June 16, 2021

Supporting Women of Color in the Workplace

by Monet Craton, Contracts & Procurement Specialist

In March, the Pierce County Community Engagement Task Force hosted a compelling event titled “How to Support Women of Color in the Workplace.”

Ninety-five participants listened, spellbound, to four local women of color as they shared very personal experiences of racism, discrimination, and microaggressions in the workplace. We heard about what really happened, how the women felt, what actions by white people helped, and what made things worse. We also heard a male ally’s perspective, including the “platinum rule” he shared: Treat others as they would like to be treated. The golden rule (treat others as you would like others to treat you) does not accommodate very real cultural and personal differences in how people want to be treated.

We encourage white people to actively seek opportunities to understand what women of color face every day in the workplace – right here in our community, not in some other part of the country or world. Observe, listen, initiate conversations, read, or even create an event like this one; you will have eager participants who learn and grow in their understanding, helping them become part of critical change.

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