WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?

Dawne Hanks

Stories are the foundation of progress, and for too long, the voices of women and marginalized communities have been ignored or silenced. At WAIT. HOLD UP… WHAT? we’re reclaiming space to share the struggles, triumphs, fears, and joys that shape our lives. Join us as we explore the intersections of identity, equity, and empowerment, offering education, support, and inspiration along the way. Whether it’s breaking barriers, celebrating wins, or tackling the tough stuff, this is a space for everyone to feel seen, heard, and uplifted. We invite you all to join the conversation and help us explore ways to ELIMINATE GIRL HATE.

  1. S2:E11 - Pay Transparency & The Gender Pay Gap

    04/15/2025

    S2:E11 - Pay Transparency & The Gender Pay Gap

    In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks sits down with Zhou Fang, a journalist with a unique perspective on navigating privilege, gender, and success across two cultures. Zhou’s journey from growing up in a STEM-heavy family in China to transitioning into journalism in the U.S. offers invaluable insights into the complexities of being an immigrant in the workplace. Zhou reflects on how she initially believed in the myth of the American Dream—thinking that working hard and keeping her head down would be enough to "make it." But as she entered the tech and compliance industries, the realities of privilege, networking, and identity began to surface. Zhou shares her experiences of being told to “smile more” in performance reviews and being constantly assumed to be junior due to her age, gender, and immigrant status. At 30, she found herself grappling with how to break through these biases. The conversation also touches on the gender pay gap and why pay transparency is essential for achieving real equity in the workplace. Zhou explains how, without transparency, it’s nearly impossible to assess whether pay is equitable, especially when employees can’t compare their salaries with their peers. This lack of visibility leads to confusion and frustration, making it difficult for anyone to determine if they’re being fairly compensated. Throughout the episode, Zhou emphasizes how the fight for women's financial equality is often slow and invisible. The intersectionality of her immigrant status, gender, and age plays a major role in the challenges she faces. This conversation provides a candid and insightful look into the obstacles women face in industries that undervalue them and underscores the importance of transparency in creating a more equitable future. This episode offers a powerful conversation about navigating the realities of being a woman of color in a biased workplace and the need for real pay transparency. Tune in to hear Zhou’s perspective and why these issues matter now more than ever.

    1h 12m
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Stories are the foundation of progress, and for too long, the voices of women and marginalized communities have been ignored or silenced. At WAIT. HOLD UP… WHAT? we’re reclaiming space to share the struggles, triumphs, fears, and joys that shape our lives. Join us as we explore the intersections of identity, equity, and empowerment, offering education, support, and inspiration along the way. Whether it’s breaking barriers, celebrating wins, or tackling the tough stuff, this is a space for everyone to feel seen, heard, and uplifted. We invite you all to join the conversation and help us explore ways to ELIMINATE GIRL HATE.