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.
Personal Values/Life Purpose
It's difficult to assess what you're getting yourself into when you're applying for a job at any business, corporation, or law firm.
After my boss had a baby she had to set up an elaborate series of screens surrounding her desk so she could pump breast milk while she was on the phone.
My advice to others would be to bring your values to work. People can't be fully successful if they don't bring their full selves, including personalities, values and outside interests to work.
I was groomed to ascend to executive status in a fast track management program for an international financial institution.
