Werk Stories artwork

Werk Stories

75 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 61 ratings

Werk Stories is a place for women of color to share their experiences in the work place. We’re talking bias, equal pay, bad bosses, racist hiring practices, crazy things your coworkers have done and said to you…this is the safe place where you can tell these stories. Allies strongly encouraged to listen!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Careers Business Education Self-Improvement work workplace diversity black women brown women women workplace culture job corporate stories
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Episodes

Bully-Proof: Joi’s Werk Story

April 10, 2024 11:05 - 1 hour - 60.6 MB

Season Six Finale: Werk Stories host, Joi, gives her interviewer chair to podcast producer and season 2 guest Adell Coleman. Joi tells the story about how the toxic workplace that inspired this podcast tried to silence her for the very last time. Check out Season 1, Episode 1 for the first part of this story. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/they-tried-it-jois-werk-story/id1585508287?i=1000535376359 Follow the Werk Stories Instagram for off-season updates and daily content. instagram....

Never Felt Safe: Ndidi's Werk Story

April 03, 2024 11:05 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB

Ndidi's werk story is happening live! This special education teacher has not been given the support to succeed and it's all coming to a head. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Black Belt in Change: Sheila's Werk Story

March 27, 2024 11:10 - 33 minutes - 558 MB

Sheila's career path was not a straight line. Hear about how her risk-taking has led her to the career and life that she wanted. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your Livelihood Or Your Life: Monica's Werk Story

March 20, 2024 11:10 - 29 minutes - 497 MB

Dr. Monica Cox, professor and "equity angel" shares her experience in higher education and how toxic work environments require us to make a decision about who we want to be and what we want for our life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding Your Secret Sauce: Acing the Interview w/ Susana Briscoe Alba

March 13, 2024 11:05 - 30 minutes - 511 MB

Six-figure career coach, Susana Briscoe Alba, talks about how her own work experiences led her to helping others develop their careers. Check out her upcoming professional development summit HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saving Yourself First: Jojo's Werk Story

March 06, 2024 12:05 - 31 minutes - 515 MB

In this episode we hear from Jojo, a Dallas nurse who continued in the industry after Covid while, nationally, hospitals saw a shortage of healthcare workers. She talks about the many reasons nurses quit their often toxic work environments and what motivated her to stay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You Can't Fix Corrupt: Rachel's Werk Story

February 28, 2024 12:05 - 33 minutes - 548 MB

Rachel recalls her days doing nonprofit work and how her trauma in those environments led her to work for herself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the kids okay? Am I? : Mackenzie’s Werk Story

February 21, 2024 11:05 - 31 minutes - 529 MB

Mackenzie shares her experience as a middle school teacher and her eventual transition into education tech, what she misses and what she doesn't. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not Just a Man's Job Anymore: Marlena's Werk Story

February 14, 2024 12:05 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

Twenty-four year old Marlena talks about her journey to becoming a master plumber and how's she planning her professional life around multiple interests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beyond The Salary: Upgrade Your Workplace Benefits w/ Laura Stamps

February 07, 2024 12:05 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

Laura, head of DE&I at Financial Finesse, shares inclusive ways companies can improve the quality of life and financial wellness for their employees and what you need to be asking for in the workplace. 401ks, pensions, childcare, we dig in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A League of Their Own: Yadira & Shannon's Werk Story

January 31, 2024 12:05 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

Co-founders of Verb, Yadira Harrison and Shannon Jones talk about building their brand development agency after meeting at work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But First, Boundaries: New Year's Growth w/ Ginni Saraswati

January 24, 2024 12:05 - 33 minutes - 555 MB

Founder & CEO of Ginni Media, Ginni Saraswati talks about the struggle of setting boundaries in the workplace as a woman of color. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Layoff, Great Escape: Red's Werk Story

October 04, 2023 11:05 - 29 minutes - 492 MB

Although Redd is one of thousands who was laid off by big tech this year, she sees this release as a blessing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Death By A Thousand Cuts: Natasha's Werk Story

September 27, 2023 11:05 - 33 minutes - 553 MB

Natasha's workplace abuse started just a few months after starting a job she thought was a perfect alignment. It didn't end well. After moving on, Natasha is still working to accept a new, safer environment. Old trauma dies hard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I Hate It Here: Hebba's Werk Story

September 20, 2023 11:05 - 28 minutes - 477 MB

Head People Officer Hebba Youssef shares HR hot takes, her experiences as a brown woman in leadership and talks about one year with her I Hate It Here newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good Leaders Take Elevators: Healthy Leadership w/ Dr. Jeanne

September 13, 2023 11:05 - 30 minutes - 498 MB

Dr. Jeanne Porter King, women's leadership coach and author, advices us on how we should be thinking about leadership in 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DEI in the DNA: Advancing POC Women w/ Dr. Merary

September 06, 2023 11:05 - 29 minutes - 495 MB

HR and DEI pro Dr. Merary Simeon talks about the power of mentors and sponsors, her experiences as a Latina in corporate and she tells us what's the biggest obstacle facing women in the workplace today. She cohosts the What Rules!? Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bias Baked In: Yolanda's Werk Story

