“I was glad my co-workers were able to attend We Work for Change to experience why I think United WE is such a good investment,” said Rachel Hack Merlo, Head of Government and Community Affairs – Central Region at Google Fiber. “And to hear Mara Liasson, who’s such an accomplished journalist, echo back United WE’s research really says a lot about the work being done by the organization.”
You likely have met or seen Rachel Hack Merlo in the Kansas City community as she has worked with countless organizations across Kansas City and in other markets in her 12 years at Google Fiber. They have focused on expanding digital equity through increased internet access, access to reliable devices, and access to meaningful training opportunities.
“I have witnessed firsthand women starting businesses online and completing online education programs,” said Hack Merlo. “Google Fiber is also a workplace that encourages women advancing in leadership and career approaches.”
“As a Latina professional, I believe United WE presents opportunities for engagement with key influencers representing different facets of economic and civic investment. I hope to use my engagement to make sure our voice is heard in the many efforts of United WE.”
After following our work for a few years, Hack Merlo personally became a United WE Trailblazer because she was fired up about the growing scarceness women in Kansas and Missouri are experiencing when it comes to access of the most valued rights like pay equity, voting, healthcare, paid family leave and childcare.
“United WE cares about issues I care about,” said Hack Merlo. “The world can leave us feeling overwhelmed and powerless at times. United WE presents an effective model to direct my energy and resources, plus meet other women who feel just as strongly about taking action.”
She said that United WE has the head and heart to get things done so it’s easy to support so that together we can see progress.
As a mom to two young boys, she appreciates that United WE recognizes and stresses the importance of men as allies in helping to overcome barriers women face. “I am raising my boys to value kindness and respect toward all people, and to prioritize taking action when they are in a position to do so, and it matters to me that they know women are equal partners in economic and civic leadership.”
And make no mistake, it will take all of us –women, men, corporations, organizations, government officials –to transform gender equity and create necessary change. It’s time to get to work.
Please consider supporting the work of United WE. Along with support from great corporations like Google Fiber, we also need contributions of support from individuals to ensure we can continue to advance gender equity.