DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A DeKalb County mother has filed a discrimination lawsuit against PNC Bank because she says she was turned down for a promotion because she’s a Black single mother.
A spokesperson for PNC Bank told Channel 2′s Tyisha Fernandes that PNC does not tolerate discrimination and they look forward to presenting the facts in court.
Brandie Falice told Fernandes that after working for PNC since 2018, she is pursuing the case for herself and other single Black mothers who may find themselves in a similar situation.
“It was very disrespectful and I questioned my worth altogether because of that,” Falice said.
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She says she was put on the fast track to management and landed a role just underneath the manager in a matter of months.
“I got that role within the first year and I was actually promoted on my birthday in 2019,” Falice said.
When COVID-19 hit and some PNC branches closed, she says she kept moving up and became an assistant branch manager in 2022. That same year, she applied for a management position at a branch in Peachtree Corners.
In her discrimination lawsuit, Falice says the regional manager who interviewed her for the position told her she would not be a good fit because most of the customers are white and, as a single mother, could not work weekend events.
“I felt discouraged and I felt the time I spent with this company and my efforts to reach my goals in that space were shot down because of something that I love about myself,” she described. “It does feel like you’re judged and it feels like you’re not worthy as other people.”
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A spokesperson for PNC Bank denies the allegations.
“We believe Ms. Falice was treated fairly and consistent with our company values, policies and practices. PNC does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation and we look forward to presenting the facts in court,” they said in a statement.
Falice’s attorney believes PNC can learn from this lawsuit.
“It’s a chance for them to show some accountability,” said attorney Artur Davis. “How many young women of color are being denied opportunities for the same kinds of bias reasons used to hold Brandie Falice back.”
Falice has since moved on to a completely different career.
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