Vivian Neves Massaro, a Brazilian woman who worked for Canadian company ApplyBoard from June 2021 to July 2022, posted a video on LinkedIn last month discussing her experiences working in international education, claiming she complained about her direct supervisor’s behavior but received no support from her employer.
In the video, Massaro says that after working for Gerardo Carranza for a year, the two traveled to Canada (where ApplyBoard is headquartered) to meet for the first time at the ILAC CPF conference, and also attended ApplyBoard headquarters in Kitchener and ICEF in Toronto during the week.
Massaro alleged that Carranza subjected her to “sexual and moral harassment” during her stay in Canada.
Carranza denied the claims, and ApplyBoard said the situation involved two people who had not worked for the company for several years. A spokesperson said: PIE News: “ApplyBoard takes allegations of workplace bullying very seriously. We have clear mechanisms in place for reporting, and we diligently address all allegations received, including those mentioned above. This allegation was addressed when it was raised several years ago.”
Meanwhile, Carranza told PIE that he regrets all the confusion he has caused. “I wrote to Mr. Massaro and apologized at the first opportunity,” he said. [sic]I express my deep regret for the inconvenience and impact I have had on her. I reiterate this apology publicly and wish her and her family the best.”
He claimed there was an investigation at the time that considered testimony from all parties and reviewed WhatsApp conversations, emails and all communications between those involved. He said: “It determined that there was no sexual or workplace harassment and recommended that I undertake a sensitivity and awareness programme and course to strengthen the handling and enforcement of internal norms and policies, to which I voluntarily agreed.”
He also said he sent Massaro an apology letter expressing regret for his actions at the direction of ApplyBoard, which Massaro confirmed to The PIE. But she believes the investigation did not properly investigate her testimony.
But the post and the response to it have shed light on a sensitive topic. A group of Mexican women in the industry wrote an open letter to the Mexican Educational Tourism Association AMTE in response to the video after it was released. “We know many stories, and we are sure there are many more that have not yet been told,” the letter reads.
“We have seen time and time again that abusers are protected by their status, industry history, reputation or other excuses… to minimize, erase or justify the unforgivable actions of those engaging in such activity,” it continued.
Below the video, several international education figures supported Masaro, praising her for being “brave” in sharing her story.
Maria Claudia Vicente, from Tamwood Careers College, said women often questioned whether they should speak out about these types of situations, which “happen all the time”.
“As women, we know how hard we fight to secure jobs in any industry, and you have proven your ability time and time again as incredible professionals,” Vicente added.
As women, we know how hard we fight to secure our jobs in any industry.
Maria Claudia Vicente, Tamwood Career College
Diogo Rodriguez, CEO of Brazilian agency YES Intercâmbio, also expressed support, saying women “deserve a professional and respectful environment” in the workplace.
In an interview with PIE, Massaro, who now works for another company, said that by sharing his experience, he hopes it will shed light on a broader issue that is “not new.”
“There are a lot of issues going on in the industry and everyone knows about it, but of course, women in particular are often afraid to talk about it,” she explained.
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