Region 5 Rap Session: Women’s Round Table
by Steward Teresa Fisher
The Glass Ceiling
The definition of glass ceiling: glass ceil·ing
/ˌɡlas ˈsēliNG/
noun
“an unofficially acknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession, especially affecting women and members of minorities.”
I took the class called the “Women’s Roundtable” on Saturday, February 28, 2026. They asked for a raise of hands of who all has had to deal with anything just because you’re a female or that you had to work harder because you’re a female. A lot of us raised our hands. I did. But then they wanted those that raised their hands to talk about their experiences, to tell their stories. All of their stories are with USPS. Mine was not.
The glass ceiling still to this day exists, unfortunately women have to bust through it. I listened to everyone on the panel tell their story and stories from the audience. I heard a class mate say there was a time when customers were mad at the female letter carriers, yelled at them that they took men’s jobs. Women Letter Carriers were paid a lower hourly wage than a man, but did the same job. Can you imagine? Some of you were there. Some of you can. I cannot. My mouth dropped open when I heard that.
The things that have been said to women in that class, “you slept your way to the top.”, “I want to speak to a guy.”, “am I up against something? The Good Ole Boys Club?”, “You’re a woman. You don’t know anything.” I know I missed a few others that were said.
Sexual harassment was talked about. Raise your hands if this has happened in your office. That is truly sad to me. You do not have to deal with this! You do not have to stay quiet! Please seek out someone you trust to help you. A lady in the class said, “If you see something, then please say something!” I want to add to that and say follow up with the person that you said something to. Make sure something was done, because if not, then a grievance might need to be filed to get it stopped.
I want to pass on to my fellow union sisters out there that you are not alone! That was one of my main take-aways. I’ve felt like I’m on an island by myself at times, but I just need to reach out to a fellow union sister or brother. You, too, might face obstacles that are hard to get through. There are resources out there. I’ve learned a lot from this class and talking with some fellow union sisters.
− Jane Broendel was the first female resident officer of the NALC.
− National Secretary Treasurer Nicole Rhine has seen many and has been a first in her span of 32 years as a union member of the NALC. Nicole Rhine was on the panel of this class.
− NBA Region 5 RAA Larrissa Parde was also on the panel.
− NALC Director of Health Benefits Stephanie Stewart was there as well on the panel.
A PODCAST
There is a podcast called “The History of Female Leadership in the NALC”. Go check it out! There are a few episodes. Kraig plans on continuing with the podcast. I’m not sure what all platforms it’s on, but it is for sure on Spotify.