Latina Equal Pay Day
At Integral, we know the power of stories — and the power of those telling them. Latina Equal Pay Day, recognized on October 3rd, hits home for us, as our founder and CEO, Yeliza Centeio, is not only a Latina woman in the marketing and advertising industry, but a leader breaking boundaries in a space where the pay gap remains far too wide.
In the U.S, Latina women are paid just 57 cents for every dollar earned by a white, non-Hispanic man. This means that in 2024, Latinas have to work nearly 23 months to earn what their white male counterparts made in just 12 months. While the overall gap is concerning, it’s even more significant when we look specifically at industries like marketing and advertising.
The marketing and advertising industry has long been celebrated for its creativity and innovation, but when it comes to equity, there’s still much work to be done. Research shows that while 60% of marketers are women, Latinas often remain underrepresented in leadership roles such as C-suite and vice president positions, which make up less than 10% of senior roles. Latinas are also frequently paid less than their peers, contributing to their overall wage gap across industries.
In fact, Latinas in marketing and advertising likely experience a pay gap comparable to the national average, if not worse. According to industry reports, the average salary for a marketer is around $128,000, but it’s safe to assume that many Latina professionals earn significantly less. This disparity isn’t just about salary, it’s about career growth, access to leadership opportunities, and equitable recognition for their contributions.
The wage gap for Latinas has far-reaching effects, not just for individuals but for businesses and the industry as a whole. A lack of pay equity can result in reduced job satisfaction, lower retention rates, and a lack of diverse voices in leadership positions, which stifles creativity and innovation. The marketing and advertising industries thrive on diverse perspectives, and the wage gap is a barrier to unleashing the full potential of Latina talent.
Moreover, Latina Equal Pay Day is a reminder that the struggle for pay equity is not just a women’s issue – it’s an industry issue. Yeliza Centeio, as a Latina leader, understands firsthand how crucial it is for companies like Integral to not only acknowledge this gap but actively work to close it.
At Integral, we believe the stories we tell reflect the values we uphold. Ensuring fair pay for Latinas in marketing and advertising is about more than compensation… it’s about creating an inclusive, representative industry that thrives on diverse ideas and voices. Research shows that companies with diverse leadership teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers in profitability.
When Latina voices are heard and compensated fairly, the entire industry benefits. These professionals bring unique cultural perspectives and innovative approaches that resonate deeply with consumers, especially in an era where multicultural marketing is essential for success.
Latina Equal Pay Day isn’t just a day for awareness – it’s a call to action! As a company, Integral is committed to fostering an environment where Latina professionals, and all underrepresented groups, have equal opportunities to thrive.
Here are a few steps we believe the industry can take to move the needle on pay equity:
- Salary Transparency: By being transparent about compensation at all levels, companies can ensure that pay gaps are addressed and corrected. Data-driven approaches to analyzing pay discrepancies can help make this a reality.
- Leadership Development Programs: Creating opportunities for Latinas to advance into leadership roles is essential. This includes mentoring programs, sponsorship, and ensuring that Latina voices are included in decision-making processes.
- Support for Diverse Talent: Organizations must actively recruit, retain, and promote Latina talent. This not only benefits individual employees but also drives innovation and business success.
- Advocating for Change: Companies in the marketing and advertising space should advocate for policy changes at a national level, such as pushing for stronger pay equity laws and supporting initiatives that address systemic discrimination.
“As a Latina in marketing and advertising, I know firsthand the challenges we face in this industry. Latina Equal Pay Day reminds us how much further we have to go, but it also highlights our resilience. At Integral, we are committed to empowering Latinas not just through fair pay but through leadership opportunities and a culture of inclusion. Our success as an industry depends on it.” – Yeliza Centeio, Founder & CEO of Integral Marketing & Advertising and Founding Board Member, Vice President of Mujeres in Marketing
Latina Equal Pay Day serves as a stark reminder of the inequities that exist in our industry, but it also offers an opportunity to create meaningful change. By recognizing the wage gap and taking steps to close it, we can build a marketing and advertising industry that reflects the diversity of the world we live in… and one that compensates talent fairly.
As we reflect on Latina Equal Pay Day, let’s commit to making our industry more inclusive, equitable, and innovative.
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