anonymous stories
of bias

Portrait of an east asian woman with half her face obscured by a piece of paper looking downward.

Serious portrait of young Sikh male in a turban with a beard and mustache looking at the camera.

Angled portrait of a young hooded asian man mouth ajar.

Sharply dressed bearded latino man with a quizzical expression looking into the camera.

Portrait of a black dark skinned woman with a link chain, mouth ajar, holding her fist to the corner of her left jaw.

Man sitting with part of his back toward the camera in a wheelchair, his hands on the steering wheels.

Asian woman leaning with her chin in her palm looking pensively toward the ground

Portrait of young latina female with a pleased expression, shoulder length hair and glancing to the side.

Young black man with a short afro looking into the camera.

Close up side portrait of an older pacific islander male with a serious expression.

A disabled person sitting in a wheelchair against a cracking stone wall.

Angled portrait of a smiling white plus-sized woman with glasses and hoop earrings.

Three quarter angle portrait of young latino man with a goatee

A young woman with dwarfism and long dark hair in a tank top, wit a heart tattoo on her shoulder beginning to smile.

Young hooded middle eastern man lost in thought with his thumb pressed against his chin.

Young white woman staring off into the distance as most of her face is cast in shadow.

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Portrait of a black dark skinned woman with a link chain, mouth ajar, holding her fist to the corner of her left jaw.

Portrait of a young white man with a baseball hat, chin resting between his thumb and index finger, looking into the camera.

White bespeckled man looking toward the ground as half his face is cast in shadow.

Portrait of a white woman looking straight through the camera.

Transgender man with a fitted hat pulling on his sweatshirt and looking off to the left.

Portrait of a young white man with a baseball hat, chin resting between his thumb and index finger, looking into the camera.

Asian man with glasses looking squarely into the camera with his arms definitely folded across his chest.

Front lower body view of white male with a prosthetic leg stand in front a weight lifting bar.

Transgender male with soft eyes craning his neck to the left.

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A senior male coworker frequently belittled me - specifically by repeatedly telling me how to do simple tasks that I'd shown proficiency at for years (and that frankly a child could learn). He turned to this tactic mainly when called out for his incomplete / incorrect work."

After the experience in

Technology

I eventually quit.

"A senior male coworker frequently belittled me - specifically by repeatedly telling me how to do simple tasks that I'd shown proficiency at for years (and that frankly a child could learn). He turned to this tactic mainly when called out for his incomplete / incorrect work."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My boss grabbed my breast at a holiday party and said 'Sorry! I just had to do it!' There was alcohol involved and they conveniently forgot that it happened. I confided in a coworker who told me I must be mistaken. The instinct was to protect the harasser instead of the harassed."

After the experience in

Technology

I told a co-worker.

"My boss grabbed my breast at a holiday party and said 'Sorry! I just had to do it!' There was alcohol involved and they conveniently forgot that it happened. I confided in a coworker who told me I must be mistaken. The instinct was to protect the harasser instead of the harassed."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"When I was 19, I worked at a residential facility for teens, mostly boys. A middle-aged, male colleague occasionally drove me home. During one ride, he said, You really should wear looser pants to work. I'm sure your body is distracting to the boys. Who knows what they'll do."

After the experience in

Healthcare

I kept it to myself.

"When I was 19, I worked at a residential facility for teens, mostly boys. A middle-aged, male colleague occasionally drove me home. During one ride, he said, You really should wear looser pants to work. I'm sure your body is distracting to the boys. Who knows what they'll do."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"I was telling my coworkers about the use of electronics equipment - that I have experience with from use in the past - and the manager said to one of the employees that he does not think I have used such equipment because how could I have afforded it being black."

After the experience in

Telecommunications

I kept quiet but gave the bare minimum.

"I was telling my coworkers about the use of electronics equipment - that I have experience with from use in the past - and the manager said to one of the employees that he does not think I have used such equipment because how could I have afforded it being black."

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"I was told I wasn’t “our type of candidate” for a job I had been doing for two years."

After the experience in

Education

I kept quiet but gave the bare minimum.

"I was told I wasn’t “our type of candidate” for a job I had been doing for two years."

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"Instead of confronting me or my manager with direct feedback, my coworker waited to provide negative feedback in my review. Why can't people be upfront and communicate throughout the day/week/month/year? "

After the experience in

Advertising

I told a supervisor.

"Instead of confronting me or my manager with direct feedback, my coworker waited to provide negative feedback in my review. Why can't people be upfront and communicate throughout the day/week/month/year? "

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I received a back handed compliment from my white female supervisor that I'm not passive aggressive like other Asians."

After the experience in

Advertising

I kept it to myself.

"I received a back handed compliment from my white female supervisor that I'm not passive aggressive like other Asians."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My ideas were only heard and validated when a white man repeated them."

After the experience in

Finance

I kept quiet but gave the bare minimum.

