Access Denied: Addressing Workplace Disparities and Discrimination

Access Denied: Addressing Workplace Disparities and Discrimination

"Playing to win requires an understanding of the game, knowing who the star players are, and developing and executing a playing strategy."-Brenda Harrington In Access Denied, Brenda Harrington addresses what it takes to pave a path to success in storied detail. She explains that beyond degrees, experience and competence, it is necessary to interpret an organization's culture, the behaviors that are tolerated, and who the power players are, through a lens of diversity and inclusion. This resource places precise language around the unique challenges facing BIPOC individuals including: the issue of code-switching; the pitfalls of assimilating into a patriarchal and white-dominated work culture; the problem of veiled discriminators; and the complications of workplace dynamics that favor a dominant group. She also acknowledges the physical and mental toll of pervasive and systemic racism. Throughout this book, the experiences of real people are presented to convey three key messages: -No, you are not crazy. What has happened and is happening to you is real. -You are not alone. What has happened to you has happened and is happening to others. -We cannot change the hearts and minds of those with biases that do not favor us, but we can make choices to better protect and advocate for ourselves and each other. Through stories and reflection exercises that are deeply grounded in reality, Harrington provides members of minoritized and marginalized groups with tools to navigate their circumstances more effectively, with a view toward building the lives and legacies they want for themselves and their families. " Access Denied is a gut-punch reminder about ever-present challenges faced by people of color, navigating the complexities of the workplace. A must-READ!" —Dr. Shiela Harmon Martin, Professor of Political Science, Former Chair, Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of the District of Columbia "An easy read, filled with stories, that gathers us, wraps its arms around us, and says to us, 'You. Are. Worthy.'" —Guylaine Saint Juste, President and CEO, NABA Inc. "In Access Denied , Brenda has highlighted challenges marginalized people face in the workplace and uncovered what many in this community are experiencing. It also offers insight for anyone in the majority group who leads marginalized individuals; it's a reality check and reminder of how bias influences behavior and ultimate outcomes." —Karen Mack, MSOD, ACC, Organization Development Practitioner and Leadership Coach "A timely resource to help employees, managers, and organizations create needed strategies for talent development." —Kimberly A. Carlson, PhD, Co-Founder/CEO Tractus Strategic Partners, Associate Professor of Practice in Management, Virginia Tech "Spotlighting disturbing realities, asking deeply pointed questions, and offering unflinching strategies, this book needs to be read by those in both minority and majority groups." —Lisa Hope Tilstra, MHS, PCC, Creator of the podcast, Make Life Less Difficult "I think everyone working in Corporate America should read this book." —Human Resources Executive, Hospitality Industry " Access Denied is a must-read for white leaders as it raises awareness of prejudice and discrimination in the workplace." —Lisa T. Rees, Principal, LTR Leadership "We can all learn to be better people by allowing these stories to challenge our assumptions and support us as we live and work with our common humanity each day." —Leigh Shields, Executive Coach " Access Denied should be a required read for all people of color at any age, especially young individuals entering the workforce at all educational levels." —Kenneth Robinson, Computer Scientist and Adjunct Professor Brenda Harrington is an executive coach with more than four decades of experience in a variety of business settings. She works with clients of all different cultures, races, nationalities, and backgrounds, to help them discover new possibilities for themselves.