Some stories inspire you. Some educate you. Some enrage you. Some make you sad. Some fill you with joy. Some leave you wanting more. This American Life is great at finding and telling stories that do all of these things, and more.
The story of LaDonna Powell as told by Chana Joffe-Walt and Ira Glass is the story of an honest, hard working woman trying to be the best possible employee and move up in her career. It is also the story of a woman who is the victim of blatant sexism, time and time again, who refuses to be diminished. She also refuses to let other women in her organization be diminished either.
LaDonna's experiences are infuriating and sickening, but for many women, they will feel familiar. Others will recognize the voices of the men in her organization as ones that they have heard within their own. Others still will recognize the tone of the CEO as he addresses the nature of sexual harassment within his company.
Whether you are someone who recognizes these experiences or not, this story will light a fire within you to ask questions, to fight for yourself, and to fight for others. Thank you to the team at This American Life for telling such an important story, and thank you to LaDonna for everything you have done and will continue to do.