This episode unpacks the hidden costs of dismantling the systems that once supported Black women’s economic advancement. Inspired by Aretha Duncan’s powerful insights, we examine the devastating impact of federal downsizing and the rollback of DEI initiatives, revealing how these shifts have led to a mass exodus of Black women from the workforce and a $37.2 billion loss to the U.S. economy. Yet, amidst these challenges, we spotlight the resilience and leadership of Black women who are reshaping cities and policy agendas. Tune in for a candid conversation about why rebuilding opportunity isn’t just about individual resilience—it’s about restoring the structures that allow Black women to thrive, and what each of us can do to close the opportunity gap now.