WCC Symposium: Rethinking Affordability

Economic Justice, Work, and the Future of Opportunity

Details

Symposium: Rethinking Affordability

New York City’s workforce is increasingly unable to afford the city it sustains. For women and gender-expansive New Yorkers, economic pressure is cumulative—housing, transportation, caregiving, healthcare, and debt compound over time, while wages, benefits, and workplace protections lag behind the true cost of living.

When: May 7, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: LeFrak Theatre at Barnard College, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

Hosted by Women Creating Change (WCC) in conjunction with Women.NYC and with the support of JPMorganChase and Barnard, this symposium is part of WCC’s 2026 issue-specific convening series, which provides deeper, focused exploration of the critical challenges surfaced at the State of NYC Women Conference, advancing cross-sector solutions rooted in research, lived experience, and action.

Symposium

Why should you attend?

This symposium reframes the conversation from affordability to economic mobility. It examines why full-time work no longer guarantees stability, who is being pushed out of New York City, and how current economic systems continue to undervalue care work, frontline labor, and human services—sectors dominated by women and immigrants.

Attendees will gain:

A clear framework for understanding the cost of working and living in NYC
Insight into how wages, benefits, caregiving, and housing intersect to shape economic security
Policy and systems-level solutions to stabilize and retain New York City’s workforce
A forward-looking lens on AI, automation, and equitable reskilling pathways
Strategies to expand access to entrepreneurship, capital, and business support for women
Cross-sector connections shaping the future of economic opportunity in NYC

Who should attend?

This symposium is designed for a diverse range of participants, including policymakers and government officials, workforce development and labor leaders, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and funders. It also welcomes advocates and organizers, researchers and academics, as well as leaders from nonprofit, human services, and community-based organizations. In addition, the event invites NYC residents and community members who are interested in engaging with these issues.

Participant Experience & Benefits

AI, automation, and shifting labor models are reshaping opportunity and determining who risks being left behind. This convening will explore equitable reskilling pathways, workforce transitions, and entrepreneurship as routes to economic mobility, with a focus on access to capital, business support, and inclusive growth. Grounded in Women Creating Change’s research on pay equity, occupational segregation, and economic security, the event emphasizes women’s economic stability as essential infrastructure for a thriving city and challenges policymakers, employers, and institutions to build an economy where New Yorkers can live and work locally.

What You’ll Leave With

A deeper understanding of how economic insecurity compounds over time
Practical insights into policy, workforce, and funding solutions
A clearer picture of entrepreneurship as a tool for economic mobility and community wealth
Connections across labor, policy, business, and advocacy sectors
A shared framework for building an economy where New Yorkers can thrive—not just survive

Event Testimonials

Read testimonials from past attendees.

'WCC produced a catalytic conference that provided powerful information, deepened awareness, inspired leaders, and served as a turning point for accelerated civic engagement.'

Dayvonne Anderson

Grace Outreach Oct. 2025

'Hearing from so many powerful women gave me hope and confidence that there is space for me to lead and thrive.'

Nadrata

Student Oct. 2025

'I was honored to attend the Women Creating Change Conference […] From the warm welcome to the power speakers, every moment inspired me […] reminding me that leaving my home was not a mistake but the beginning of a beautiful new journey.'

Sylvia Cazaubon-Gariel

Grace Institute Oct. 2025

'Attending WCC's event was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that women bring […] I walked away deeply inspired, more connected and empowered to embrace my passion and serve my community as an Afro-Latina agent of change.'

Jisbel Barada

Phipps Neighborhoods Oct. 2025

'We are here today because there are women who refused to whisper, made a choice to lead, act, and claim equity as a birthright.'

Carmen De La Rosa

New York City Council Member Oct. 2025

'Advocacy begins with recognizing your own needs and believing they matter.'

Jessica Huang

Youth Advocate Oct. 2025

'Nobody in New York State should be discriminated against because of who they are… including the full scope of pregnancy experience, abortion care, pregnancy care, maternal health, LGBTQ people , people with disabilities, and older adults.'

Sasha Ahuja

Civitas Public Affairs Oct. 2025

'I’m grateful to have attended the State of NYC Women's Conference. The conversations, connections, and energy reminded me of the strength and resilience of women leaders everywhere.'

Katia Lafond

Grace Outreach Oct. 2025

'From start to finish, the event was thoughtfully curated — from the inspiring guest speakers to the seamless coordination of every detail. What stood out most were the amazing women in the room — from entry-level professionals to executive leaders.'

Jennifer Cabrera

Pierre Cabrera Services Oct. 2025

'This conference was absolutely amazing! To be in the presence of so many strong and intelligent women felt so powerful, especially in this moment of crisis for NYC. The energy was electric all day!'

Emma Kossoy

University Settlement Oct. 2025

'I was both enlightened by the information shared in each panel and in awe of the many leaders I heard from and the incredible work they’re doing across NYC. I was moved to hear from all the women of color and see them celebrated for their work.'

Brandi Thomas

Drive Change Oct. 2025

'All of the panel discussions awakened a charge in me that I will carry through every aspect of my life. Most pressing were the messages from The Cost of Survival panel, which emphasized the urgent need to fight for economic security.'

Paige Adams

Independent/No organization Oct. 2025

Event Partners

Co-hosted with Women.NYC and supported by JPMorganChase and Barnard.

Our partners are committed to advancing equitable economic opportunity and workforce stability for women and gender-expansive New Yorkers. Their support makes possible cross-sector dialogue, research-informed solutions, and meaningful collaboration around workforce transitions, economic security, and community wealth. Together, we're working to shape an economy where all New Yorkers can achieve economic mobility.

FAQ

Let us answer any questions you may have!

If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to reach out to [email protected]

When & Where

When: May 7, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: LeFrak Theatre at Barnard College, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

When does registration close?

Registration closes on May 4, 2026.

What key takeaways can I expect?

A deeper understanding of how economic insecurity compounds over time
Practical insights into policy, workforce, and funding solutions
A clearer picture of entrepreneurship as a tool for economic mobility and community wealth
Connections across labor, policy, business, and advocacy sectors
A shared framework for building an economy where New Yorkers can thrive—not just survive

How much does it cost to attend?

With support from JPMorganChase, we’re pleased to make this symposium accessible at no cost.