From Leadership to the Sidelines
Rather than addressing her complaints, Ko alleges that Kim reassigned her responsibilities to a white male executive with no HR experience, justifying the move with sexist remarks. He allegedly dismissed Ko’s leadership, claiming she lacked charisma and stating that certain discussions should happen “white man to white man.”
Kim also publicly undermined Ko in front of Swiftly’s executive team, challenging her expertise and humiliating her in meetings. When Ko confronted him, she alleges he dismissed her condescendingly, referring to her as a “good girl.”
The Retaliation Intensifies
By September, Ko had filed a formal complaint against Kim for discrimination and retaliation. Instead of investigating her concerns, the CEO allegedly pressured her to withdraw the complaint, even threatening suspension if she refused. Ko stood her ground.
The following month, she escalated her claims by informing Swiftly’s outside counsel at Littler Mendelson. However, rather than protecting her, she alleges the firm facilitated further retaliation. Ko says she was abruptly placed on indefinite leave just before a key board meeting.
During the months-long leave, Ko filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Swiftly, Kim, and Littler. She was scheduled to return to work on March 3, but the night before, she was informed her position had been eliminated, setting the stage for her March 7 termination.
