About Sabrina Coleman
I was smart. I was ambitious. I was passionate.
I was capable. I was loyal. I was hard-working.
I was invisible. I was silenced. I was ignored.
I was disrespected. I was mistreated. I was dismissed.
I was discounted. I was over-talked. I was scapegoated.
I hate parts of myself.
I dressed to fit in wearing black, brown, blue and gray.
I didn’t dare wear the reds, pinks or oranges I loved.
I permed my hair. I had to play nice.
I had to protect myself. I had to caretake my oppressor.
I was offended. I was frustrated. I was angry. I was hurt.
I was stressed. I was assaulted. I was abused!
I was re-wounded.
I was sick and tired of being sick and tired!!!
The requirement to conform was too great!
The necessity to minimize who I truly am, was a survival strategy. I couldn’t thrive in that environment.
And knew, I would never realize my dreams there.
This is not only my story, but many of yours!
I started my career as a young, African-American, woman, Department of Defense (DOD) employee heading up the Information Systems Management Officer (ISMO) with the US Marine Corps.
The young Asian-American, male Captain transitioning out of the role, and “training” me to assume the position; told me, “A monkey could run this place.” That was my training! So, I guess I was that monkey!
Three decades later, now as a business owner and consultant, after wrapping up my portion of what I experienced as a productive Board discussion addressing DEI-related issues; the acting-COO told me he needed to “find a place for me and put a muzzle on me.”
These two incidents are reflective of on-going incredulous microaggressions that not only I, but many women of color face every day; both inside and outside of the workplace. And, these slights, external messages, acts of bias, discrimination and micro-aggressions are forms of oppression and abuse that constitute a subtle-violence against women in the workplace; and represent a form of trauma.
Catalyst’s, “Day-to-Day Experiences of Emotional Tax Among Women And Men Of Color In The Workplace” (Catalyst, 2018) reports, the effects of marginalization can be compounded for a person who identifies with two or more identities that fall into targeted groups of oppression, e.g. people of color and women.
For example, a study found that of 1,569 professionals working in corporate and non-corporate organizations, “Women of color (24%) are more likely than men of color (11%) to be on guard because they expect both gender and racial bias.” This is materialized in an “Emotional Tax” – “feeling different from peers at work because of gender, race, and/or ethnicity with associated effects on health, well-being, and an ability to thrive at work.”
I was able to “escape,” but what about those who are not? And, how do we learn to thrive in the face of oppression every day? Because, learning how to do so is critical to our work-life success and overall well-being.
I am a change agent!
I am a truth teller!
I am an advocate!
I am a bridge builder!
I am brave!
I am courageous!
I am spiritual!
I am grounded!
I am not afraid to speak truth to power!
I am grounded in my faith, spirituality and called to use my voice and courage to help facilitate change at every level of a system!
And, I am committed to…
Here's what clients and teams have said about our work...
Sabrina is an amazing person with a strong passion to guide and support people in making informed decisions about their career development as well as personal development goals. Not only is she a career coach, she serves as a personal coach as well. Her talents along with the delicate balance of coaching and counseling she provides will help you meet your life goals.
I'm happy to know when I came to a crossroads in my career; I knew you would direct me. With your help I'm now on a path that has rejuvenated me! Thank you for your guidance and support!
Last year I was at a point in my life professionally where I was not fulfilled. I was feeling stuck and I didn't know how to move forward. Upon a recommendation from a loved one, I made an appointment with Sabrina. Within five minutes of our meeting, I felt at ease. She was able to relate to my situation from her own life experiences as well as many people she had worked with throughout her professional career. That was very validating for me. We mapped out a plan for my future with different options and paths. I am happy to report that I am very happy in a new role that is fulfilling. Sabrina gave me the confidence and encouragement that I needed to push forward and take some risks. I am very grateful for our time together.