"My ideas were only heard and validated when a white man repeated them."

Cisgender Woman

Physically Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

My joints were swollen and incredibly painful due to my autoimmune disease. I had an important session so I pushed myself to get to work. When I explained this to my supervisor her response was “you don’t look sick.”

After the experience in

Healthcare

I kept it to myself.

My joints were swollen and incredibly painful due to my autoimmune disease. I had an important session so I pushed myself to get to work. When I explained this to my supervisor her response was “you don’t look sick.”

Physically Disabled

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My colleagues tell me that I don't have any commitments at home and therefore have the ability to stay late at work. It hurts because I didn't choose not to have children - it's how life turned out for me."

After the experience in

Biotech

I kept it to myself.

"My colleagues tell me that I don't have any commitments at home and therefore have the ability to stay late at work. It hurts because I didn't choose not to have children - it's how life turned out for me."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Latinx

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

Upon receiving a counter offer from my company after tendering my resignation — my supervisor noted to me during the salary negotiations to remain at the firm “aren’t you retiring soon anyways?”

After the experience in

Technology

I kept it to myself.

Upon receiving a counter offer from my company after tendering my resignation — my supervisor noted to me during the salary negotiations to remain at the firm “aren’t you retiring soon anyways?”

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"During a salary negotiation for an offer I was going to accept the recruiter tells me I'm 'greedy' for not taking a salary that is less than what I made at the time."

After the experience in

Technology

I kept it to myself.

"During a salary negotiation for an offer I was going to accept the recruiter tells me I'm 'greedy' for not taking a salary that is less than what I made at the time."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A White service rep boldly applied a Black stereotype when he asked 'Oh you grew up with your father in your home?' Then he delivered a backhanded compliment by saying 'And you’re doing so well! Your parents must be so proud' as if it came as a surprise to him."

After the experience in

Healthcare

I kept it to myself.

"A White service rep boldly applied a Black stereotype when he asked 'Oh you grew up with your father in your home?' Then he delivered a backhanded compliment by saying 'And you’re doing so well! Your parents must be so proud' as if it came as a surprise to him."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Mixed Race

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"I was asked by executives to specifically remove people of my skin color and cultural heritage from company marketing materials."

After the experience in

Technology

I kept it to myself.

"I was asked by executives to specifically remove people of my skin color and cultural heritage from company marketing materials."

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"I was told that someone had made a comment about being the hood kid from Compton."

After the experience in

I told a co-worker.

"I was told that someone had made a comment about being the hood kid from Compton."

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My ideas were only heard and validated when a white man repeated them."

After the experience in

Finance

I kept quiet but gave the bare minimum.

"My ideas were only heard and validated when a white man repeated them."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"During a salary negotiation for an offer I was going to accept the recruiter tells me I'm 'greedy' for not taking a salary that is less than what I made at the time. But then offered a white male friend of mine a higher salary for a role I would have been supervising."

After the experience in

Technology

I kept it to myself.

"During a salary negotiation for an offer I was going to accept the recruiter tells me I'm 'greedy' for not taking a salary that is less than what I made at the time. But then offered a white male friend of mine a higher salary for a role I would have been supervising."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"When in meetings when I — or any other woman in leadership —disagreed with anything or it was thought that we might — the head of the company would tell our staff that "the claws were coming out". It helped to foster a hostile environment."

After the experience in

Advertising

I told a supervisor.

"When in meetings when I — or any other woman in leadership —disagreed with anything or it was thought that we might — the head of the company would tell our staff that "the claws were coming out". It helped to foster a hostile environment."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"When you use the expression “that’s gay” to describe a negative situation — experience or thing — because I identify as gay and therefore you were saying I am less than or you see me in a negative."

After the experience in

Trucking

I told a co-worker.

"When you use the expression “that’s gay” to describe a negative situation — experience or thing — because I identify as gay and therefore you were saying I am less than or you see me in a negative."

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"It's target is patients of color. I've seen unnecessary interventions carried out for training purposes. Assumptions being made based on stereotypes which easily leads to substandard care and I see how demanding patients are either tolerated or dismissed based on skin color."

After the experience in

Healthcare

I told a co-worker.

"It's target is patients of color. I've seen unnecessary interventions carried out for training purposes. Assumptions being made based on stereotypes which easily leads to substandard care and I see how demanding patients are either tolerated or dismissed based on skin color."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"You tell me that my direct, honest communication style works great for the global account that I lead. But then you tell me that I need to change it for American audiences."

After the experience in

Advertising

I told a co-worker.

"You tell me that my direct, honest communication style works great for the global account that I lead. But then you tell me that I need to change it for American audiences."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"I ran a significant and profitable business unit as an out gay man and despite acting as a VP - the company always passed me over for a VP title. Later it asked me to be the executive leader for the Pride group despite me not being an executive due to the 100% promotion refusal."

