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.
Health Care
I had a "last straw" moment in October 2006 when I was in a management council meeting with 30+ of my peers and subordinates.
Since my departure for that one week, I have had many positive interactions with my staff, peers and my boss, the CEO.
I would have preferred that the CEO had sought my clarification before passing judgment on something she didn't understand.
Always go the extra mile. You must be assertive, articulate, professional and confident. Maintain your self-respect; once you lose that you lose everything! Model the behavior that you would like to receive.
In my situation, the CEO is female. I can't imagine that a male would have handled this situation the same way, either on the front end and definitely not the follow-up discussion.
In 2005, a corporate executive spotted another executive coming towards him in the hallway. Both of the executives were white males, over the age of 50.
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.
If you believe that the human race evolved through a series of scientific coincidences or that we evolved from apes, you may experience a tremendous challenge managing your own expectations in life or in Corporate America because you won't be able to call on God or to use the power of prayer to help you through the rough times.
Tanya Williams
