In this episode, we unpack the “participation myth”—the belief that hard work and showing up guarantee fair rewards. Drawing on recent data and real-world stories, we reveal how Black women, despite leading in workforce participation, face disproportionate job losses, wage gaps, and systemic barriers. We explore the resilience and innovation born from these challenges, the urgent need for transparency and structural change, and why true equity means more than just opening doors. Tune in for a candid look at what it really takes to transform participation into power and lasting opportunity.