u/Radiant_Raqs

Hey everyone, looking for some real, unmanaged insight here.
I’m a woman of color currently working as a Program Manager in public health/social services in NYC. I am currently living with my mom at home (which I prefer not too and I am considering the move) not to add my commute to Brooklyn is a brutal 1.5 hours each way, and the salary isn’t really competitive.
I have a potential opportunity with New York State as a Rehab Counselor at Green Haven Correctional Facility in Dutchess County. On paper, it checks a lot of boxes: it pays more, and it’s only 20–30 minutes away from my partner’s place in Connecticut, meaning we could finally live together, have our own space, and I could comfortably commute by car and save money as I work towards purchasing my own place.
But here is my primary concern, and I’m going to keep it 100%: Race and workplace culture.
I am deeply accustomed to NYC culture and diversity. In my career, I’ve almost exclusively worked alongside Black and Brown colleagues. That is where I solely feel safe and comfortable. It’s where I can openly speak on systemic issues without having to police myself or constantly dodge microaggressions and closeted racists (if they aren’t blatant).
I am terrified of what the staff demographic looks like. I know that outside of the city, communities become heavily white and politically conservative.
For anyone who has worked at Green Haven, or within NYS DOCCS facilities in the Hudson Valley/Dutchess County area:
What is the actual vibe among the civilian and counselor staff?
Am I going to be the only woman of color in the room, navigating a predominantly white, old-school institutional mindset?
Is the bump in pay and proximity to my partner worth the emotional tax of working in an environment that might feel culturally isolating or outright hostile?
I am also in the second-round interview process for a position with well known nonprofit in the Bronx in my area of expertise, which fits my career perfectly and keeps me in a diverse environment and not far from where I’d ultimately want to rent if so, but it’s not a guaranteed offer yet. I’m feeling desperate to move, but I don’t want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Be completely honest with me. What am I walking into if I take this state job?

I'm saying this because I'm constantly seeing the queer community (which they can certainly be part of) being highlighted as the center of what I guess Western issues are, which seems to completely disregard the experiences of Black and Brown communities and the fact that Black and Brown communities have had to deal with a hell of a lot more, including death and historical oppression that spans beyond the west.
And this is certainly not an effort to downplay the experiences of the queer community, but I do find that if there is no justice and freedom for Black and Brown communities, then there is no justice and freedom for queer communities either given that they coexist. When there is no liberation in one area, how do you expect there to be liberation in another?
So it's very, very frustrating how white people make themselves the victims of every situation. It's always, "Oh my gosh, I'm being attacked. I'm being targeted because of my gender." Then, if a Black or Brown person tries to make a point, it feels like the white person always wants to override that point with their own experience.
Just an observation that I wanted to put out there.

I have been pondering this for a while. I was thinking to myself, “Tiger Woods has been through it!” Just observing the fact that he comes from a sport that is predominantly white, I was like: I can't even begin to imagine how many microaggressions he may have experienced, which could have naturally led to him being traumatized and perhaps having to cope through alcoholism.
But I also can't help but think about O. J. Simpson as well. I am well aware that he pandered to the white community, and then his life literally ended up being horrible. I can only feel so sad for people who have to move through environments that are predominantly white.
I'm such an advocate for Black and Brown people raising their kids in predominantly Black and Brown areas, or at the very least diverse areas, because it just seems like there's always a negative downfall in the long haul for Black and Brown individuals who are raised in these predominantly white spaces and places. I just find predominantly White areas utterly dangerous.
So what are your thoughts? Do you guys believe that a lot of these individuals—more so speaking on behalf of sports players that had great careers—ended up where they did, or continuously found themselves in the situations they were in, because of the white populations they were surrounded by and around?

I was pondering on this earlier today.

