A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major telecommunications company, alleging a pattern of race and sex-based discrimination and harassment. On March 28, 2025, Lauren Schamne filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless.
The complaint details Schamne's experiences during her tenure at Verizon Wireless, which began in October 2021 when she was hired as a senior business account manager. According to the filing, Schamne faced differential treatment based on her race and sex from as early as summer 2022. Her then-manager allegedly subjected her to unwanted advances and inappropriate comments under the guise of career mentorship. "I know a lot of people. If you want to grow and be successful, I can get you to places you want to go if you just do what I say," he reportedly told her during one encounter.
Despite reporting these incidents to HR in fall 2022, Schamne claims that no significant action was taken for six months. The manager in question was eventually moved to another team but later promoted, an outcome that Schamne views as inadequate and dismissive of her complaints.
The situation reportedly worsened when she was assigned a new manager who allegedly retaliated against her for previous complaints by creating a hostile work environment. This included public shaming and inappropriate personal remarks such as questioning why she didn't have a boyfriend or suggesting she needed therapy. Despite reporting this behavior again to HR, Schamne asserts that no corrective measures were implemented; instead, this manager too received a promotion.
Schamne's ordeal continued with subsequent managers who allegedly enforced biased office attendance requirements not imposed on her peers and failed to support her during client meetings where she felt belittled due to her race and sex. In November 2024, she was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan due to low numbers caused by technical issues beyond her control—a move she perceives as further retaliation.
Seeking redress under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981, Schamne is asking the court for back pay with interest, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, costs, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. She emphasizes that despite meeting performance expectations throughout her employment, she suffered significant emotional distress leading to FMLA leave starting January 6, 2025.
Representing Lauren Schamne are attorneys Nathan C. Volheim and Mally L. Slone from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while the case is presided over by judges from the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:25-cv-03332.