In this edition of Faces in the Movement, a virtual series to highlight people impacting change, we caught up with Ashley Panelli and Mica Whitfield to learn about their work and advocacy with 9to5–a grassroots power-building organization fighting for economic justice for women and nonbinary people of color.. Our discussion has been edited for clarity. We have also used initials to describe individual answers.
What do you want women to know about 9to5?
MW: Our organization is an expression of a national movement for women and nonbinary people of color. We take an intersectional, multi-issue approach– advocating alongside Black and Brown women and nonbinary people on a host of issues ranging from housing, child care accessibility and affordability, gender justice, and workers’ rights. While many people connect us with the film and documentary about our work, 9to5 is a movement for women who want more and are demanding more for themselves, their communities and future generations.
We advocate for issues such as paid leave, child care, voting rights, and climate justice. We care about every issue that impacts the lives of women and nonbinary folks. This work can vary by community. For instance, in SouthwestGeorgia, we work on utility justice. In some parts of Southwest Georgia, the utility bills can be as high as rent. This places an added burden on women who are already struggling to make ends meet.