“What this comes down to is knowing your worth, right?” Lakisha has spent a career learning her worth in the workforce.  College was never really an option – her family did not expect it of her, her high school teachers and counselors did not encourage her, and the financial burden was simply too high. Instead Lakisha worked for years in factories and eventually, in search of a change, applied to administrative positions.  The work was new to her and, at first, she could only get temp jobs.  However, her attitude, customer service orientation, and work ethic prompted one attentive supervisor to bring her on full time.   “For me that was life changing. I actually had a full-time job where I had benefits. I had healthcare. I had a 401(k) and I was able to help my family out if they needed.” When a colleague departed and Lakisha took on extra responsibilities, she spoke up for herself. “I sent the headmaster a note, we set up a meeting and we met. I told him I was going to be doing two jobs and I feel like I should be compensated more for them”. To her surprise, the headmaster readily agreed. Lakisha attributes her confidence to knowing the value of her skillset and her work.