Vote on Desiree Davidson's Story
Were they afraid we were planning a coup d'etat?
I spent my first summer during Columbia Law School at a firm in Philadelphia described as one of the best places in the city for black lawyers. I believed that if there was any place where I would have an equal chance at opportunities, be treated fairly and succeed, this would be it. There were three black female summer associates out of sixty that year but any time all three of us were in an office talking, one of the partners would knock on the door to see how we were doing. It happened too often to be a coincidence that sometimes we would purposely agree to meet in so-and-so's office to test our theory that we were being monitored. Like clock work, ten minutes after we would get together a partner would stop by.
Discrimination
I was with a male coworker whom I got along great with and we were both doing well. We knew we were both about to receive a $10,000 bonus for doing such a great job with a huge project.
As an IT consultant, I am often on 9-12 month contracts. This means I search for a new position at least once a year.
This is my story of how I was excluded in a position that I truly deserved at my previous employer. I am a hard-working Hispanic and try to gain everyone's respect.
I am a Middle Eastern, younger woman and I was working for an internet marketing company that was run by 2 British Men.
Working in Corporate America as a Black, gay man with AIDS feels like fighting a war I can't see
I lost my corporate job while I was in the Hospital in 1995 being treated for AIDS. My Company was in a process of down-sizing, however I was informed that they were going to keep me.
I expected good performance and results to count at my new workplace, especially because we demanded similar principles in the firms we invested in.
My last encounter in corporate America-- the one that let me know without question that it was time for me to get out-- was when I was in charge of Quality Assurance (QA) for a software development company and they brought in a new QA Manager who knew nothing about QA.
In my job I often have to consult with or coach clients and employees on equal opportunity and affirmative action and the impact of violating federal laws that are in place to prevent discrimination.
In addition to my former boss's obvious mental problems, I believe that I was treated so terribly because of my young age.
I was overlooked for a VP position despite an excellent track record and better qualifications than the new male hire
As PR director for Schlumberger's $2 billion IT services division, I consistently collected substantial bonuses, and was given stock options, which the company only gives to top 5% achievers.
