Overcoming Stereotypes in the Workplace

Stereotypes Overcoming in the Workplace

“The world is full of movers and shakers.”

The main stereotype behind that phrase is the idea that men are the ones spearheading the moves within the labor force. As Partners and Trial Attorneys at the law firm of Haggerty, Goldberg, Schleifer and Kupersmith, P.C., Ana Amarante-Craig and Beth Bowers know firsthand what it is like to tackle the stereotypes that women face in the maledominated legal field. As a Latina lawyer, Attorney AmaranteCraig understands the additional challenge of being a double-minority within the legal field. Indeed, at present, Latinas comprise a mere 1.47% of all lawyers in the United States. The genderwage gap is also highest for Latinas who, on average, earn just 55 cents for every dollar earned by a white, non-Hispanic male. Significantly, Latina lawyers are among the lowest ethnic demographic among law firm partners in America. The lack of female representation within the legal field has led to stereotypes such as assuming that a woman walking into a courtroom is either a legal assistant, the court reporter, a judicial staff member or even a defendant, if the setting involves a criminal case. Beyond the legal field, women are also often stereotyped as being soft-spoken, needing others to speak for them and/or lacking aggressiveness. They are sometimes overlooked for long-term projects out of the fear that a pregnancy or other caregiving obligations at home will deter their ability to undertake and lead long-term initiatives. Moreover, women are often regarded as best suited for the “helping professions” such as nursing, teaching and child care, rather than the traditionally male-dominated fields of law, finance, business and technology. These stereotypes have, at times, triggered women to suffer “imposter syndrome.” The phenomenon of imposter syndrome, which was originally developed in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanna Imes, encompasses feeling like a fraud or an imposter in one’s environment – usually a professional setting – and causes selfdoubt and an inability to believe that one’s accomplishments and accolades are deserved. While this phenomenon is not unique to women, many women have reported seeing themselves as imposters once they have attained professional goals and success, especially in maledominated fields.

The good news is that stereotypes can be shattered, regardless of their pervasiveness. To start, a woman seeking to advance in her field can focus on gaining the education, credentials and certifications needed to excel in her chosen profession. She can also arduously

hone her presentation skills by improving her command of the English language, her diction and practicing confident projection of her voice. Additionally, by dressing professionally when the circumstances require such an effort, a woman can command the room with confidence.

Moreover, seeking a mentor who can share how they overcame prior pitfalls can empower a new way forward around career-based challenges. Being mentored by a woman who has entered and succeeded within a male-dominated field can provide immeasurable confidence to a young female professional early on in her career when she needs the guidance the most. Significantly, mentoring honors those who paved the way for us and allows us to “pay it forward” by pulling newcomers up the ladder of success. Success does not occur in a vacuum and we can grow our numbers within any field by helping others achieve their goals. There are many social programs which can provide support to women seeking to further their careers and to empower themselves. For example, LCH Health and Community Services in Kennett Square has programs that provide Job Placement Assistance, as well as GED and English as a Second Language courses. LCH also offers classes to prepare a candidate to take the U.S. Citizenship exam. In Reading, Berks County Community Foundation has over 50 grants and scholarships that can be accessed by Berks County students for financial assistance with college and graduate programs. In all, women are the universe’s chosen vessels for life because we are geared towards creation, nurturing and growth. We can empower each other to reach for the stars. Even though setting and achieving professional goals can be time-consuming, as well as mentally and physically taxing, the benefits generally outweigh the stress and effort exerted to reach them.

Together we can all achieve and succeed and, in turn, dispel the hurtful stereotypes that surround us. 2

By Ana Amarante-Craig, Esquire and Beth Bowers, Esquire Haggerty, Goldberg, Schleifer & Kupersmith, P.C.

This festival is open to the general public – enjoy films, performances, meaningful conversations, and more! Visit ReadingFilmFEST.org for tickets, times and locations. Hope to see you there!

A Holistic Approach to Employee Benefits

Power Kunkle delivers localized, high-touch services: Dedicated Client Relations Manager • Administration Support Services ACA Compliance Support • Benefits Compliance Review

Human Resource Solutions: Talent Recruitment • HR Compliance Audit • Employee Handbook Review Compensation Analysis • Training • General Human Resource Support

Wellness & Health Promotion:

Surveys and Assessments • Biometric Screenings • Education Program Development & Incentive Tracking • Wellness Policy Review Worker’s Compensation & Safety Integration www.PKBenefits.com • 1-866-685-1790 • contactus@pkbenefits.com

8th Annual

READING

FILMFEST

October 27 thru 30, 2022

For more information visit us at: www.ReadingFilmFEST.com