In the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, New York, where diversity paints the landscape and every corner echoes with stories, there emerges a remarkable figure: Vanuska Sylvester, affectionately known as Nuska. Nuska’s journey is one of resilience and advocacy, a testament to her unwavering commitment to change and equality.
Originally hailing from Brooklyn, Nuska embarked on her career path with Year Up in 2017, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering urban youth. After completing the program in 2018, she secured her first internship role at New York Life Insurance in Jersey City, where she was hired from her internship in 2018. In May 2019, she transferred to the New York office to further her career.
She got her first promotion in September 2020 while working from home full-time during COVID-19. However, her journey took a tumultuous turn upon her return from maternity leave in June 2022. Despite her stellar performance history, Nuska encountered discrimination from her white manager, Kevin O’Rourke. She faced unjust treatment, including demands for childcare while working from home, unnecessary surveillance during Zoom meetings, shadowing, harassing FYI emails, lack of support, and more. Despite reporting these issues to HR in October 2022 and May 8, 2023, her situation only worsened, culminating in her unjust termination on May 9th, 2023.
Undeterred by adversity, Nuska delved deep into learning about laws protecting individuals from discrimination and unfairness at work. Armed with this knowledge, she became a strong voice for those facing injustice, tirelessly working to make workplaces more inclusive and fair. In November 2023, Nuska launched “The Breaking Bias Channel,” providing a platform for crucial conversations about discrimination and equality. Through this platform, she has shed light on real stories and inspired others to join the fight for change.
But Nuska’s mission doesn’t stop there. She also created @laughingladiesempower, a supportive space for women to find strength and resources to navigate life’s challenges. With her unstoppable determination, Nuska continues to pave the way for a better, fairer world.
1. These experiences have really shaped my perspective. Going through discrimination not only made me see the deep-rooted issues in workplaces but also made me realize the importance of knowing your rights. Initially, I didn’t fully understand my rights. Many people were leaving the department, and it felt like discrimination was at an all-time high. But when I decided to speak up by filing a complaint with HR, things seemed to get even worse. I noticed the clear difference in how I was treated compared to my male and white colleagues. People I had trained were getting promotions over me, and others who started after me, who weren’t as qualified, were moving up the ladder faster. It was frustrating to see male fathers not being asked to arrange childcare while I faced constant pressure to do so. On top of that, my manager kept demanding I turn on my camera during Zoom meetings, and I was left without support when I needed it. Even when I was absent, work piled up in my queue, while my white colleagues’ tasks were prioritized. I also faced rushed check in evaluations, abrupt meetings, and attempts to shadow me for entire shifts. And when others left the department, I was even questioned about my loyalty. Despite pouring my heart and soul into my work, I felt like I was hitting a brick wall. But these experiences only fueled my determination to fight for fairness and equality in the workplace. They’ve taught me that standing up for what’s right is crucial.
2. There’s one story from “The Breaking Bias Channel” that deeply resonated with me. It featured a Black female employee facing discriminatory practices at Walmart. Despite her qualifications, she was denied a promotion based on outdated stereotypes about women with young children. What struck me most was the appalling treatment she received, including being provided with an unsanitary lactation space, which was a stark contrast to the accommodations offered to her white colleague. This case sparked crucial conversations about equity and discrimination in the workplace, shedding light on systemic biases that still persist.
3. The idea behind @laughingladiesempower is very personal to me. I wanted to create a space where women could find joy and empowerment through laughter. Laughing Ladies Empower is all about celebrating women, boosting their confidence, and encouraging them to embrace their unique selves. Through humor, empowerment, and shared experiences, I aim to uplift women and inspire them to revel in their own strength. Plus, I love sharing my travels and fashion sense to encourage other women to explore, express themselves, and celebrate their individuality alongside me.
4. As a leader in my field, one misconception people often have about my work is that HR departments and employee relations always prioritize fairness and justice. However, my experiences have shown me otherwise. Despite reporting multiple instances of discrimination and unfair treatment, I found that HR and employee relations failed to take appropriate action. Instead, they attempted to downplay the severity of the situation and even resorted to retaliatory measures, such as firing me after I took time off to find childcare. To address this misconception and effect change, I advocate for individuals to contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) beforeapproaching HR. The EEOC serves as an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination. By involving the EEOC, individuals can seek recourse and protection from retaliatory actions while ensuring that their concerns are thoroughly investigated. Additionally, I strive to raise awareness about the importance of documenting incidents of discrimination and seeking external support when internal channels fail to deliver justice. Through education and advocacy, I aim to challenge the notion that HR departments always prioritize employees’ rights and well-being, ultimately pushing for greater accountability and transparency in workplace practices.
5. Using online platforms for advocacy can indeed be challenging, but I’ve discovered several effective strategies for initiating meaningful conversations and driving real change. One approach that has proven successful for me is storytelling. By sharing my own experiences of discrimination and injustice, I’ve not only raised awareness but also empowered others to recognize and address similar issues they may be facing. Additionally, I’ve created a space where individuals can share their stories, allowing them to feel heard and validated while fostering a sense of community and solidarity. Moreover, I’ve leveraged relatable content on my platforms to engage with a wider audience. Through memes and videos addressing common workplace issues, I’ve been able to spark conversations and draw attention to systemic inequalities in a way that resonates with people. This approach not only makes complex issues more accessible but also encourages dialogue and reflection among viewers. Recently, I’ve begun incorporating memes and relatable videos into “The Breaking Bias Channel” on Instagram, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. These creative mediums have helped me reach new audiences and foster meaningful discussions about discrimination and fairness in the workplace. Overall, by combining personal storytelling, community engagement, and relatable content, I’ve found effective ways to use online platforms for advocacy, driving awareness and inspiring positive change.
6. Looking ahead, my dream is to establish my own news network called “The Breaking Bias Channel” on a prominent media platform. I envision continuing to shine a light on discriminatory practices, educating audiences about workplace laws, and empowering individuals with knowledge about their rights. Through collaborations with other companies and stakeholders, I hope to tackle systemic inequalities in workplaces and beyond. Whether it’s through legislative advocacy, community engagement, or digital activism, I’m determined to keep pushing for a more just and equitable society for all