August 30, 2023 11:05 - 32 minutes - 535 MB

Yolanda talks about her journey to becoming a pastry chef: loneliness in culinary school, misogyny, passion work and her advice to the Black women who come behind her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A New Attitude: The Gen Z & Millennial Survey w/ Nhu Fabros

August 23, 2023 11:05 - 24 minutes - 406 MB

Deloitte Global Talent Managing Director, Nhu Fabros talks to us about Deloitte's 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey and what the results mean for these two groups in the workplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crying In The Car: Workplace Reform w/ Azizi Marshall

August 16, 2023 11:05 - 28 minutes - 479 MB

Azizi Marshall talks about the effects of workplace bullying and what changing those systems could look like through drama therapy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Age Ain't Nothin: Kourtney's Werk Story

August 09, 2023 11:05 - 26 minutes - 442 MB

Kourtney Galloway talks about being a young business owner and how older generations can best support Gen Z entrepreneurs and those in the workforce. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Birthing Inclusivity: Belonging at Work w/ Crystal Whiteaker

August 02, 2023 11:05 - 30 minutes - 497 MB

Crystal Whiteaker, an inclusive branding and leadership development consultant and author, talks about inclusive leadership and the idea of belonging in the workplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Manager of Chaos: Evelien's Werk Story

July 26, 2023 11:05 - 30 minutes - 497 MB

Television producer and host of the Reppin podcast, Evelien Kong, talks about the challenges of making good television, managing a tough work environment and leading as a woman of color. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acting Up: Dawn’s Werk Story

July 19, 2023 11:05 - 29 minutes - 495 MB

Dawn L. Brown, CEO of EmpowHer Institute, talks about her unexpected career, how a national tragedy helped her focus her work and what it's really going to take for organizations to retain Black and brown talent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sick N' Tired: Alexa’s Werk Story

May 10, 2023 11:05 - 30 minutes - 156 MB

Alexa shares how a health scare was the final straw in her leaving her toxic job. But as a low salary worker, how was she able to do it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Beauty In the Struggle: Victoria's Werk Story

May 03, 2023 11:05 - 29 minutes - 497 MB

Victoria Leiato, owner of The Bloom Space, a host space for independent beauty professionals, talks about her journey to entrepreneurship from the corporate world. She built the work culture after what she didn't like about her corporate jobs while giving women, many Latina, a pathway to generational wealth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Problem with HR: Solutions w/ LaShawn of The HR Plug

April 26, 2023 11:05 - 30 minutes - 155 MB

LaShawn Davis, owner of The HR Plug, talks about common issues she sees in the companies she's worked with and what HR's true role is supposed to be in the workplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Silent No More: Marie's Werk Story

April 19, 2023 11:05 - 29 minutes - 487 MB

Marie, a soft-spoken construction administrator for engineering and architectural firm, went job after job not directly addressing workplace culture issues and disrespect and then finally learned to speak up for her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elected for Greatness: The Black Female Judges of Dallas

April 12, 2023 11:05 - 29 minutes - 496 MB

Five of the 42 Black female judges in Dallas County, Texas talk inspiration, legacy and what it's really like being a Black woman in law: the Hon. Dominque Torres- Kelly, Hon. Shequitta Kelly, Hon. Tonya Parker, Hon. Sheryl Shannon, Hon. Gracie Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Power of the Underestimated: Maheen's Werk Story

April 05, 2023 11:05 - 30 minutes - 155 MB

Maheen Kaleem is an attorney who's spent her entire career in human rights, particularly rights for women, girls and non-binary folks of color. She's seen a lot in this work and tells us how we can be better advocates for the causes dear to us. Maheen is the Vice President of Operations and Programs at Grantmakers for Girls of Color. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pet to Threat: Jo Anna's Werk Story

March 29, 2023 11:05 - 28 minutes - 145 MB

Jo Anna Thomas found favor with notable degrees that impressed every employer, but her education wasn't enough to stop the doubt from colleagues as she, a Black woman, solved problems and brought new ideas to the table. Later, a diagnosis and chronic pain changed the course of her career as a new purpose blossomed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Safe Space Required: Olamide's Werk Story

March 22, 2023 11:05 - 29 minutes - 497 MB

Therapy was crucial in Olamide's search for a healthy career. She realized people of color needed access to therapy to manage everything from work stress to racial trauma and she created a system to make that easier. https://startsayingmore.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Other One Percent: Stephany's Werk Story

March 15, 2023 11:05 - 29 minutes - 496 MB

Stephany talks about the many challenges of being a Latina in corporate, especially when less than four percent make it into leadership roles and only 1.6 percent enter executive roles. Climbing the ladder is lonely, but she keeps going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who Better Than You?: Marthea's Werk Story

March 08, 2023 12:05 - 24 minutes - 406 MB

Marthea Pitts, a social worker and career coach, encourages the average employee to look beyond their day-to-day duties. The big changes, the ones that encourage equity and evolution, start from the people on the ground, not the executive team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven Different Jobs At Once: Angela's Werk Story

