A woman from the Atlanta area has taken legal action against PNC Bank, claiming that her race and status as a single mother were factors in her not receiving a job promotion. Brandie Falice, the employee in question, filed a discrimination lawsuit after her interview for a management position did not go as she had hoped.
In the lawsuit, Falice alleges that the regional manager assigned a series of discriminatory reasons for denying her the promotion, despite her longstanding service at the bank. “I felt discouraged and felt like the time and effort I spent at this company was disregarded based on aspects of my identity that I embrace,” she shared in a recent interview.
Falice claims that during the interview, the manager expressed that she was not suitable for the role because most of the branch’s customers were white, and consequently, she would not connect with them as effectively. Additionally, her personal situation as a single mother was called into question, with the interviewer expressing concern that she might not be available to work weekends.
These comments left Falice feeling undervalued. “It does feel like you’re being judged, and it makes you question your worth compared to others,” she commented. This rejection had a significant emotional impact on her, making her re-evaluate her self-worth and professional path.
With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University, Falice joined PNC Bank in 2018 and was seen as a rising star, moving through the ranks even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. After six years of dedicated service, she set her sights on advancing to a higher management role at the bank’s Peachtree Corners location, situated just northeast of Atlanta.
In response to Falice’s claims, a spokesperson for PNC Bank has firmly denied any allegations of discrimination. They stated, “We believe Ms. Falice was treated fairly and in line with our company values and policies. PNC does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation and looks forward to presenting the facts in court.”
Critics of corporate accountability have rallied behind Falice, with her attorney, Artur Davis, urging the bank to acknowledge the larger implications of such alleged discrimination. He remarked, “How many young women of color are facing similar challenges and missing opportunities due to biased reasons like those that impacted Brandie Falice?”
Interestingly, Falice is no longer employed at PNC Bank. According to her LinkedIn profile, she left the institution in April 2024 and has since taken a new role as a senior account executive at a growing IT hardware maintenance and support company in Atlanta.
The case against PNC Bank highlights broader discussions about workplace discrimination and the experiences of individuals navigating the professional landscape, particularly for women of color. Many are calling for transparency and fairness in promotions and hiring practices to avoid bias and ensure everyone has an equal chance at success.
While PNC Bank maintains its position regarding the fairness of their treatment towards Falice, the legal proceedings ahead will further uncover the details of her case and potentially shed light on the company’s practices. As the court date approaches, both sides are preparing to make their case, suggesting that this issue may resonate far beyond this one individual’s experience. The outcome could spark conversations about the treatment of employees based on their race and personal circumstances and influence how corporations conduct their hiring and promotion strategies in the future.
