Women, Wealth, and Power: What We Can Learn from Lilly Ledbetter’s Courage
Issue 2845 — April 21, 2025
Sometimes, what you want to say is better said by others.
And sometimes articles write themselves as a result. That’s the case with my “Sum of the Week” blogpost today. My heart is so full of joy and appreciation for the powerful film “Lilly,” about the long fight for equal pay, written and directed by Rachel Feldman and produced by many investors, including Jyoti Sarda, who graced the panel with her experience bringing forth the independent film.
Jyoti and Rachel met and began working together on this film when both participated in Take The Lead’s 50 Women Can Change the World in Media and Entertainment in 2018.
Joanna Horton McPherson posted this on LinkedIn the day before Take The Lead’s latest event, held in Scottsdale, AZ on April 15:
I am honored to moderate the panel for “Women, Wealth and Power: Lilly Ledbetter and the Fight for Equal Pay.” Gloria and the filmmakers will usher the story of Lilly Ledbetter as told in the film, “Lilly.” She kept going in the fight to end the gender pay gap through Supreme Court until former President Barack Obama signed the bill into law.
“You don’t just accept what’s there when you lead,” said Gloria. “Lilly could have gone home when they tried to get her fired and blocked her, but she kept fighting for the rest of us.”
Women, Wealth, and Power Panel; L-R: Joanna Horton McPherson, Catherine Scrivano, Jyoti Sarda, Tanaha Hairson, Gloria Feldt, in front of Lilly Ledbetter on screen
Felicia Davis, founder of the Black Women’s Collective and a Take The Lead Leadership Ambassador, touched me deeply with her Instagram post:
Many of us in the room have been fighting for women’s rights for many years, and I was thrilled to see so many friends and colleagues I’ve been in the movement trenches with. But it was especially meaningful to see many younger women there, taking up the cause for themselves and their generations.
Estela Barraza MS posted her eloquent summary of the event on LinkedIn:
L-R: Jennifer Marin Lopez SHRM-SCP; Estela Barraza, MS; Mina Lopez, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
“I never asked for a promotion.
But everything changed when I started negotiating for my future.
Because when women have power,
We invest it back into our families, our communities, and our futures.
90%.
That’s how much women reinvest, compared to 30–40% by men.
And yet…
We still ask for 20% less.
We invest in ourselves last.
We hesitate to take up space, negotiate our worth, or plan for longevity —
Despite outliving men and outperforming them in investments.
So is it mindset?
Limiting beliefs?
Old narratives?
Systems we didn’t build…
But have the power to change.
Like Gloria Feldt says:
“Power and money are synonymous.”
You can’t reclaim one without the other.
After the screening of Lilly the movie, the post-film panel hosted by Gloria Feldt included the producer and local leaders left us with truth, fire, and focus:
Jyoti Sarda — “Gather information. Understand where you sit. Lilly had supporters, then her attorney, then the women’s groups. Change happens in community.
Catherine Scrivano — “It’s simple math — we live longer, our money needs to last longer. Women are thoughtful investors. Education gives power, but it’s knowledge applied that creates real change.”
Tanaha Hairston, MBA — “When we have a chance to add more commas to our bank accounts, or to educate, we shouldn’t hesitate. That’s how we create impact.”
Gloria Feldt — “Years of helping women reclaim their power with Take The Lead Women has taught me this: negotiating your pay isn’t just about money — it’s about mindset. Don’t let anyone rent space in your head. No one can do this for us but us.”
Joanna Horton McPherson — Led the panel through powerful reflection with prompts that brought the film’s message to life.
That’s why I’m inviting you to a different kind of conversation — one that begins with watching this film!
Arizona: 🎬 Join us May 9th at Harkins Shea 14**
Watch it in your city!
Bring the women you lead, mentor, love, and work alongside.
Let’s normalize financial literacy. It’s a key driver of well-being.
Let’s talk about money with confidence and courage.
Let’s leave with more than just inspiration.
Let’s elevate financial well-being.
Let’s leave with action.
Because this is more than a movie.
It’s about rewriting the script for women at work and in life!”
**NB: Look for information here and subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest about a possible special showing at Harkins Shea 14 May 12.
Community leaders, supporters and sponsors of Women, Wealth, and Power and women’s leadership advancement — L-R: Take The Lead president Gloria Feldt, Black Women’s Collective Founder Felicia Davis, The Women’s Eye Founder Pam Burke, Philanthropic leader Nita Francis, Casco Financial Group founder Catherine Scrivano, Metro Phoenix YWCA President Debbie Esparza, First female Mayor of Scottsdale Sam Campana, The Women’s Collective president Kira Peters, Rise the Movement Founder Tanaha Hairston, Coppersmith Brockelman Partner Kristen Rosati, The Women’s Collective former president Christine Irish (not pictured: “Lilly” producer and founder of Nimble Media Jyoti Sarda).
Special thanks to sponsors: The Women’s Collective, Coppersmith Brockelman, Casco Financial Group, Silver Cain, and Overflow Pools. We couldn’t have done this event without you.
GLORIA FELDT is the Cofounder and President of Take The Lead, a motivational speaker, a global expert in women’s leadership development and DEI for individuals and companies that want to build gender balance. She is a bestselling author of five books, most recently Intentioning: Sex, Power, Pandemics, and How Women Will Take The Lead for (Everyone’s) Good. Honored as Forbes 50 Over 50, and Former President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, she is a frequent media commentator. Learn more at www.gloriafeldt.com and www.taketheleadwomen.com. Find her @GloriaFeldt on all social media.