In 2015, I attended an event for female senior leaders (Senior Manager to VP) in engineering. At the time, there were roughly 15,000 Google engineers located in Mountain View. As one of the only 2 female Senior Managers in my area of engineering, I was ready to learn from my female colleagues about how they had reached their career goals and made a difference at Google. As I scanned the meeting invitation, I counted 17 names of software engineering managers at the Senior Manager level and above. That is, 15,000 software engineers at Google Headquarters had 17 women as role models, out of a conservatively-estimated 400 senior management leaders in engineering. I attended the leadership event and it was very nice to network with my colleagues. However, as less than 5% of the leadership workforce, this group was unlikely to make any difference in opportunities and fairness for women in the technical fields at Google.
I joined this lawsuit because Google has been a leader in high-tech since its inception and the company should have been a leader in its labor practices regarding women and minorities. My fellow named plaintiffs and I were united in ensuring there would be long-term injunctive relief as part of the settlement agreement. I hope that my participation has some impact, not only with labor practices at Google but for the industry overall.
In addition to working with Daniel, I worked with Elizabeth Kramer who was my greatest strength during litigation. Her compassion, her patience and her dedication got me through the darkest days of this lawsuit. She was with me every step of the way until the lawsuit was finally settled. The day the suit was settled I was flooded with emotion. My greatest worry during the entire process was for the other women in the lawsuit. I wanted them to have the justice they needed and I wanted them to be heard and healed. I still think of them and their stories and I expect I will for the rest of my life.
It was never about the money for me. I know people won’t believe that, but it is true. It was always about justice for all of my fellow students, for my fellow women and justice for them. I wanted them to feel believed and understood. I so badly want them to find the peace with what happened to them, a peace I’m still searching for myself but I’m confident I will find it one day.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
