Towson University hosted its second annual Equal Pay Symposium in April, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and advocates for a day of learning, dialogue and action centered on pay equity.

The symposium was created to raise awareness about the realities of pay inequity and its impact on individuals, families, workplaces and the broader economy. While conversations about compensation often happen behind closed doors, the Equal Pay Symposium was designed to create a space where participants could engage openly with experts, advocates and leaders working to advance equity across industries and communities.

Featuring a distinguished group of speakers, the symposium highlighted their professional experiences and personal insights to bring the topic to life. Attendees heard from Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, the first woman elected to serve in the role, whose leadership and public service career provided valuable perspective on economic opportunity and equity. Additional speakers included

  • Ashley Day Gibbs, founder and executive director, Women Leading Baltimore
  • MaryAnn Gorman, ERA NOW Maryland
  • Shymaine Davis, executive director, Langston Hughes Community, Business and Resource Center
  • Dr. Malika Grayson-Duncan, co-founder, Career Factory 360 and founder, STEMinist Empowered LLC

Throughout the event, speakers explored the challenges that contribute to pay inequities while highlighting opportunities for advocacy, leadership, and systemic change. Rather than focusing solely on statistics and policy discussions, presenters shared personal experiences and professional journeys that illustrated how pay inequity affects real people throughout their careers.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the symposium was the opportunity for attendees to connect directly with speakers and one another. Students, in particular, engaged deeply in the conversations and continued those discussions with presenters following the event. Several students remarked that the symposium exceeded their expectations and that they appreciated hearing candid stories about navigating workplace inequities, negotiating professional opportunities and building careers while advocating for change.

The conversations throughout the day reinforced a shared understanding among both participants and speakers: addressing pay inequity requires collaboration and community. Whether through education, policy, workplace practices, or community advocacy, meaningful progress depends on individuals and organizations working together toward common goals. Attendees consistently emphasized the value of creating spaces where these conversations can happen and where new relationships, partnerships, and initiatives can emerge.

The success of the symposium was made possible through collaboration across Towson University. The event was supported by the Career Center, the Center for Student Diversity, Inclusive Excellence Education & Support, the Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity, the College of Business & Economics, and BTU. Their partnership helped create an interdisciplinary experience that connected workforce readiness, economic empowerment, leadership development, and social impact.

Building awareness, leadership and advocacy

As the symposium continues to grow, there is strong interest in expanding future programming and increasing opportunities for engagement. The positive response from attendees, the connections formed between students and speakers, and the continued enthusiasm for advancing pay equity conversations demonstrate the need for safe spaces that bring together diverse perspectives and experiences in open, vulnerable ways.

The Equal Pay Symposium reflects Towson University’s commitment to preparing informed leaders, fostering inclusive excellence and engaging with issues that affect our communities and workplaces. While pay equity remains a complex challenge, events like this symposium help build the awareness, knowledge and networks necessary to move the conversation forward.

Planning is already underway for the 2027 Equal Pay Symposium, and we hope to continue expanding the symposium’s reach and impact in the years ahead!

For information about future Equal Pay Symposium events or to request resources related to pay equity and financial well-being, contact equalpay@towson.edu.