Brown Ambition Can I Risk Bringing My "Authentic Self" to Work? ft. Jodi-Ann Burey [WASHDAY WOOSAH]
Nov 2, 2025
Join Jodi-Ann Burey, a writer and health equity advocate, as she dives into the complexities of authenticity in the workplace, particularly for women of color. She shares her personal journey with chronic illness and mental health, emphasizing how these experiences shape professional identities. Jodi-Ann discusses the fluid nature of authenticity, the importance of community support, and the need to prioritize health over job security. With insights on storytelling and creating safe spaces, this conversation highlights the ongoing journey of finding one's true self at work.
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Visible Recovery Changed Workplace Support
- Jodi-Ann Burey described her 2018 spinal cord tumor, risky surgery, and prolonged visible recovery using a cane and wheelchair services.
- Her visible disability made workplace support easier at first, then faded as visual cues disappeared, exposing inconsistent accommodation.
Access Thievery As Survival Tactic
- Jodi-Ann highlights "access thievery": taking needed accommodations rather than waiting to request them.
- She frames disability as identity and community, not just a set of medical needs.
Depression Triggered Institutional Surveillance
- Jodi-Ann shared how disclosing depression led HR to escalate requests and treat her as a liability.
- Visibility of physical disability made support easier than the invisible struggles with mental health.
