“I’ve worked at the corporate office of a large steel and recycling company for 13 years. When I first started, I believed I had found a good place to grow my career. Over time, I learned otherwise. What I endured was a sustained pattern of workplace bullying, harassment, and emotional abuse that escalated into something far more dangerous.
As a Native American woman with multiple disabilities — including chronic pain and a traumatic brain injury — I already faced many personal and physical challenges. I continued to show up and give my best every day. Despite never having write-ups in my early years, the targeting began after I witnessed toxic favoritism and possible inappropriate relationships between executives. I began to notice double standards, exclusion from decision-making, mocking behind my back, and verbal abuse.
Eventually, the environment became downright hostile. Executives joked about employees’ physical appearance, spread rumors, and openly mocked coworkers — myself included. I was asked to stay late for company parties I organized, only to be dismissed or laughed at for my role. There were sexist, racist, and deeply inappropriate remarks made by leaders — including offensive comments about Native Americans.
Executives joked about employees’ physical appearance, spread rumors, and openly mocked coworkers—myself included. There were sexist, racist, and deeply inappropriate remarks made by leaders—including offensive comments about Native Americans.
The most terrifying moment came in 2022, when I found a suspicious white crystalline substance in the office coffee maker I maintained. After witnessing a senior leader behave strangely in the conference room, I checked the machine and noticed the substance. I took photos, documented it, and reported what I saw. One executive laughed and called it “crack cocaine.” I was left shaken, terrified, and completely unsupported. Instead of investigating thoroughly, I was further targeted, drug tested repeatedly (far more than other employees), and later monitored through tracking software and office surveillance.
Despite my long-term disability and medical documentation for prescribed medication, I was treated as if I were the problem. My work computer was manipulated, my mouse and screen would glitch, and I began to suspect I was being digitally monitored in real time — something IT would not confirm or fix.
I started therapy and was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. My physical health also declined. I was later diagnosed with fibromyalgia. On my worst days, I could barely walk, think clearly, or care for myself without help from my husband and children. I had suicidal thoughts. I felt completely broken.
The harassment didn’t stop with me. My son, who worked for one of the company’s branches, was bullied, physically threatened by a manager, and denied promised raises. He, too, became a target — simply because of his connection to me.
Despite trying to do everything right, I was pushed to the edge. I’ve been tracked, mocked, interrogated, and isolated. The HR Director — who once mocked me after I confided in her — refused to support me. Management now constantly asks when I plan to retire. The truth is: I’m being forced out by harassment that has made me physically and emotionally ill.”