A Black woman from Georgia has filed a lawsuit against PNC Bank claiming she was denied a job promotion because of her race and the fact that she is a single mom. She had been working for the company for approximately five years when she was denied the promotion.
The company claims its manager didn’t discriminate against the woman, saying she was given a fair shot at the job. But the bank’s stance isn’t keeping her from fighting for herself and others.
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She was first hired in 2018.
Brandie Falice was first hired by PNC for an entry-level banker job in 2018. Within her first year with the bank, she got a promotion, putting her on the fast track for managerial roles, she told WSB-TV.
“I got that role within the first year and I was actually promoted on my birthday in 2019,” she said.
Even despite branch closures, Falice kept getting promoted.
Falice says that even as branches were forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she kept moving up in the company. In 2022, she had reached the position of assistant bank manager. So when a management position opened up at the Peachtree Corners branch, Falice didn’t hesitate to apply for the role.
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Falice didn't get the experience she was expecting.
According to the lawsuit, the regional manager who interviewed Falice told her that she may not be the best fit for the role. They claimed that due to the branch’s mostly white clientele, she wouldn’t fit in as a Black woman. Additionally, due to the fact that she is a single mother, her inability to work weekends would be a problem.
The experience was demoralizing for her.
“I felt discouraged and I felt the time I spent with this company and my efforts to reach my goals in that space were shot down because of something that I love about myself,” the mom said. “It does feel like youâre judged and it feels like youâre not worthy as other people.” Falice has since changed careers.
The company claims she was treated fairly.
A spokesperson for PNC Bank denied Falice’s claims in a statement to WSB-TV.
“We believe Ms. Falice was treated fairly and consistent with our company values, policies and practices. PNC does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation and we look forward to presenting the facts in court,” the statement read.
But Falice’s attorney, Artur Davis, hopes PNC will use the lawsuit as a learning experience. “Itâs a chance for them to show some accountability,” he said. “How many young women of color are being denied opportunities for the same kinds of biased reasons used to hold Brandie Falice back.”