It's interesting to see how many white people go ballistic over what's happening in Palestine, yet they don't have the same energy for the fact that they themselves colonized pretty much the entire world. You would assume they would go back to Europe, or i.e. go back to their homeland—where their ancestors are from—naturally. Yet they feel so entitled to fighting for the cause of someone somewhere else, but they don't even have the same energy for the very people they literally plundered and continue to benefit from.
They benefit from so many things in these countries that were originally Indigenous (including Latin American), originally Black, originally Asian, whatever the case may be, and they don't even dare to think about that for one minute.
Has anyone else thought about this?

Hey, everyone,
It's so crazy how I am constantly met with this commentary from what I am going to assume are white Europeans, or people who have been brainwashed to believe that all is fair and well in Europe, given that I've heard enough stories to know that is not the case.
How is the culture over there? Why are there so white people (who should not be speaking) for the Black and Brown communities peddling that falsehood? It's always interesting how you constantly see white people trying to silence Black and Brown communities regarding their experiences. "Oh no, it's not that bad," but it's like, bro, you're not even Black or Brown, so why are you speaking for the Black and Brown community?
Nonetheless, how is it really? I have heard both types of opinions from POCs living in Europe. It's very hard to believe that colonizer central is not worse than the States in its own way because they have an air of entitlement, or the belief that they have the VERY rights to those lands.

Hey y'all, just wanted to get some thoughts from the community.

Being born and raised right here in NYC, I’ve definitely noticed an uptick of gentrification by Whites in the neighborhood I have been in all my life. But honestly? When I’m out and about doing my daily commute to work, I don’t see too many of them. Part of me thinks they lowkey got the memo that the Black, Brown, and immigrant non-white communities here aren't exactly keen on them, so they stick to their own pockets.

Any hoodles, I know a lot of folks on here say they feel uncomfortable in those areas; come out here to the right neighborhoods! The culture, the food, and the community strength are unmatched. 😊

But if NYC isn't on your radar, what other cities or places do ya recommend that are genuinely pro-Black and Brown, where the community feels deeply rooted and protected? Drop your recommendations below given that’d want to support or ever consider traveling to visiting or even move (IF I ever did)!

Hey everyone,
I’m a Latina woman of color born and raised in New York City (back in NYC — Yay). Aside from living abroad as an English teacher in South Korea, I’ve never really lived in suburban or rural areas until recently when I moved in briefly with my partner in a suburban/rural area (specifically the Danbury/New Fairfield area in Connecticut).
Coming from NYC, it feels like an entirely different country, and I wanted to know if anyone else experiences this:
Do you feel a highly uncomfortable, weird energy or vibe in these places?
From what I’ve gauged, a lot of these quintessential suburban/rural areas lean heavily conservative. It’s honestly sad to see that even a lot of folks from our own communities support this and are all down for the flags; personally, I’m not big on nationalism or American patriotism because I'm well aware of actual American history.
But beyond the politics, I’ve noticed it’s not just racism (systematic and all) that lives there, it’s a distinct layer of sexism. There is this incredibly weird, condescending interaction style that comes from a lot if not most white men I encounter there (and sadly, even occasionally from some men of color, though they aren't the majority of who I see out there).
On top of that, people just seem... miserable? Angry? Frustrated? It feels like the white community in these areas sets a tone of underlying bitterness, acting entitled to lands that were originally indigenous anyway. I noticed a similar vibe when I spent time in suburban Southern California (like the Garden Grove/Anaheim/Irvine area), where people would literally leave Trump propaganda on my things.
What’s bizarre is that this doesn't seem to apply everywhere. When I went to Utah, it was mostly white folks, but I felt like people there were more "hippie," minded their own business, and didn't bother anyone. I noticed a decent, normal atmosphere in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania too. But in these specific pockets not far from NYC, the atmosphere feels intensely backwards, like a Christian nationalist or white nationalist environment.
Am I just going to the wrong suburban/rural areas, or is this a widespread reality that other city-raised BIPOC face when they step outside the urban bubble? Why does everyone seem so perpetually mad?
Would love to hear your experiences.

Has anyone experienced something similar, even if it's with the opposite gender?