After the experience in

Advertising

I eventually quit.

"I ran a significant and profitable business unit as an out gay man and despite acting as a VP - the company always passed me over for a VP title. Later it asked me to be the executive leader for the Pride group despite me not being an executive due to the 100% promotion refusal."

Non-Disabled

Middle Eastern

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"You pulled me to the side to tell me that my curly hair did not fit my title at work as a banker."

After the experience in

Finance

I told a co-worker.

"You pulled me to the side to tell me that my curly hair did not fit my title at work as a banker."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"My Superiors regularly put me in work having to with African American Affairs not because they thought I was the right fit or because they felt I was well prepared but because I was black. Whats worse is that they looked to have me confirm their biases about black people."

After the experience in

Nonprofit

I kept it to myself.

"My Superiors regularly put me in work having to with African American Affairs not because they thought I was the right fit or because they felt I was well prepared but because I was black. Whats worse is that they looked to have me confirm their biases about black people."

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I told my boss that I had to take short term disability to recover from surgery. On my last day in the office as we were reviewing my handoff document for coverage he said, "You don't even look sick." And he wondered why I didn't feel like I could confide in him."

After the experience in

Advertising

I eventually quit.

"I told my boss that I had to take short term disability to recover from surgery. On my last day in the office as we were reviewing my handoff document for coverage he said, "You don't even look sick." And he wondered why I didn't feel like I could confide in him."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I was about to pitch a project about soccer to a client. I have been a huge athlete my whole life, and was so excited. I created the work, but was not allowed to present my own work to the client, because I was told by my account manager they didn't want any gringas in the meeting."

After the experience in

Advertising

I told a supervisor.

"I was about to pitch a project about soccer to a client. I have been a huge athlete my whole life, and was so excited. I created the work, but was not allowed to present my own work to the client, because I was told by my account manager they didn't want any gringas in the meeting."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"As a new employee in group of 3 white women, my supervisor, who was also a white woman said, 'your hair looks like it says pull me'."

After the experience in

Law Enforcement

I told a co-worker.

"As a new employee in group of 3 white women, my supervisor, who was also a white woman said, 'your hair looks like it says pull me'."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I overheard that my pending promotion was being delayed because there was doubt about my ability to present in front of our Board of Directors - a group comprised primarily of white older men."

After the experience in

Education

I kept quiet but gave the bare minimum.

"I overheard that my pending promotion was being delayed because there was doubt about my ability to present in front of our Board of Directors - a group comprised primarily of white older men."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My manager told me that he didn't understand why I would want a pay raise because my husband worked."

After the experience in

Consumer Goods

I kept it to myself.

"My manager told me that he didn't understand why I would want a pay raise because my husband worked."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Middle Eastern

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A coworker made it a point to state that I "have an accent" even though I speak English fluently and it's one of 3 languages I speak. This coworker even admitted that I write better than anyone else on the team."

After the experience in

Technology

I kept it to myself.

"A coworker made it a point to state that I "have an accent" even though I speak English fluently and it's one of 3 languages I speak. This coworker even admitted that I write better than anyone else on the team."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"As a professional photographer for twenty years, on photo-shoots, editors and clients walk right past me “looking for the photographer”. They assume because I am a woman, I'm the makeup artist. "

After the experience in

Advertising

I kept it to myself.

"As a professional photographer for twenty years, on photo-shoots, editors and clients walk right past me “looking for the photographer”. They assume because I am a woman, I'm the makeup artist. "

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I was told by my supervisor that I was too aggressive and too strong in expressing my opinion."

After the experience in

Healthcare

I kept it to myself.

"I was told by my supervisor that I was too aggressive and too strong in expressing my opinion."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"When leadership would call me a creative director but refused to give me the title and compensation that goes with it — all the while formally promoting my male counterparts."

After the experience in

Advertising

I eventually quit.

"When leadership would call me a creative director but refused to give me the title and compensation that goes with it — all the while formally promoting my male counterparts."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Latinx

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I use my nickname on my resume which makes it hard to infer my gender. Recruiters would be noticeable disappointed when they would realize I was a woman and their tone would change. When recruiters reacted like that I know I wouldn't get a second call."

After the experience in

Engineering

I kept it to myself.

"I use my nickname on my resume which makes it hard to infer my gender. Recruiters would be noticeable disappointed when they would realize I was a woman and their tone would change. When recruiters reacted like that I know I wouldn't get a second call."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Asian

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"Every time we have a pitch meeting where there is an Asian person in their side - I get pulled into the meeting as if me being Chinese American would create an instant connection with the other Asian person regardless of nationality or cultural background."

After the experience in

Marketing

I kept it to myself.

"Every time we have a pitch meeting where there is an Asian person in their side - I get pulled into the meeting as if me being Chinese American would create an instant connection with the other Asian person regardless of nationality or cultural background."

