Have you ever faced rejection so many times that you started to doubt your path?
What if I told you that 41 rejections could be the key to discovering your true calling?
In the latest episode of ‘From a Woman to a Leader,’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Chiquita Hall-Jackson, a phenomenal employment attorney known as the ‘Discrimination Disruptor.’ Her story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity.
Facing Denial Head-On
Chiquita’s journey began with an incredible challenge—41 rejection letters before she was finally accepted into law school. She didn’t let these rejections deter her. Instead, she used them as fuel to power her determination. As Chiquita shared with me, “Every rejection was a step closer to my true path. I knew what I wanted, and I was determined to get there, no matter what.”
Starting Her Own Practice
After law school, Chiquita faced another round of rejections when applying for jobs. But instead of letting this bring her down, she decided to start her own practice. “I realized that if I was going to work hard, I might as well do it for myself,” she said. And so, Hall Jackson and Associates was born. Her practice focuses on fighting workplace discrimination and harassment, making the workplace a more inclusive space for everyone.
Document, Document, Document
One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of documentation when facing workplace discrimination. Chiquita stressed, “You need to collect enough evidence to take to your higher-ups. Document who was present, what actions were taken, and any witnesses. This helps create a solid case if needed.”
Building a Support System
Chiquita also highlighted the importance of having a support system at work. “Whether it’s colleagues, mentors, or even a professional network, having people who can support and advocate for you is crucial,” she explained. This support can make all the difference in navigating challenging workplace dynamics.
Advocating for Yourself
A recurring theme in our discussion was the need for self-advocacy. “Women often sit back, waiting to be noticed, but you have to speak up and let your goals be known,” Chiquita advised. She emphasized that being proactive about your career aspirations can lead to greater opportunities and recognition.
Balancing Assertiveness and Collaboration
Navigating the balance between assertiveness and collaboration can be tricky, especially for women who fear being perceived as too aggressive. Chiquita’s advice? “Think of it as a ‘we’ thing, not a ‘me’ thing. Show that you’re a team player while also making it clear what you bring to the table.”
Conclusion
Chiquita Hall-Jackson’s story is a powerful reminder that rejection is not the end—it’s just the beginning of a new path. Her journey from 41 rejections to becoming a successful attorney and advocate is truly inspiring. I hope her insights on documentation, support systems, self-advocacy, and balancing assertiveness with collaboration resonate with you as much as they did with me.
If you’re facing workplace challenges or looking for ways to advance your career, I highly recommend listening to this episode. It’s packed with actionable strategies and inspiration to help you turn obstacles into opportunities.
Listen to the full episode here
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever faced a significant rejection that led to a positive outcome? Share your stories in the comments below!
About Chiquita
Top Employment Attorney Chiquita Hall-Jackson is the Founder of Chicago’s Hall-Jackson & Associates, a top employment law
firm.
Known as the “Discrimination Disruptor,” Hall-Jackson also started her social justice movement,
BlowTheWhistleLaw.com where she encourages workers that if they “See Something, Say Something.”
She is renowned for her expertise in navigating complex on the job dynamics. With her extensive experience and passion for empowering workers, Chiquita continues to make significant contributions to the realm of employment and corporate advocacy.
“We Gon’ Be Alright: A Black Executive’s Guide to Navigating Workplace Dynamics” is her latest endeavor to provide actionable guidance and inspiration to professionals facing challenges in today’s corporate world
Her Book: https://www.wegonbealrightbook.com/
https://blowthewhistlelaw.com/
Website: https://chiquitahall-jackson.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiquita-hall-jackson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blowthewhistlelaw/