At this point, I might as well start creating an Excel spreadsheet to track the data since part of my work is data-driven. I generally don't have issues getting interviews or job offers as a brown Latina. Once I get an interview, I usually do well. However, for some strange reason, every single time I interview with White women, I already assume the answer is going to be no. The older I've gotten and the more confidence I've developed in my skills, the more I've noticed this pattern.

Today's interview reminded me of it. I interviewed with two Latino men and one White woman. The moment I realized a White woman was part of the interview panel, my immediate thought was, "Great, this is probably going to be a no."

At first, the conversation was very personable. We talked about things beyond the interview itself. At one point, we discussed an area where I briefly lived. She quickly asked, "Did you like that area?" I responded, "Yes, I actually loved it." Her reaction made it seem pretty clear that she did not feel the same way.

I also noticed some facial expressions while I was speaking that struck me as questionable. I've interviewed with a number of White women over the years, and it's always interesting to me that White women, particularly those who aren't much older, often pass on me as a candidate. Meanwhile, when I interview with WOC, especially Black women (who have honestly been the loveliest), I tend to get hired.

For WOC who are considered conventionally attractive, have you noticed this as well? I've sometimes wondered whether being petite, slim but shapely, having an attractive face, and holding a graduate degree creates an additional layer of tension. Deep down, I've occasionally questioned whether some White women perceive women like me as competition and are less willing to support or hire candidates they feel might give them a run for their money.

I'm genuinely curious whether others have experienced similar patterns in their careers, or if you've noticed similar dynamics at play.

Hey everyone,
I’m a 34-year-old Brown Latina looking for some genuine guidance, coping strategies, and community support. I’ve been dealing with a massive amount of anxiety most if not all of my life, much of which is directly attributed to dealing with the exhaustion of navigating White people — which is riddled with microaggression and systemic racism in this country.
People always assume NYC is this incredible step up or a total refuge from this, but the sheer volume of microaggressions and Karen behavior (specifically from White women) I’ve dealt with throughout my life is insane, especially for a city that is predominantly made up of Black and Brown people. I am truly tired and in serious need of guidance on how to better improve and control what I can. Any books, YouTubers, and more worth listening to is welcomed.
Additionally, I am currently dealing with bridging gap in my Interracial relationship.I am currently in a long-term relationship with an Italian-American man. He is lovely, and I see his genuine attempt and desire to understand my experience to the point that he would have loved to be born Black/Brown, because he desires to understand. But the reality is — he isn’t.
I find there are so many barriers when it comes to him being able to truly relate as a White man, and it’s been a massive hindrance in bridging that gap. So for those in long-term (Black or Brown) BW/WM or WOC/WM relationships what has actually helped your partner grow as an individual? What has aided in bridging that gap of understanding?
(As a side note: I initially only wanted to date Black and Brown men, but after experiencing heavy colorism as a Brown Latina, I opened myself up to dating White men. It really feels like you can’t ever win sometimes.)
I’d also like to share an incident that recently occurred with his mom for Mother’s Day where she repeated a deeply offensive statement made by another Italian American about the Native American community where she mimicked Native American vocal sounds. I left that gathering sick to my stomach and in tears.
To make matters worse, I am typically in the area his family is from and where he owns his home during weekends and vacation days, but some neighbors have Trump flags and stickers everywhere. Therefore, going from NYC to an area where the majority is White is an absolute nightmare for my mental health. Not to add, I genuinely HATE attending these predominantly White gatherings, even though it’s on rare occasions.
This is completely unrelated, but I am currently eyeing the idea of purchasing my own home (a co-op, condo, or house) near NYC. I want to live somewhere that is explicitly POC-centric, and completely avoid the conservative, white-pandering vibes that some of the POCs give off near my partner's place of residence.
Given my budget, I am looking into the following areas but need a serious vibe/demographic check on them:
- Flushing, Queens
- Riverdale / Westchester: (I lived in Riverdale and greatly enjoyed it)
- New Jersey: (Not very familiar with the demographics—where should I look?)
- Pennsylvania: (Not familiar with the demographics at all)
- Connecticut: (This is where my partner is from, so it is my absolute last consideration, but open to hearing if there are diverse pockets).
Lastly, does anyone know if this subreddit (or adjacent ones) has an active Discord server where I can interact, vent, and connect with more POC safely?
I am just so tired of the anxiety and ready to find my community and protect my peace. Thank you in advance for any advice, book recommendations, housing tips, or solidarity.

