Breshaun Joyner
New programs at Girls Incorporated of Monroe County include star-chamber proceedings and questionable firings. Breshaun Joyner, a six-year Girls Inc. employee, was told to leave Girls Inc. or accept a demoted position. This position’s funding will run out unless Joyner secures additional money to keep the job.
According to Executive Director Karen Jones, unsatisfactory work performance caused the change in Joyner’s employment. However, Joyner has had numerous conflicts with Jones over profound violations of Girls Inc. standards. When Joyner protested, she was subjected to unwarranted, unsubstantiated evaluations and reprimands. There is no recourse for employees who disagree with policies or actions of the Executive Director except…to speak to the Executive Director! Joyner has repeatedly requested to speak to the Board of Trustees, but this request has been denied. She has also offered to tape record any meetings for accuracy. That offer, too, was declined. Instead, the Board sent misleading letters to the membership claiming Joyner simply declined to accept a new position.
Girls Inc., as its motto states, inspires girls to be “strong, smart, and bold.” Their current actions demonstrate behavior that is feckless, stupid, and cowardly. It is intolerable to silence a whistleblower. Not allowing an employee to file a grievance creates, at the very least, the impression of impropriety.
Nevertheless, the Board maintains they care about what is best for Girls Inc. Best for the girls…or the inc.?