From Silent to Seen: Unlocking Self-Advocacy in the Workplace

About this Roundtable

Women encounter unique and systemic challenges in the workplace, with studies showing they are 1.5 times more likely than men to have a colleague take credit for their work (Women in the Workplace, 2023). The disparity is even more pronounced for women of color, who face the steepest drop-off when advancing to C-suite roles, despite holding 20% of entry-level positions, they represent only 7% of C-suite leaders (Women in the Workplace, 2024).

One of the most underutilized yet powerful tools for career growth is self-advocacy. However, many women hesitate to advocate for themselves due to concerns over potential backlash, awkwardness, or negative perceptions—research shows that assertive women can face a ‘backlash effect,’ leading to unfavorable judgments (Rudman & Glick, 2001). This reluctance is amplified by the expectation that allyship and support from others are essential for creating inclusive workplaces.

Join us for an empowering discussion on the importance of storytelling for career advancement. You’ll learn practical, proven strategies to elevate your voice, break through barriers, and take ownership of your career. The stakes couldn’t be higher— because your career depends on it!

About the Speaker

Sahana Mukherjee
President, Unveiled: Bridging the Gap to Sponsorship
Global HR Executive

Sahana Mukherjee is the Founder & President of Unveiled: Bridging The Gap to Sponsorship, a nonprofit dedicated to enabling equitable access to opportunities for career advancement. A visionary executive, she drives transformative strategies at the intersection of technology, business, and human capital, leveraging data-driven solutions and scalable talent models to optimize growth and agility.

A sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader, Sahana has been recognized among Women We Admire’s 2024 Top 50 Women Leaders in New York and Crain’s NY 2022 Notable HR Leaders. She frequently speaks on enabling digital transformation, sustainable talent strategies, and leadership innovation.

With a Bachelor’s in Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering and a Master’s in HR Management, Sahana blends deep technical expertise with bold, data-driven leadership to drive lasting industry impact.

Registration Information

• Registration is required for all WID-NJ roundtable events
  
• Free for members | $20 for non-members
• All levels of experience in development, fundraising, and nonprofit management are welcome

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