SEASON TWO: EPISODE ELEVEN
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If you’ve ever felt like you’re working harder than others but not getting the recognition—or compensation—you deserve, this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT? is for you. I had the privilege of sitting down with Zhou Fang, a brilliant journalist who’s experienced the complexities of being an immigrant navigating both privilege and discrimination across different cultures.
Zhou’s journey begins in China, where she grew up in a family of STEM professionals. She knew early on that her path would be different as she chose journalism instead. But it wasn’t until she moved to the U.S. that she started to see how her immigrant status, gender, and age were affecting how people perceived her—and how that perception limited her opportunities.
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was when Zhou talked about the myth of the American Dream. She thought that all she had to do was work hard, keep her head down, and success would follow. But as she entered the workforce, she began to realize how much harder it is for women, especially women of color, to succeed without the privilege of networks and connections. Zhou reflected on the first signs of bias she encountered: being told to “smile more” or that she was “bubbly” in her 30s—feedback that made no sense to her, especially given the expertise she had built in her field.
We also spent some time discussing the gender pay gap. With the data Zhou has, we unpacked why pay transparency matters. Without knowing what your coworkers are earning, it’s incredibly difficult to assess whether your pay is fair. Transparency isn’t just about opening up salaries—it’s about giving people the tools to understand their value and fight for real equity. Without it, we’re left guessing, digging through assumptions, and spending precious time fighting an invisible battle.
As women, especially women of color, we often find ourselves fighting on multiple fronts. Whether it's combating bias, navigating unequal pay, or dealing with the weight of cultural expectations, the road to equity can feel exhausting. But conversations like the one I had with Zhou are necessary because they remind us that change is possible, even if it’s slow. Understanding these dynamics is the first step toward creating a workplace where all women—no matter their background—are truly seen and valued.
I hope you’ll tune in to this episode and hear Zhou’s powerful story. The fight for equity is ongoing, but having these conversations is how we move the needle forward.
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OUR GUEST
Zhou Fang (she/tā/她) - Intersectional Group, LLC (COBID certified) - Founder, Intersectionality Practitioner, Leadership Consultant
Zhou Fang is the founder and principal consultant of Intersectional Group LLC, a leadership, people and culture practice with a focus on intersectionality, empathy, compassion, intentionality, as well as curiosity. Zhou is also an Intersectionality Practitioner (IG: @intersectionalliving). She works with folks who are willing, excited, and ready, to learn about and practice intersectionality, intentionality, restoration, and healing.
Zhou is a passionate advocate for pay transparency and equity, mental wellbeing, immigration reform, and climate justice, as well as a committed ally for the LGBTQ+ and Indigenous communities. Currently, Zhou serves on the board of Portland HR Management Association, as well as a thoughtleader for the Policy Committee at Women’s Foundation of Oregon. She is also the producer and host of The Intersection, a podcast program about intersectionality, identity, leadership, and personal journey.
Outside of work, Zhou is a proud dog and plant parent and a comedy and horror movie enthusiast. She appreciates good food and loves to travel.
Zhou can be reached at zhou@intersectional.group. You can connect with her on LinkedIn as well.
RESOURCES
LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS BY STATE
NCSL Directory: The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) maintains a comprehensive directory of state legislative websites, which you can access through their website.
If you live in OREGON
See what is happening in the current legislative session check out OLIS aka Oregon Legislative Information System
“Equal Rights for All” is an Oregon ballot measure campaign that will affirm the right to abortion, contraception and IVF, transgender healthcare, and same-gender marriage in the Oregon Constitution regardless of what policies or decisions are made on a national level. The Equal Rights for All Measure will be on the November 2026 ballot.
Across the country, we’ve seen that specifically protecting our rights in state constitutions is a powerful line of defense against extremist politicians who want to attack our basic rights and freedoms. We must act now to ensure these constitutional rights for all Oregonians.”
Click here to find our more about the Equal Rights For All Oregon Campaign mentioned in this episode.
GUEST: Zhou Fang | IG: @ZhouFang | LINKEDIN: Zhou Fang | YOUTUBE: Intersectional Group
Host: Dawne Hanks | IG: @dawnehanks & @eliminate_girl_hate & @wait.holdup.what
Sound Editing & Mixing: Epiphany Recording Studio | IG: @epiphany_recording_studio
