Posted on 11/26/2003 9:24:45 AM PST by NativeNewYorker
Subtle things mark the experiences of many women of color in the corporate world.
An executive discovers she hasn't been invited for after-work drinks with other executives where key deals are discussed. A young MBA is passed over for an executive training program while others with fewer qualifications are promoted. A newcomer to the firm is continually asked, ``What are you?''
``A lot of us women of color have similar stories,'' said Gilda M. Morales, a former corporate accountant who is a program coordinator for public information services at the Center for American Women and Politics, a division of Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute of Politics in New Brunswick, N.J.
``There's always that time where you look around and say to yourself, 'What does it take to get ahead? Why does it seem like I'm on a different track than the men and white women in this company?'' said Morales, a Latina. ``It's a frustration I've found women of color deal with in corporations as well as in academia.''
Morales was among 600 women participating in a groundbreaking conference, ``Best Companies for Women of Color,'' held earlier this year in New York. For many attendees, it was their first time participating in a conference specifically for - and about - women of color.
``What stood out for me was the different issues and similar issues facing all of us,'' said Gloria D. McDonald, manager of diversity for Prudential Financial Services. McDonald is black. ``We had an opportunity to all highlight the positive things we all brought to the workplace.''
While their presence and success in their companies would seem to signal progress of diversity initiatives in the corporate world, most of the women agreed they faced daunting challenges: few or no sponsors or mentors, pay inequity and feeling isolated because there were few, if any, women of color near or at the top.
In addition, many women of color are confronted with instances in which others in their organizations make assumptions about them based on stereotypes associated with their cultural or ethnic identity.
``There is a ladder with different rungs,'' said Lesia Bates Moss, a senior vice president in the real estate finance group at Moody's Investors Service in New York. Moss is black. ``On those rungs, we are very well staggered, starting first and foremost with Caucasian men, who are running most corporations. Women of color are at the bottom of that ladder.''
Many speakers and participants said the attitudes and behaviors leading to that bottom placement are easy to miss - unless you're the one being left out.
``In general, European people consciously deny their negative feelings about people of color. They will not discriminate openly and directly,'' said Melba Vasquez, an Austin, Texas-based psychologist, who is a Latina. But, she said, many whites do still feel uncertain or uneasy around people of color. ``Because of those feelings, they will discriminate, often unintentionally, when their behavior can be justified on the basis of some factor other than race or ethnicity.
``When we're anxious and uneasy because we're uncomfortable around certain people, that comes through. One may not be conscious of it, but the receiver usually is.''
Given these types of challenges, speakers and participants agreed that the most important thing for women of color was to hold onto their identities.
``At the end of the day, you have to be yourself. You are what you are and all of you should feel terrific about where you are and who you are. You're all very successful,'' said Miriam Vializ-Briggs, vice president of marketing for grid computing at IBM, who is a Latina.
``You have to wake up every morning and feel you're great, that you have wonderful skills and experiences to bring to your organization.''
Naturally, there is no mention of the blacks at the head of Time-Warner, American Express, Merrill Lynch or the national security apparatus.
Umm, could it be because you think of yourself as a WOC first and a team member next ? Exactly what do you bring to the table Ms. Morales ? I mean besides the chip. Oh, and the democrat politics.
So, I am to understand that pink is not a color.
That's because nobody who is of the hue "pink" will be allowed or represented.
Melba, you're toast.
Since the "European people" have the problem I suggest you move to France and solve it. In the meantime, we who are genuine Americans and the "receivers" of your racism would like you to stop your discrimination policies.
Exactly.
An executive discovers she hasn't been invited for after-work drinks with other executives where key deals are discussed. A young MBA is passed over for an executive training program while others with fewer qualifications are promoted. A newcomer to the firm is continually asked, ``What are you?''
This might be true, if we were talking about fat people. Or "ugly" people. Or those without the right connections to the boss. Or who didn't go to the same school as their supervisor. Or the same frat. On and on and on. But due to race? Don't make me laugh.
Yep, you nailed it. They are racists.
it was their first time participating in a conference specifically for - and about - women of color.
No White Women Need Not Apply (WWNA)
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