#United States #New York City #Equal Pay #CULTURE+ Group #Liliana Gil

Lili Gil Awarded Champion of Change at United Nations

In recognition of her tireless advocacy for equal pay and economic inclusion for Latinas, Liliana "Lili" Gil, CEO and Co-Founder of Culture+ Group, received the prestigious Champion of Change Award at the United Nations Headquarters. The ceremony took place amid the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, highlighting the significant impact of the National Latina Equal Pay Campaign—celebrating its 10th anniversary.

A Decade of Advocacy

Lili Gil's journey began a decade ago when she first joined forces with Mónica Ramírez, a prominent civil rights attorney, to launch the National Latina Equal Pay Campaign alongside the Equal Pay Today! Coalition. Over the years, Gil has emerged as a key advocate, demonstrating exceptional leadership to confront the gender pay gap faced by Latinas. Her vision transformed equal pay from a mere symbolic observance into a measurable economic priority, pushing the agenda into corporate boardrooms and academic discussions.

Gil recalled, "From the very beginning, I wanted our movement to be more than just a hashtag. I aimed to make it a data-driven imperative, emphasizing that closing the pay gap for Latinas is not solely an issue of fairness—it's crucial for fueling economic growth. When Latinas thrive, families and communities prosper, and so does our economy."

Celebrating Leadership and Impact

Under her leadership, the Latina Equal Pay Day has evolved into a nationwide movement, mobilizing millions of women, allies, and corporate partners. Celebrities such as Eva Longoria and Salma Hayek have also joined in amplifying the campaign's mission, significantly raising its visibility and momentum across media platforms.

Gil’s influence reaches beyond activism; during her tenure at Harvard Kennedy School’s Women's Leadership Board, she presented valuable research showcasing Latina economic power. This research has informed corporate strategies and national policy conversations, promoting a deeper understanding of the economic contributions of Latinas while also identifying the systemic barriers they encounter.

To put the challenges faced by Latinas into perspective:

• - 54 cents on the dollar: Latinas earn just 54% of what white, non-Hispanic men earn, according to Equal Pay Today.
• - $30,000 annual loss: This pay gap translates to a staggering annual loss of nearly $30,000, amounting to over $1 million in earning potential over a 40-year career, as reported by the National Women’s Law Center in 2022.
• - $4.1 trillion GDP: The significant economic contribution of the U.S. Latino community reached $4.1 trillion in 2023, marking a vital growth segment within the U.S. economy, as detailed in the UCLA Cal Lutheran Report.
• - 6 times faster entrepreneurship: Latinas are launching businesses at a rate six times faster than the national average, generating over $650 billion in annual revenues and employing more than 870,000 individuals.

Continued Commitment Towards Equity

As the campaign celebrates this milestone, Lili Gil reminds everyone that the journey toward true equity isn't complete. "This recognition reinforces the notion that progress is achievable, and we must persist in our efforts. Together, we can transform data into action, ensuring that future generations of Latinas won't have to wait decades for equity," said Gil. The activists remain focused on converting Latina Equal Pay Day from a temporary acknowledgment to a sustainable reality that nurtures prosperity across families, businesses, and the entire nation.

About Culture+ Group

Culture+ Group operates as a pioneer in the marketing solutions sector, helping brands navigate the intricacies of diverse cultural markets. With extensive experience in Cultural Intelligence®, Culture+ Group offers a blend of business transformation, innovative strategies, and market-specific insights tailored to elevate brands. The organization emphasizes inclusion and innovation, positioning itself as a certified minority- and woman-owned business committed to addressing contemporary market challenges on a global scale.

With a vast network of partner agencies covering marketing, healthcare, and innovation consultancy, Culture+ Group stands ready to drive change and enhance business outcomes in alignment with cultural shifts and consumer demands.