offers. Subsequently, women who earn less are less able to support their families, take longer to pay off debts (including student debt), and are less able to live independently.

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“After meeting twice with the hiring manager about salary, I am happy to report that I walked out of that negotiation with a 40 percent increase in my pay. I really stood my ground and negotiated. I start my new role in less than two weeks and I couldn’t be any happier. This workshop really changed my life.” - Work Smart Participant