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.
Stories
While hard data is critical to advancing the cause of workplace fairness, we also believe in the power of true anecdotal stories as a way of putting ourselves in the shoes of others and building empathy.
We've collected stories from hundreds of people who have experienced workplace unfairness, who have overcome obstacles in their lifetimes, and who have been inspired to improve the lives of others. In some cases, stories are either anonymous or names are fictitious, but every story reflects real scenarios that are happening everyday in your workplaces and communities. In each category below are illustrative examples of the stories we've collected. New stories are updated regularly, so check back often and we encourage you and your colleagues to submit your own!
As you read through the experiences shared in this story bank, think about how your own biases may be getting in the way of giving others a fair chance and ways your organization might encourage empathy-building through story sharing.
Themes
Stories of professionals and managers who have experienced unfairness in the workplace.
Inspiring stories about how far people have come in facing and overcoming adversity in their lives.
Stories of unfair layoffs and treatment specifically during the economic downturn.
Stories of corporate execs, managers, and employees who had an “aha” moment or experience that triggered their understanding of diversity issues or any positive experience that has changed your workplace for the better.