Non-Disabled

Mixed Race

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"An executive tried to block the hiring of an extremely qualified candidate because they had a masters degree from a "sh\*thole country."

After the experience in

Consulting

I told a supervisor.

"An executive tried to block the hiring of an extremely qualified candidate because they had a masters degree from a "sh\*thole country."

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"In response to what I described as multiple incidents of belligerent and micro-aggressive behavior - a member of senior mgmt explained the employee's behavior as maybe being the result of 'personality' differences. The comment felt marginalizing, paternalistic, and insulting."

After the experience in

Technology

I told a supervisor.

"In response to what I described as multiple incidents of belligerent and micro-aggressive behavior - a member of senior mgmt explained the employee's behavior as maybe being the result of 'personality' differences. The comment felt marginalizing, paternalistic, and insulting."

Non-Disabled

Latinx

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"Three leaders created a disreputable narrative about my communication skills. A less experienced peer played into their narrative and was promoted over me. I never had communication issues in seven years, and it seemed to only come up when I was getting close to a promotion."

After the experience in

Media

I eventually quit.

"Three leaders created a disreputable narrative about my communication skills. A less experienced peer played into their narrative and was promoted over me. I never had communication issues in seven years, and it seemed to only come up when I was getting close to a promotion."

Physically Disabled

White

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"When I was job hunting several organizations rejected me once they heard my stuttering during the interview process. They made a choice to focus on that single negative rather than the many positive things I would have brought to the organization."

After the experience in

Technology

I kept it to myself.

"When I was job hunting several organizations rejected me once they heard my stuttering during the interview process. They made a choice to focus on that single negative rather than the many positive things I would have brought to the organization."

Physically Disabled

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"while I was on maternity leave, my company told me I was no longer needed, but I should be happy about that since I could be a stay-at-home mom. "

After the experience in

Retail

I went to HR.

"while I was on maternity leave, my company told me I was no longer needed, but I should be happy about that since I could be a stay-at-home mom. "

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Southeast Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"You chose to not put me on a sports brand because of my gender despite the knowledge of my athletic background and my past career experience working on a major sporting event."

After the experience in

Advertising

I kept it to myself.

"You chose to not put me on a sports brand because of my gender despite the knowledge of my athletic background and my past career experience working on a major sporting event."

Southeast Asian

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"It hurt when you touched my hair."

After the experience in

Advertising

I kept it to myself.

"It hurt when you touched my hair."

Cisgender Woman

Mentally Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"When I was about to make an offer to a new hire the CEO of my company pulled me aside to give me some advice. He wanted me to know that women don't negotiate and I should offer a lower number to her. I was stunned as I am a woman and he hired me."

After the experience in

Technology

I eventually quit.

"When I was about to make an offer to a new hire the CEO of my company pulled me aside to give me some advice. He wanted me to know that women don't negotiate and I should offer a lower number to her. I was stunned as I am a woman and he hired me."

Mentally Disabled

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

South Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

Post my 30th birthday party I returned to work the coming Monday with the same hair-do. A creative director interrupted me in the meeting and said "You look like a million bucks. You could easily work for — what is that Arab Middle-eastern news channel? Ahh — Al Jazeera".

After the experience in

Marketing

I went to HR.

Post my 30th birthday party I returned to work the coming Monday with the same hair-do. A creative director interrupted me in the meeting and said "You look like a million bucks. You could easily work for — what is that Arab Middle-eastern news channel? Ahh — Al Jazeera".

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Latinx

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A supervisor reprimanded me for not stating something to a client in a gentler and softer way which was expected since I am a woman. I had to inform a client in a professional yet firm way that something they wished to be done could not be done."

After the experience in

Real Estate

I kept it to myself.

"A supervisor reprimanded me for not stating something to a client in a gentler and softer way which was expected since I am a woman. I had to inform a client in a professional yet firm way that something they wished to be done could not be done."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My manager told me that he didn't understand why I would want a pay raise (to bring me in line with my performance and experience) because my husband worked...so why would I need more money? "

After the experience in

Consumer Goods

I kept it to myself.

"My manager told me that he didn't understand why I would want a pay raise (to bring me in line with my performance and experience) because my husband worked...so why would I need more money? "

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"Leadership would call me a Creative Director but refused to give me the title and compensation that goes with it."

After the experience in

Advertising

I eventually quit.

"Leadership would call me a Creative Director but refused to give me the title and compensation that goes with it."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I'm judged for a role based on years experience. What about quality of experience or depth of experience? Can you guarantee that 'years' of experience leads to better hires? No."

After the experience in

Education

I kept it to myself.

"I'm judged for a role based on years experience. What about quality of experience or depth of experience? Can you guarantee that 'years' of experience leads to better hires? No."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A black vice president told me that in order for black leadership to help and support me, I had to impress them first."

