Odete Goncalves

I worked for the federal government in a role that I felt was the only job where I felt safe. However, I faced extreme workplace abuse from my manager who created false accusations against me and forced me to resign against my will, even after I won my job back at arbitration. This happened during a difficult time when my mom was going through cancer and I was new at the department. After being forced out, it took me two years to find another job because it was during COVID. I finally found a position and started working my way up. I even received a bonus for the first time ever in my life and had a great review. But as of February this year, I was let go for no reason. My job description was gradually taken away and given to another person, and I was forced to do menial tasks like cleaning cabinets and going to the post office, which were never in my description. Life has been upside down, and I've been trying very hard to get myself back together mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. I'm a female victim of assault with a learning disability because of the assault. Despite everything, I continue to volunteer with veterans, whom I love to death, and I'm praying every day to return to the federal government.