Happy Women’s History Month! At the Urban Affairs Coalition, we believe that women’s empowerment begins with sharing our personal and collective narratives. This month, we’re celebrating the diverse stories of Women of the Coalition, starting with Louisa Mfum-Mensah, our Director of Executive Operations.
– Is there part of your story and journey you want to share?
I am an immigrant to this country. My parents were determined to build a better life for their children so when I was 7, my family moved from Ghana, West Africa, to London, Ontario Canada, then from London Ontario to Mechanicsburg PA when I was 14. I am my parent’s (and my ancestor’s) wildest dream — My life, my story, and my accomplishments. So, I carry the weight of expectation that often times sit on the shoulders of immigrant kids.
– What is one lesson or piece of advice you wish you had known earlier in your career or journey that you would like to share with aspiring women?
The best advice I have to share with aspiring women is simply this “determine the lifestyle you want to live first, before you decide the career you want. By that I mean, truly ask yourself, how much time do I want to spend with family and loved ones? how frequently do I want to travel for work? Is it important that I have a lunch break at the same time every day? Etc. Often times, we decide on a career before we realized that it doesn’t align with the lifestyle we want for ourselves—and we end up miserable. We only have one life to live. Prioritize your joy, and build a career that aligns with your desired lifestyle.
– How have you been able to create positive change or contribute to women’s empowerment through your work or experiences?
As a black woman, I find that we often have unrealistic standards and expectations ascribed to us – standards focused on how we dress, speak and present ourselves in the workplace. While I’m not at the forefront of massive systemic and policy changes to culture and the expectations of black women in the workplace, I have committed myself to showing up as my whole, most authentic self, in hopes of inviting other women, specifically black women, to do the same.
– What is an important next step –we can all take—to empower women to tell their stories without being fearful?
We can all fight for pay equity for women. In this country, the gender pay gap is such that women make 82% of what men earn. In 2021, Black women made 64 cents for every dollar their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts earned. When women are adequately compensated for their work and their effort, they will be empowered to share their stories and speak up for what they believe in both in the workplace and beyond.