Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Why are ethnic minority women still being overlooked, under-supported, and left behind at work?
In the latest episode of Sparks by PRCA, hosted by Ishtar Schneider as part of the PRCA Equity & Inclusion Advisory Board (EIAB) series, we explore the recognition gap facing ethnic minority women across the workplace and the PR and communications industry.
Joining the conversation are Angela Balakrishnan, Vice President of Women in PR, and Whitney Simon, spokesperson for People Like Us. Together, they discuss The Recognition Gap, a new research partnership between Women in PR and People Like Us, which reveals the exclusion, discrimination, stalled progression, and mental load experienced by ethnic minority women, particularly outside London.
In this episode, we unpack:
• Why ethnic minority women are still being overlooked for ideas, recognition, stretch opportunities, promotion, and pay progression
• How workplace systems, unclear feedback, and “unspoken rules” can hold women of colour back
• The mental toll of code-switching, self-silencing, and being expected to represent an entire community
• Why ethnicity pay gap reporting and greater transparency are vital to creating fairer workplaces
• What genuine allyship looks like, from amplifying ideas to opening doors and sharing opportunities
• Practical tools and resources for organisations, allies, and ethnic minority women navigating the industry
With DEI commitments under increasing pressure, this conversation is a timely reminder that good intentions are not enough. Fair systems, better support, greater transparency, and meaningful recognition are essential if the industry is serious about retaining and progressing diverse talent.
🎙️ Tune in to hear how we can close the recognition gap and build a more equitable PR and communications industry for ethnic minority women.
Why are ethnic minority women still being overlooked, under-supported, and left behind at work?
In the latest episode of Sparks by PRCA, hosted by Ishtar Schneider as part of the PRCA Equity & Inclusion Advisory Board (EIAB) series, we explore the recognition gap facing ethnic minority women across the workplace and the PR and communications industry.
Joining the conversation are Angela Balakrishnan, Vice President of Women in PR, and Whitney Simon, spokesperson for People Like Us. Together, they discuss The Recognition Gap, a new research partnership between Women in PR and People Like Us, which reveals the exclusion, discrimination, stalled progression, and mental load experienced by ethnic minority women, particularly outside London.
In this episode, we unpack:
• Why ethnic minority women are still being overlooked for ideas, recognition, stretch opportunities, promotion, and pay progression
• How workplace systems, unclear feedback, and “unspoken rules” can hold women of colour back
• The mental toll of code-switching, self-silencing, and being expected to represent an entire community
• Why ethnicity pay gap reporting and greater transparency are vital to creating fairer workplaces
• What genuine allyship looks like, from amplifying ideas to opening doors and sharing opportunities
• Practical tools and resources for organisations, allies, and ethnic minority women navigating the industry
With DEI commitments under increasing pressure, this conversation is a timely reminder that good intentions are not enough. Fair systems, better support, greater transparency, and meaningful recognition are essential if the industry is serious about retaining and progressing diverse talent.
🎙️ Tune in to hear how we can close the recognition gap and build a more equitable PR and communications industry for ethnic minority women.