After the experience in

Healthcare

I told a supervisor.

"A black vice president told me that in order for black leadership to help and support me, I had to impress them first."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"When I was asked to write a blog post for the diversity and inclusion blog about myself and the committee I founded and my story was completely white-washed and edited to be more “corporate”.

After the experience in

Healthcare

I told a co-worker.

"When I was asked to write a blog post for the diversity and inclusion blog about myself and the committee I founded and my story was completely white-washed and edited to be more “corporate”.

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I received a back handed compliment from my white female supervisor that I'm not passive aggressive like other Asians."

After the experience in

Advertising

I kept it to myself.

"I received a back handed compliment from my white female supervisor that I'm not passive aggressive like other Asians."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"I voiced disagreement or pointed out potential issues with ideas in team meetings. I was told I was being negative and aggressive. One particular coworker would cry whenever I gave constructive feedback on their work or performance. I was essentially asked to smile in meetings."

After the experience in

Education

I kept it to myself.

"I voiced disagreement or pointed out potential issues with ideas in team meetings. I was told I was being negative and aggressive. One particular coworker would cry whenever I gave constructive feedback on their work or performance. I was essentially asked to smile in meetings."

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My colleagues tell me that I don't have any commitments at home and therefore have the ability to stay late at work to pick up the slack from others. It hurts because I didn't choose not to have children - it's how life turned out for me. "

After the experience in

Biotech

I kept it to myself.

"My colleagues tell me that I don't have any commitments at home and therefore have the ability to stay late at work to pick up the slack from others. It hurts because I didn't choose not to have children - it's how life turned out for me. "

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

I wore gold hoop earrings to work and a coworker said "LOVE the hoops! You look like the girls in rap videos!"

After the experience in

Education

I told a co-worker.

I wore gold hoop earrings to work and a coworker said "LOVE the hoops! You look like the girls in rap videos!"

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I was told by my supervisor that I was too aggressive and too strong in expressing my opinion and advocating for my staff. I believe my behavior was judged based on the fact that I was a woman. No male manager was ever told this."

After the experience in

Healthcare

I kept it to myself.

"I was told by my supervisor that I was too aggressive and too strong in expressing my opinion and advocating for my staff. I believe my behavior was judged based on the fact that I was a woman. No male manager was ever told this."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"my hiring manager told me she was going to replace me with "someone younger." As a freelance writer, I was treated as dispensable. "

After the experience in

Fashion

I told a supervisor.

"my hiring manager told me she was going to replace me with "someone younger." As a freelance writer, I was treated as dispensable. "

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"When I was a Junior Account Manager I was talked down to by another co-worker on how a production was going that I had little to do with. She questioned my competency and work ethic in an aggressive way."

After the experience in

Marketing

I told a supervisor.

"When I was a Junior Account Manager I was talked down to by another co-worker on how a production was going that I had little to do with. She questioned my competency and work ethic in an aggressive way."

Non-Disabled

Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My white colleagues constantly asked me if I was "good with budgets". There were 6 other Account Executives, but all the "budget" questions came to me, the only Asian Account Executive at the company."

After the experience in

Advertising

I eventually quit.

"My white colleagues constantly asked me if I was "good with budgets". There were 6 other Account Executives, but all the "budget" questions came to me, the only Asian Account Executive at the company."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A supervisor on my job told me "they're never going to give you the Assistant Principal job - you're not married and that makes them think your life isn't settled. Find a more mature man and get that part of your life together, and watch how God moves your career. "

After the experience in

Education

I kept it to myself.

"A supervisor on my job told me "they're never going to give you the Assistant Principal job - you're not married and that makes them think your life isn't settled. Find a more mature man and get that part of your life together, and watch how God moves your career. "

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I am capable to fulfill the roles I am applying for, but I don't get callbacks. One career coach told me it was because my artwork shows up when they search for me and they decide not to call me back."

After the experience in

Technology

I kept it to myself.

"I am capable to fulfill the roles I am applying for, but I don't get callbacks. One career coach told me it was because my artwork shows up when they search for me and they decide not to call me back."

Cisgender Woman

Mentally Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My manager who knew about my pre-existing mental health struggles - during the pandemic - during BLM - protests told me she wishes I would just go back to "normal".

After the experience in

Technology

I told a co-worker.

"My manager who knew about my pre-existing mental health struggles - during the pandemic - during BLM - protests told me she wishes I would just go back to "normal".

Mentally Disabled

Cisgender Woman

Physically Disabled

Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A colleague of mine told me that I was the first ever Asian they saw in a strategy role as most Asians do analytics. It made me feel like I was lumped into a group of people versus been seen as a unique individual with differing talents."

After the experience in

Media

I kept it to myself.

"A colleague of mine told me that I was the first ever Asian they saw in a strategy role as most Asians do analytics. It made me feel like I was lumped into a group of people versus been seen as a unique individual with differing talents."

