The care economy is at a breaking point, and Jenn Stowe, the executive director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), is leading the charge for reform. In this episode of Embracing Your Voice, Jenn shares her personal story, her vision for long-term care reform, and why we all need to join the fight for a better care system.

Why the Care Economy Needs a Transformation

The pandemic exposed the cracks in our care infrastructure, from skyrocketing childcare costs to a lack of support for long-term caregivers. Jenn highlights how these issues disproportionately affect women of color, immigrants, and low-income families. The solution isn’t just policy reform—it’s a cultural shift in how we value caregiving work.

Meet Jenn Stowe: From Art History to Advocacy

Jenn’s journey from an art history major to a leader in care economy advocacy is nothing short of inspiring. As the granddaughter of a domestic worker and a single mother, she understands firsthand the challenges caregivers face. Her career has taken her through Planned Parenthood, Priorities USA, and now NDWA, where she’s fighting for systemic change.

The Challenges Facing Domestic Workers

Domestic workers—nannies, house cleaners, and home care workers—are often excluded from basic labor protections. Jenn explains how this exclusion, rooted in systemic racism, has created a precarious workforce that struggles with low wages, lack of benefits, and limited job security.

Long-Term Care Reform: What’s at Stake?

America’s aging population and the rising cost of care have put unprecedented strain on families. Jenn discusses the need for federal policies that support paid family leave, affordable childcare, and comprehensive care options for the elderly and disabled. These reforms are essential for creating a sustainable and equitable care economy.

How You Can Join the Fight for a Better Care Economy

Jenn encourages listeners to become members of Care in Action, NDWA’s political arm, and to support organizations like Hand in Hand, which advocates for fair treatment of domestic workers. “We need to see ourselves as caregivers or future recipients of care,” Jenn says. “Together, we can create a system that works for everyone.”

Join the movement to transform the care economy. Sign up for the Care in Action newsletter and learn how you can advocate for domestic workers and long-term care reform.

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Visit: careinaction.us and follow Jenn’s work at NDWA.