Experiencing Tokenization in the Workplace

Navigating workplace dynamics can be challenging, especially for individuals from marginalized backgrounds. A college student from a rural Yupik village in Alaska shares his struggle with feeling tokenized at a renewable energy lab, where he is the only Alaska Native staff member. Despite being qualified for his position, he grapples with the concern that his ethnicity may overshadow his capabilities, leading to self-doubt about his contributions. This situation highlights the broader issue of tokenization, which originates from organizational structures and the decisions of supervisors rather than the individuals affected.