Physically Disabled

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Latinx

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I tried my birth name instead of my white-sounding nickname on my resume while job-hunting. No calls, no rejection emails, radio silence. I put my nickname and started getting 3x the amount of communication. Got married, changed my last name, and got 5x the responses & interviews."

After the experience in

Travel & Hospitality

I kept it to myself.

"I tried my birth name instead of my white-sounding nickname on my resume while job-hunting. No calls, no rejection emails, radio silence. I put my nickname and started getting 3x the amount of communication. Got married, changed my last name, and got 5x the responses & interviews."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My boss grabbed my breast at a holiday party and said "Sorry! I just had to do it!"

After the experience in

Technology

I told a co-worker.

"My boss grabbed my breast at a holiday party and said "Sorry! I just had to do it!"

Cisgender Woman

Mentally Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I was about to make an offer to a new hire when the CEO pulled me aside. He wanted me to know that women don't negotiate and I should offer a lower number. I was stunned as I am a woman and he hired me."

After the experience in

Technology

I eventually quit.

"I was about to make an offer to a new hire when the CEO pulled me aside. He wanted me to know that women don't negotiate and I should offer a lower number. I was stunned as I am a woman and he hired me."

Mentally Disabled

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Latinx

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"I bring up our lack of diversity on our team again and again - review after review with my manager - and no change. After announcing I was leaving my manager was shocked and repeatedly asked why I was leaving if I was doing great and had been given a raise. Why? Lack of diversity."

After the experience in

Technology

I kept it to myself.

"I bring up our lack of diversity on our team again and again - review after review with my manager - and no change. After announcing I was leaving my manager was shocked and repeatedly asked why I was leaving if I was doing great and had been given a raise. Why? Lack of diversity."

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I applied for a job at a famous cafe. After chatting with the manager, I was sent to the basement to meet the owner. There I found a white man sitting alone. He asked if I had waitressing experience (no). Then he looked over my body, up and down very slowly, and said That's OK."

After the experience in

Travel & Hospitality

I kept quiet but gave the bare minimum.

"I applied for a job at a famous cafe. After chatting with the manager, I was sent to the basement to meet the owner. There I found a white man sitting alone. He asked if I had waitressing experience (no). Then he looked over my body, up and down very slowly, and said That's OK."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"As the only black woman in a leader position at an investor-owned utility, my Sr. VP said to me "there is no racism in this country".

After the experience in

Utilities

I eventually quit.

"As the only black woman in a leader position at an investor-owned utility, my Sr. VP said to me "there is no racism in this country".

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"When I announced to my supervisor that I intended to take family leave when my first child was born I was told other men "only took two weeks""

After the experience in

Education

I kept it to myself.

"When I announced to my supervisor that I intended to take family leave when my first child was born I was told other men "only took two weeks""

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"When I was hired as an Assoc. Director (AD) one colleague on my team was at a Supervisor level and the other was a Planner. In 2 years the Supervisor became a SVP and in 3 years the Planner became a VP. Although my reviews are stellar crazy how after 5 years, I’m still an AD."

After the experience in

Advertising

I went to HR.

"When I was hired as an Assoc. Director (AD) one colleague on my team was at a Supervisor level and the other was a Planner. In 2 years the Supervisor became a SVP and in 3 years the Planner became a VP. Although my reviews are stellar crazy how after 5 years, I’m still an AD."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Latinx

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I was called into HR because I was too "outspoken" and "aggressive" in my leadership. I was then told that they "understood" that it was a cultural thing and that I just had to work at it. My leadership style at the time was no different than that of my white male counterpart."

After the experience in

Consulting

I kept it to myself.

"I was called into HR because I was too "outspoken" and "aggressive" in my leadership. I was then told that they "understood" that it was a cultural thing and that I just had to work at it. My leadership style at the time was no different than that of my white male counterpart."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I'm misunderstood for hearing voices and judged in a personal, political and societal manner."

After the experience in

Fashion

I eventually quit.

"I'm misunderstood for hearing voices and judged in a personal, political and societal manner."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

South Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A white male client said that my English is better than my father's. Like he had the power to judge me when he only knows one language."

After the experience in

Retail

I kept it to myself.

"A white male client said that my English is better than my father's. Like he had the power to judge me when he only knows one language."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My manager told me he was worried I didn't know how to keep information confidential. When I asked him why, he said "I talked to a lot of people", but he didn't have any specific feedback where I shared something I shouldn't have. Because being social is a bad thing?"

After the experience in

Technology

I told a co-worker.

"My manager told me he was worried I didn't know how to keep information confidential. When I asked him why, he said "I talked to a lot of people", but he didn't have any specific feedback where I shared something I shouldn't have. Because being social is a bad thing?"

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Middle Eastern

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A coworker made it a point to state that I 'have an accent' even though I speak English fluently and it's one of 3 languages I speak."

