Working Girl
In a world on fire, Working Girl brings you the stories of women who refuse to look away — and choose to do the work.
Hosted by activist Rachel Mpala, this podcast spotlights women working in the trenches of social justice and nonprofit sectors: from fighting gun violence and homelessness to defending abortion access, dismantling racism, and navigating America’s broken systems.
Each week, we go beyond headlines and job titles to ask: What does it really take to stay in the fight for justice — without burning out How do these women protect their joy while doing some of the hardest work in America? And how can you support them?
Expect raw conversations, practical insights, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a woman working at the intersection of purpose, pain, and power.
This isn’t corporate career advice anymore.
It’s a reckoning — and a rally cry.
Topics include: women in nonprofits, activism, burnout, social justice, gender equity, homelessness, gun violence, reproductive rights, healthcare, racism, prison reform, immigration, human rights, education, xenophobia, trans rights, veterans, feminism, progressive leadership
Episodes
21 episodes
Choosing Rest: What Season 2 Taught Me
When I started Season 2 of Working Girl, I planned to release ten episodes.Instead, I'm ending the season after six.In this special solo episode, I'm sharing why.Over the past sever...
The Reality of Abortion Access in Texas with Anna Rupani
When people talk about abortion access, the conversation usually focuses on laws, politics, and court decisions.But what happens when someone actually needs care?In this season finale of Working Girl, Rachel ...
How Moms Demand Action Is Building a Safer Future with Angela Ferrell-Zabala
Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens in America. Yet for many people, the issue can feel overwhelming, political, or impossible to solve.This week on Working Girl, Rachel sits down with Angela Ferr...
Beyond the Record: Justice, Grace & Starting Over with Sheena Meade
This week on Working Girl, Rachel sits down with Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative, for a powerful conversation about second chances, systemic barr...
Music, Activism, and Rising Above with Gwen Levey
Award-winning musician, activist, and Rise Above Justice Movement co-founder Gwen Levey joins Working Girl for a deeply hone...
From Oil Town to Climate Justice with Ariana Akbari
What does climate justice actually look like when it’s happening in your own community?This week, I’m joined by Ariana Akbari, Executive Director of Climate Justice Texas, an ...
The Truth About Immigration in America with Attorney Angelica Jimenez
Immigration is one of the most talked about issues in the U.S. It is also one of the most misunderstood.In this episode, I sit down with immigration attorney Angelica Jimenez, Esq., Managing Attorney and Founder of th...
Housing Is a Human Right with Julia Orduña
Housing is more than a place to live. It’s a matter of dignity, safety, and survival.In this episode of Working Girl, I sit down with Julia Orduña, Southeast Texas Regional Director at Texas Housers, to unpack the rea...
Season 2 Trailer
Working Girl is a podcast about the women doing the work the world depends on and the realities they navigate while doing it.In this season, we shift beyond the traditional workplace to center the voices of women on the...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - Negotiating Your Worth with Keri-Lynne Shaw
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.Ready to become a stronger negoti...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - The Struggle for Respect and Validation in Beauty
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.We’ve talked about the experience...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - Reality for Women in Finance
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.In this episode, we welcome a gue...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - Embracing Femininity with Samantha Martin
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.What if embracing femininity coul...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - Standing Up for Yourself in Tech
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.When the glass ceiling feels more...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - When Women’s Work Isn’t Valued
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.Have you ever stood up in a meeti...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - Lessons from a Female Scientist
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.Join me as I speak with a remarka...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - The Power of Communication at Work with Adrianna Muñoz
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to focus on women on the front lines of social justice.In this week’s episode, I’m talki...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - The Ultimate Boys’ Club
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to be about women on the front lines of social justice.This week, I’m talki...
Season 1 (Gender Bias) - Overcoming Toxic Work Environments
This episode is part of our first season, which focused on gender bias in the corporate world. The show has since evolved to be about women on the front lines of social justice.In this episode, I t...
