A career consultant and social media personality says her experience winning a workplace discrimination and retaliation lawsuit inspired her to help others better understand their rights on the job.
Tracy Celestin, founder of Celestin Career Solutions, shared the story in a video posted to Instagram, where she told followers she successfully sued a former employer after alleging discrimination and retaliation.
“I sued one of my previous employers for discrimination and retaliation and I won,” Celestin said in the video, adding that the legal process moved quickly after she hired an attorney.
Celestin did not identify the employer involved, but said she located legal representation within a day and that the case resulted in a payout within a matter of weeks.
Speaking Out About Workplace Rights
In the video, Celestin said she initially had no plans to file a lawsuit and had instead been searching for a new job while still employed.
“I never planned on suing this job,” she said, explaining that she wanted to avoid financial instability for herself and her son.
However, she said workplace dynamics changed after she provided feedback about an issue at work. According to Celestin, she began noticing different treatment and documentation that she believed reflected retaliation.
Celestin said her background in human resources helped her recognize potential violations.
“I was an HR professional,” she said. “A lot of the things my boss put in writing, I would never do.”
Turning Experience Into a Career Mission
Celestin said the experience motivated her to start her consulting business to help workers navigate professional challenges and understand workplace protections.
Through Celestin Career Solutions, she says she now provides guidance on employment issues, professional development and workplace strategy.
In the video, Celestin emphasized that not all employers behave improperly and noted she had previously worked for supportive managers. But she said some companies rely on employees not understanding their rights.
“Employers feed off of ‘ignorance is bliss,’” she said. “When you know your rights — what someone can and cannot do — it’s a game changer.”
Broader Conversation on Workplace Awareness
Employment experts say understanding labor laws, company policies and documentation practices can be critical when disputes arise in the workplace.
Workers who keep records of communications, feedback and disciplinary actions may be better positioned to address potential legal issues if conflicts escalate.
Celestin said she plans to share a more detailed account of her experience in the future but wanted to encourage followers to educate themselves about workplace protections.
“People don’t think you’re smart enough to hold them accountable,” she said. “But when you know your rights, things change.”