March 01, 2023 12:05 - 33 minutes - 552 MB

As a chief academic officer for a global nonprofit, Angela Gunder wears many hats, but no matter the day's challenge, she carries on a legacy of care, an essential tool when filing down the issue of education equity and access. In this episode Angela talks about networking, how's she's perceived as an industry leader and about doing the work, whether the work is in the office, in society or in the kitchen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long Live Leave: Celebrating 30 years of the FMLA w/ Jocelyn Frye

February 22, 2023 12:05 - 29 minutes - 483 MB

February 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and president of National Partnerships for Women and Families, Jocelyn Frye, is on talking about the impact of this law for women in the workplace.The Obama administration alum also talks about what it like being a Black woman fighting for women's rights in Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Layoff And A Promotion: Akissi's Werk Story

December 21, 2022 12:05 - 30 minutes - 153 MB

Ted X speaker Akissi Stokes-Nelson, founder of Wundergrubs, talks about her 30-year career in tech (yeah, before laptops, cellphones and wifi), her sudden layoff and what inspired her sustainability venture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maybe It's Not Imposter Syndrome: Vanessa's Werk Story

December 14, 2022 12:05 - 28 minutes - 470 MB

Vanessa Williams talks multicultural marketing, working for big brands as a Black woman and she gives advice to folks wanting to grow in corporate. She helps others with career strategy through Her Abundant Careers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sour Then Sweet: Cindy's Werk Story

December 07, 2022 12:05 - 27 minutes - 448 MB

Owner of the chocolate shop CocoAndre, Cindy Pedraza, talks about getting laid off, starting out as a Latina business owner and how the sweet life brought her to The White House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good Mood Feat: Jov'An's Werk Story

November 30, 2022 12:05 - 29 minutes - 497 MB

Jov'An Benjamin, owner of Good Mood Treats, talks about her journey to becoming a baker and it involved A LOT of jobs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I'm About to Get Rich Off TikTok": Manifesting w/ Nadia Khaled

November 23, 2022 12:05 - 29 minutes - 486 MB

Alignment coach Nadia Khaled talks about the power of manifestation, whether it be for personal growth or career goals. She also tells us how a TikTok got her fired from her job. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

White Women: A Conversation w/ Author Saira Rao

November 16, 2022 12:05 - 30 minutes - 497 MB

Saira Rao, one half of Race2Dinner and the duo behind Deconstructing Karen, has a candid conversation about the impact of white women and what they need to realize in order to become real allies to Black and brown folks. Her book White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How To Do Better was released in November 2022 and is a New York Times Bestseller, proved essential for white women and cathartic for Black and brown women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

ADH-Determined: Dani's Werk Story

November 09, 2022 12:05 - 27 minutes - 458 MB

Product researcher Dani talks about her adult diagnosis of ADHD and how that shows up at work. She speaks to those who are also diagnosed, those who aren't yet and those who want to be better colleagues to neurodiverse people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Believe Yourself: Healing w/ Chiamaka from The Garden

November 02, 2022 11:05 - 30 minutes - 500 MB

Chiamaka Ikpeze, creator of The Garden, talks about trauma, healing and all the things in between. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Balcony, No Friends, No Man (with Joi Louviere and Fallon Peterson)

October 26, 2022 11:40 - 16 minutes - 22 MB

Join Werk Stories host Joi, and her friend Fallon, as they share their 2020 pandemmy road trip story – from endless Texas highway to New Mexico's best green hatch chile burger – the open road brought these college friends closer together. This episode was created as part of the 'Roundabout' podcast series by Acast Creative and State Farm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thriving Under 30: Imani's Werk Story

October 19, 2022 11:05 - 27 minutes - 454 MB

Imani Maatuka had figured out more about business before she graduated high school than most people will by 40. As she got older her success continued, but she was often the youngest in the room. With hefty goals, and an even larger drive, Imani has figured out a lucrative life for herself that she..wait for it..actually enjoys. Being a protégé ain't easy, but Imani reminds us the challenges can be worth the reward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American Hairstory: Jessica's Werk Story

October 12, 2022 11:05 - 24 minutes - 413 MB

Jessica joins us to talk about hair discrimination throughout her career in sales. Black women, in particular, have been targeted because of their hair since the beginning of the professional world. Even today, employers are getting away this form of discrimination whether it be over texture, style, color or length. Why is our hair still being used to determine our ability? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You Are Not Your Job: Tips from Cierra of Caged Bird HR

October 05, 2022 11:05 - 29 minutes - 493 MB

Cierra Gross, the founder of Caged Bird HR, talks about how her toxic work environment inspired her to create her own HR firm. She let's us know how we should be protecting ourselves at work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The First, But Not The Last: Maribel's Werk Story

September 28, 2022 11:00 - 29 minutes - 493 MB

Maribel shares what it's like being a first generation U.S. Latina at one of the biggest and influential tech corporations in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dreams Are For Real: Alisha's Werk Story

May 11, 2022 12:00 - 29 minutes - 491 MB

Hear the story of Alisha Lawrence, budding costume designer who was discouraged, struggled, then took a chance. There were dozens of times she could have given up, but she didn't. And then one day her dreams came true in the biggest way possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.