After the experience in

Technology

I kept it to myself.

"A coworker made it a point to state that I 'have an accent' even though I speak English fluently and it's one of 3 languages I speak."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I was told 'You're not who I hired' to my face, simply because I dared to question processes put in place that didn't help our clients but further confuse them."

After the experience in

Technology

I kept quiet but gave the bare minimum.

"I was told 'You're not who I hired' to my face, simply because I dared to question processes put in place that didn't help our clients but further confuse them."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"Sitting amongst my white colleagues — a white Sales Director looked in my eyes while walking into a conference room for a meeting and offered $100 to the person who would pull him out of the meeting in 10 min."

After the experience in

Advertising

I kept quiet but gave the bare minimum.

"Sitting amongst my white colleagues — a white Sales Director looked in my eyes while walking into a conference room for a meeting and offered $100 to the person who would pull him out of the meeting in 10 min."

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"I worked in a small ad agency with some Ad tech Properties. I was an Account Executive coming into a new role. I stepped away to grab another executive. I was told that someone had made a comment about being the hood kid from Compton."

After the experience in

Advertising

I told a co-worker.

"I worked in a small ad agency with some Ad tech Properties. I was an Account Executive coming into a new role. I stepped away to grab another executive. I was told that someone had made a comment about being the hood kid from Compton."

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"The firm removed me from a long-term corporate client and placed me with a nonprofit one solely to present a 'Black face' after another police killing."

After the experience in

Communications

I kept it to myself.

"The firm removed me from a long-term corporate client and placed me with a nonprofit one solely to present a 'Black face' after another police killing."

Non-Disabled

Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My company-wide accomplished projects are credited to others when the majority of the hard work and management was done by me. They get the promotions because their fast-talking charm are heard by their exec peers and I’m not in that circle - nor are other non white people."

After the experience in

Technology

I told a supervisor.

"My company-wide accomplished projects are credited to others when the majority of the hard work and management was done by me. They get the promotions because their fast-talking charm are heard by their exec peers and I’m not in that circle - nor are other non white people."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

South Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A white male client said that my English is better than my father's. Like it's a competition. Like he had the power to judge me when he only knows one language. Knowing English, or how advance your English speaking skills are, is not a measure of intelligence."

After the experience in

Retail

I kept it to myself.

"A white male client said that my English is better than my father's. Like it's a competition. Like he had the power to judge me when he only knows one language. Knowing English, or how advance your English speaking skills are, is not a measure of intelligence."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I was told I was not collaborative and a good “culture fit” when I walked in front of my male co-presenter on stage to better engage with an audience of 150 people."

After the experience in

Marketing

I told a co-worker.

"I was told I was not collaborative and a good “culture fit” when I walked in front of my male co-presenter on stage to better engage with an audience of 150 people."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"When I announced to my supervisor that I intended to take family leave when my first child was born I was told other men "only took two weeks."

After the experience in

Education

I kept it to myself.

"When I announced to my supervisor that I intended to take family leave when my first child was born I was told other men "only took two weeks."

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I’m perceived as younger than I am with the associated assumptions. That I don’t have first hand experience to validate my expertise in my career role. And that my age makes me less qualified to do my job. "

After the experience in

Education

I kept it to myself.

"I’m perceived as younger than I am with the associated assumptions. That I don’t have first hand experience to validate my expertise in my career role. And that my age makes me less qualified to do my job. "

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My new manager told me that he saw my role as "administrative" - scheduling meetings, coordinating social engagements and stocking supplies. At the time I was leading Operations for a $5B business. After I left for another role he requested a male backfill."

After the experience in

Fashion

I told a supervisor.

"My new manager told me that he saw my role as "administrative" - scheduling meetings, coordinating social engagements and stocking supplies. At the time I was leading Operations for a $5B business. After I left for another role he requested a male backfill."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"Multiple colleagues have noted that my capability and intelligence surprised them because of my bubbly and kind demeanor. My demeanor allows me to be more successful and make more intelligent decisions. It's disappointing that I'm being judged negatively for it."

After the experience in

Education

I eventually quit.

"Multiple colleagues have noted that my capability and intelligence surprised them because of my bubbly and kind demeanor. My demeanor allows me to be more successful and make more intelligent decisions. It's disappointing that I'm being judged negatively for it."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"There are obstacles on opportunities that can help me develop as a leader. The culture of “No” for me but “Yes” for my colleagues who are white."

After the experience in

Aviation

I kept it to myself.

"There are obstacles on opportunities that can help me develop as a leader. The culture of “No” for me but “Yes” for my colleagues who are white."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I was hired as a supervisor. After 3 years I was promoted to manager. A male I supervised applied for the same role in a different city - with no experience - and started as a manager."

After the experience in

Healthcare

I kept it to myself.

