Southwest Research Institute

"The microaggressions ingrained in the culture here affected me every single day. I was "othered" and expected to perform cliché female roles on top of my engineering duties (i.e. takes notes in meetings, run social committee, etc..). Directors and managers who were openly volatile to women seemed most likely to get promoted, and were protected repeatedly despite complaints (not from me) and blatant disregard for the policies. Women are promoted slower, paid less, pitted against each other, kept out of important meetings, and generally disrespected. Women who did report harassments or discrimination were often stripped of clearances or retaliated against in some other way that would render their job impossible to complete and destroy their careers. There are multiple lawsuits filed by women against the institute each year, though many are settled (some you can find on Google). "

"It’s incredibly dependent on your division’s leadership. Some are great and incorporate flexibility, work-life balance, and work with employees. Others do not and are stuck in a very patriarchal, toxic mindset. When this occurs, the policies do little to help an employee. You are at the mercy of your management. "

"SwRI is going to lose top talent and leadership if they don't update their maternity leave benefits!"