On July 21, 2026, Black Women’s Equal Pay Day marks how far into the year Black women must work to earn what white men earned the previous year. Meaning they must work over a year and a half to equal the same annual wage. Black women working full time, year-round were paid just 65 cents for every dollar paid to white men. When part-time and part-year workers are included, that figure falls to 63 cents.

That gap reflects overlapping barriers, including racial and gender discrimination, occupational segregation, caregiving expectations, limited access to higher-paying roles and a lack of pay transparency. Over a lifetime, the consequences affect savings, homeownership and retirement security.

In this interview, Felena Hanson spoke with Chantel Baylor, founder of Speak Peak Shine and a former Fortune 500 sales leader. Chantel now helps the next generation develop public speaking skills, build confidence and learn to advocate for themselves.

Her work raises an important question: What changes when young Black women enter the workforce already prepared to name their value, ask clear questions and speak with confidence?

Self-advocacy is important, but equal pay cannot depend solely on women becoming better negotiators. Employers must also examine compensation for bias, communicate salary and promotion criteria clearly, and create consistent systems for hiring and advancement.

Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is a reminder that we MUST build workplaces where Black women are heard, valued and paid fairly from the start.

Chantel Baylor spent 15 years in corporate tech sales before she realized the pay gap was not a mistake but a design. During meetings and pitches in intimidating boardrooms Chantel learned that confidence can be built, and that being the most doubted person in the room can become your greatest strength.

Now through Speak Peak Shine, she helps students and business owners alike build the confidence to speak up, stand out, and shine in any room through the power of sales.