I've benefited from pretty privilege in corporate America, and I'm not sure it's worth it

Tue, 12/12/2023 - 05:17

Businesswoman looking at a window in an office building — Madelyn Machado (not pictured) reflects on her experience as a conventionally attractive woman in corporate America.
Shannon Fagan/Getty Images

Madelyn Machado is a former recruiter who has worked at companies like Meta, Microsoft, and LinkedIn.
She says she's received some special privileges due to her looks.
But she also experienced harassment and unsolicited advances from colleagues.

I've spent a decade in recruiting, with seven years in the tech industry at big companies like Microsoft, Meta, and LinkedIn, and in other male-dominated industries like legal recruiting and defense. And let me tell you, being a pretty, young Latina recruiter had its perks.