Hey everyone,
A lot of individuals commented and messaged me regarding my previous post about job fairs, so I wanted to share a little more information along with a few additional resources that may help others as well.
I genuinely recommend attending job fairs (for those job hunting) if you have the opportunity to do so. Personally, I’ve had success at every job fair I’ve attended, whether that meant receiving offers directly, getting callbacks afterward, or being contacted later by recruiters and hiring managers I connected with there.
Make sure your resume is polished, updated, and organized. If you have a degree, definitely highlight it on your resume because many organizations and agencies are specifically looking for candidates with educational backgrounds that align with the positions they’re hiring for. That may have also helped me personally throughout the process.
At the same time, don’t get discouraged if you’re still building experience. There are opportunities ranging from entry-level roles to leadership positions.
Also, if you are currently unemployed or simply looking for extra income while job searching, I highly recommend looking into paid research or clinical studies throughout NYC. There are many legitimate opportunities connected to hospitals, universities, and research organizations that compensate participants for their time.
Lastly, for any women in the Brooklyn (Utica Ave. area) who may be interested, the organization I work for is hosting a women’s sexual health workshop.
Participants who attend will receive:
• Food
• A $10 Amazon gift card
• A 2-ride OMNY card for transportation
We are also planning another workshop for next month (or July at the latest) where participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. If you attend the first workshop, you’ll be able to register for the upcoming one directly or leave your information so we can reach back out once dates are finalized.
If you want more information regarding the workshop details, feel free to comment or DM me.
Link to job fair/s: https://www.nyc.gov/employment/events

Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some realistic career guidance on how to pivot or merge my Master of Public Health (MPH) into a sector that offers genuine, long-term stability and competitive compensation.
To give some quick context: I graduated with my MPH - Global Health and have a solid background in program monitoring, data cleaning, and data organization—specifically working with infectious disease data (HIV, Hep C, STIs). While I value the core mission of public health, I’ve found that traditional public health roles in my area (NYC) are either highly vulnerable to funding shifts or simply don't offer competitive pay.
At the same time, looking at external fields like clinical nursing or pure tech, the market feels incredibly volatile right now. I’m seeing massive hospital systems squeeze experienced clinical staff on basic benefits, and the tech sector is going through exhausting hiring freezes and corrections.
I don't want to keep chasing unpredictable trends. I want to build a career in a sector that is anticipated to be heavily wanted for the long haul, insulated from macroeconomic swings, and values a public health/data background. I am tied to a major metropolitan market (NYC), so I need pathways that hold strong in competitive urban environments.
For those who have successfully leveraged their MPH into stable, and lucrative sectors:
What specific sectors or niche industries should I be looking at? (e.g., healthcare compliance, health informatics, pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, hospital operations/analytics, etc.)
What roles actually bridge the gap between public health population logic and hard, recession-proof operational needs?
Are there specific skills or certifications I should layer onto my MPH to make myself un-layoffable in those spaces?
I’m less interested in going back to school for a completely different degree right this minute (nonetheless I am doing a couple of different useful free certs). I am most interested in knowing how to strategically position the MPH I already have into a safer, higher-paying harbor.
Appreciate any candor or direction you can provide!