"I was hired as a supervisor. After 3 years I was promoted to manager. A male I supervised applied for the same role in a different city - with no experience - and started as a manager."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"Our company CEO emailed me to curtly request that I bring him a coffee. I had spoken with him twice since I joined the company in a business development role. His assistant and I were the only two women of color at the company, and she was out that day."

After the experience in

Finance

I kept it to myself.

"Our company CEO emailed me to curtly request that I bring him a coffee. I had spoken with him twice since I joined the company in a business development role. His assistant and I were the only two women of color at the company, and she was out that day."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"My boss told a fellow female coworker and friend to "go back to the kitchen" while a bunch of us were chatting casually in the office."

After the experience in

Technology

I told a co-worker.

"My boss told a fellow female coworker and friend to "go back to the kitchen" while a bunch of us were chatting casually in the office."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"Despite a record of strong performance in my role, I was pushed out to accommodate a younger white man whose job was impacted due to COVID—this despite the fact that he had none of the qualifications required to perform in my role."

After the experience in

Marketing

I went to HR.

"Despite a record of strong performance in my role, I was pushed out to accommodate a younger white man whose job was impacted due to COVID—this despite the fact that he had none of the qualifications required to perform in my role."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"As a young female producer I needed to bring an older male producer into a conversation with a union representative in order to have enough credibility to have the conversation we needed to have — despite being the lead producer on the project."

After the experience in

Film

I eventually quit.

"As a young female producer I needed to bring an older male producer into a conversation with a union representative in order to have enough credibility to have the conversation we needed to have — despite being the lead producer on the project."

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I was an early employee at a startup. When investors came to the office - I and my other female coworker were asked to leave the office and wait in the common area of the co-working space until the investors left."

After the experience in

Engineering

I eventually quit.

"I was an early employee at a startup. When investors came to the office - I and my other female coworker were asked to leave the office and wait in the common area of the co-working space until the investors left."

Cisgender Woman

Physically Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"I lost a noticeable amount of weight due to an immunosuppressant medication I started while on medical leave. When I returned to work a co-worker said “I wish I had something that would make me lose weight”

After the experience in

Healthcare

I told a co-worker.

"I lost a noticeable amount of weight due to an immunosuppressant medication I started while on medical leave. When I returned to work a co-worker said “I wish I had something that would make me lose weight”

Physically Disabled

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"The firm removed me from a long-term corporate client and placed me with a nonprofit one solely to present a “Black face” after another police killing of an unarmed Black man. I was the only Black person on the team."

After the experience in

Communications

I kept it to myself.

"The firm removed me from a long-term corporate client and placed me with a nonprofit one solely to present a “Black face” after another police killing of an unarmed Black man. I was the only Black person on the team."

Non-Disabled

Asian

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

"A white male colleague told me after he found out I was pregnant that "I'm so happy for you! When you told me before that you didn't plan to have kids I was so sad for you."

After the experience in

Advertising

I kept it to myself.

"A white male colleague told me after he found out I was pregnant that "I'm so happy for you! When you told me before that you didn't plan to have kids I was so sad for you."

Cisgender Woman

Mentally Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

My manager who knew about my pre-existing mental health struggles - during the pandemic - during BLM - protests told me she wishes I would just go back to 'normal'.

After the experience in

Technology

I told a co-worker.

My manager who knew about my pre-existing mental health struggles - during the pandemic - during BLM - protests told me she wishes I would just go back to 'normal'.

Mentally Disabled

Cisgender Woman

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"I was blind-sided with feedback from a team that withheld thoughts on ways of working for weeks. Instead of speaking to me directly they went over and around to share their thoughts when I've always had an open door policy. Is it my presence or something deeper that blocked a 1:1?"

After the experience in

Advertising

I told a co-worker.

"I was blind-sided with feedback from a team that withheld thoughts on ways of working for weeks. Instead of speaking to me directly they went over and around to share their thoughts when I've always had an open door policy. Is it my presence or something deeper that blocked a 1:1?"

Non-Disabled

Black

Cisgender Man

Bias hurt me when...

"As an executive pursuing an Ivy League MBA I mentioned to the founder/CEO that I was very excited to be graduating soon - he asked if I was getting my GED."

After the experience in

Media

I told a co-worker.

"As an executive pursuing an Ivy League MBA I mentioned to the founder/CEO that I was very excited to be graduating soon - he asked if I was getting my GED."

Non-Disabled

White

Cisgender Woman

Bias hurt me when...

I was talking to my manager who was in her early 30s about wanting a raise. She mentioned a female acquaintance we both shared and said "Well, look at her. She met her husband and he makes six figures, so she's fine now."

After the experience in

Engineering

I eventually quit.

I was talking to my manager who was in her early 30s about wanting a raise. She mentioned a female acquaintance we both shared and said "Well, look at her. She met her husband and he makes six figures, so she's fine now."

Cisgender Woman