According to Legal Institution Institute, gender bias is defined as, “a person receiving different treatment based on the person’s real or perceived gender identity.”

Gender bias has long affected women seeking to gain traction within the corporate world as female employees have struggled with being passed over in regards to promotions and salary increases by men who are objectively less qualified with a shorter tenure. Such bias in the corporate world compounds when racial dynamics are in-play, as women of color experience an even greater level of discrimination when compared to their white counterparts.

Recently, I spoke with Jesika Evans, Regional Property Manager, CPM, ARM about how she, as a seasoned leader in the corporate world, has approached gender discrimination and what suggestions she has to offer to other women seeking to climb the corporate ladder as new hires and mid-level employees.

Does the possibility of being treated differently because you are a Black woman have a negative effect on you?

“No, If I go in as disadvantaged I’ve made myself a victim which won’t allow me to give it my all, it’s all about having a positive mindset.”

Many women of color feel like they have to work harder than their counterparts just to receive fair treatment. What’s your take on that?

“I work hard and give it my all because I want to build the best brand for myself. In my mind, if I look at it like that, then I’m always giving the best version of me, and I don’t have to adjust to fit any narratives that may exist, I’m just simply always at my best!”

 So, would you describe yourself as immune to the inequities that exist in the workplace?

“I’m not immune to the knowledge that people will always judge you based on their own experiences and perceptions. I choose not to conduct myself as though their opinions have to cause me to see myself differently or act in a way that validates their opinions. Twice in life, I allowed an injustice that I received on the job to upset myself and it wasn’t beneficial to me. It didn’t make the situation better and only made me perform at less than my usual standard because I focused on their opinions. Those instances instilled in me to operate from a place of self-accountability. I choose to believe that people will see me the way I see myself. I choose to focus on the things I can control, which is my behavior and self-value.”

What advice do you have for women that may be just entering the workforce or at a mid-level career status?

1. You must remember to show respect to others. It may sound like a cliche, but if you want people to respect you, show respect to them.
2. You should work on having emotional intelligence. We can define emotional intelligence as the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.
3. Don’t be afraid to embrace being a woman. Women sometimes make the mistake by thinking they have to act like a man or their perception of what a man acts like. Embrace what makes you who you are. If you are soft and feminine, then embrace it, own it, be authentically you!
4. Remember that image matters. There is an expression “dress for the position that you want next.” There is a caveat to this, though. Remember, it’s the combination of how you dress and how you carry yourself that can elevate you in other’s eyes. A person may look the part, but if the follow-through doesn’t comprise showing respect, having emotional intelligence, and a strong work ethic, then you still won’t be taken seriously or professionally.
5. Have a strong work ethic. Each and everything you do should be to the level of quality that you would want to receive if you were the client. 
6. Be an honest person with integrity. If you operate from an honest place, then you never have to remember the lie you told. It doesn’t take long to become known as a person who can’t be trusted, and that’s a difficult perception to change once people see you that way.
7. Never get comfortable in what you think you know. Always be able to learn, make yourself a student of your trade, and this will keep you relevant. 
8. If you are a manager, my advice would be to remember it’s better to lead with heart rather than with a stick. Threats and punishment will only bring fatigue. Never ask your team to do something that you aren’t willing to do and never miss an opportunity for them to teach you something. 

Do you have any last remarks for women in the workforce?

“These are a few of the things that have allowed me to grow to the position I have. I recognize that each person has their own experience and that can make it more challenging to have the mentality that I strive to have. But, I’m a firm believer that focusing on the things you have control over will always work out better no matter who you are and what situation you are in.“

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As a Woman… is a weekly column discussing the unique challenges and solutions in health, wealth, finance, and relationships. Have a topic you would like discussed? Email lharlem@pwperspective.com