I’m currently in a position where I’m trying to decide whether it’s worth attending an NYC job fair tomorrow in the Bronx. The location is honestly one of the biggest reasons I’m considering it because it’s much closer to where I live, and I already work a per diem role in the Bronx as well. At this point in my life, proximity and quality of life matter a lot to me — I really don’t want to continue commuting over an hour to Brooklyn for a role that already feels underpaying for someone with a Master of Public Health.
At the same time, I’m conflicted because I’ve noticed that many opportunities in the Bronx don’t always seem as competitive salary-wise. Ironically, one of the previous NYC job fairs I attended actually led me to a Program Director role, but the pay ended up being practically the same as what I earn now despite significantly more responsibility and stress. I definitely don’t want to end up in another situation where I’m overworked, underpaid, and constantly overwhelmed.
Part of why I still like these job fairs is because they’re great for networking. I usually leave with recruiter contacts and connections that can help later, even if I don’t immediately find the perfect role. I’m also in the process of potentially starting a CNA program at the same location where I’m currently taking my OSHA course (which is a stop away from work), which adds another layer to my decision-making because I’m trying to build toward more patient care experience and hopefully leverage that into a stronger long-term career path.
The thing is, my current workplace isn’t downright unbearable — I’ve definitely experienced environments that were far more mentally and emotionally draining. This role is more unpredictable day-to-day than outright unbearable, and I don’t currently have the same level of intense pressure or burnout I’ve had in previous leadership positions. That’s genuinely one of the reasons why I am also on the fence given that my direct supervisor provide me flexibility when it concerns, my academic endeavors and interestingly enough the organization itself pays you for the entire day as long as you complete four hours which is pretty nice, but I’m not going to lie. It has its fair share of petty, toxic, and unprofessional staff followed by the organization lacking structure/guidance.
I guess I’m ultimately trying to weigh the pros and cons realistically. Is it worth attending the Bronx job fair tomorrow just to see what opportunities and connections are out there? Are there more competitive paying opportunities or positions for those that have gone to NYC job fairs on a more ongoing basis? Or would it make more sense to wait for a future NYC job fair in Manhattan, Queens, or Brooklyn that may potentially have more competitive salaries and opportunities better aligned with my experience and education?

Hey everyone,

I’m currently a Program Manager in a high-cost-of-living area and I’ve been in the nonprofit public health sector for about 6 years now, mostly focused on infectious disease (HIV/STI/Hep C prevention). I have my MPH and a number of years in leadership experience, as a Program Director and other managerial roles including my current Program Manager role. Nonetheless, increasing my salary and ideally breaking into a 100k salary is feeling impossible.

I’ve had offers from city and county agencies that met my desired pay criteria in the past, but the logistics (long commutes/no car) didn't work out at that time. Now that I'm trying to venture out into city, state, or federal roles, I’m finding it difficult to get my foot in the door for more competitive, high-paying spots.

To leverage my income, I’m currently finishing OSHA and planning to do a BLS certification, and I’m planning to pick up SQL, Tableau, and Advanced Excel to better support the data side of my MPH.

A few questions for the sub:

1. Is the a-IPC worth the effort (given that I have dedicated these past few years in infectious disease)? The reason I ask is because job opportunities that are specifically looking for infectious disease preventionist, based off my search, highlight that they want someone with a CIC cert. Thus, does it actually carry weight with federal roles or beyond or is it just filler?
2. I am also considering polishing and widening my data experience given that I have years of experience working with Excel, eCW, and I am currently using Airs and Welligent as well. I should add that I have used other systems as I mention below. Therefore, did having SQL/Tableau actually help land better paying opportunities?
3. Specialist vs. Generalist: As mentioned, I have approx. 6 years in the HIV/Sexual Health niche. Does staying in this niche help or should I be rebranding? I.e. becoming a generalist is what I am currently working on -- not sure if it's worth it. Please advise.
4. If you moved from non-profit to federal, what was the gamechanger? Was it a specific keyword strategy for the ATS, a certain Civil Service exam?

I should add that I also have Salesforce experience and other city federal systems experience; clearly, I'm missing something in the way I’m formatting my transition. Any advice from people who successfully moved from the nonprofit to a federal career is welcomed and appreciated.

Thank you