Whistleblowers of America Roundtable

As pollution, climate change, and ecological crises accelerate, the role of whistleblowers in defending the planet has never been more vital. This roundtable brings together environmental experts, legal advocates, and frontline voices to examine the risks, retaliation, and resilience of those who speak out against contamination, unsafe practices, and environmental harm. From toxic spills to corporate cover-ups, environmental whistleblowers are exposing the hidden costs of negligence and the urgent need for accountability. Join us as we confront the systemic barriers that silence truth-tellers, explore the protections they deserve, and spotlight the courage it takes to challenge powerful interests in the...

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, governments, and society, the stakes for ethical oversight have never been higher. This roundtable brings together whistleblowers, legal experts, ethicists, and technologists to explore the risks, retaliation, and resilience faced by those who speak out against the misuse of AI.From biased algorithms to national security concerns, AI whistleblowers are exposing the hidden consequences of unchecked innovation. Join us as we examine the systemic barriers to accountability, discuss the urgent need for stronger protections, and spotlight the courage it takes to challenge powerful interests in the digital age.

Research has reviewed factors related to employees on the neurodivergent spectrum and how that impacts their performance. It also has implications when they discover wrongdoing and file complaints. This discussion will focus on the definition around neurodivergent and the autism spectrum and how these characteristics and communications style matter in the workplace. Panelists will share information and lead a discussion on neurodivergent whistleblowers who have spoken up when neurotypical colleagues stayed silent, and experienced consequences as a result. Retaliation might have a greater impact on neurodivergent employees who then might be more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress.

Whistleblowers who have been terminated, demoted or blocked from career advancement can also experience periods of prolonged unemployment, underemployment and disability. Rebuilding a career or finding a new pathway to sustainable, gainful employment takes skill and coaching that might be unique depending on industy or profession. This session will focus on redefining one's professional self, recovering from the trauma of retaliaiton and the possibilities of vocational rehabilitation, education, and self-employment.

Whistleblower mental health and resilience is a very important conversation, esapecially when disclosures impact community. How can the faith-based communities and their leaders be involved in supporting the whistleblower through the process and how can they help with the struggles people face when trying to do the right thing.

We know that whistleblowing impacts a family because economic decisions must be made that involve finances and social status. Whistleblowers have discussed how important their families have been to them during the process. But we also know that not all families survive the stress and many whistleblowers face divorce and additional challenges to parenting. This session will bring together the spouses of whistleblowers to hear their perspectives and what would be more helpful to them as they navigated this journey, which they often did not see coming. Featuring: Karen Carson, Kelly Paxton and Madeline Tenenbaum

Journalists and whistleblowers need each other, but what are the rules of engagement? Whistleblowers are motivated to tell their stories but knowing when you are ready to go public is important to success. It takes planning, research preparation, content development and editorial approval before a story goes to press.

What is dirty money and how do we know when taxpayer or shareholder money is being misused or stolen? This group of financial sector experts will discuss their cases and the issues that they have faced in going to the SEC, CFTC and FINRA for assistance and support. What do we as consumers need to know about ditry money? 

November Roundtable featuring: Peter G. Bertling Attorney, Wrongful Death Expert. Ami Neiberger, Public Relations Consultant. LaShanda Moon, Surviving spouse of Army Vet Jason Moon and of course Jackie Garrick.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits When a Veteran Dies by Suicide will explore the role veterans'families and whistleblowers can play when survivors hold VA accountable for not living up to their promised standards of suicide care. When a veteran dies by suicide after seeking care at a VA facility and the staff were not properly trained or ready to implement the treatment protocols required and no one is held responsible, then...

Breaking the Blue Wall of Silence has been deadly for some and life-altering for others while crimes go under-reported or covered up in an area of growing police suspicions. How can law enforcement officers help each other heal and address major issues in their profession and live healthy, safe lives. 

Whistleblower families make sacrifices and suffer the victimization along with the employee. They give up socioeconomic status, live in fear of retaliation, worry about home security, but they do not always understand the nature of the whistleblowing and the prolonged court cases that are sometimes under seal.  Children are aware of cyberbullies and doxing that means that they have to change their lifestyle and limit socialization.  Family members can feel helpless, hopeless and ineffective.  Often they are hospitalized and in treatment for depression and anxiety.

Women in business can face many challenges, especially when competing for contracts and clients. They must cope with gender biases and stereotypes, break glass ceilings and ward off sexual harassment to be successful. What can be done to ensure that women can be hired, mentored  and promoted so that they can win business and build companies?

What role does race play when reporting fraud, waste, and abuse? Where do Diversity and Inclusion programs fail and what is a better way forward? According to a Politico article, it is a different experience for people of color, especially women, when it comes to being believed. It goes on to say, “Silicon Valley has been under pressure for years to diversify its workforce, but companies often don’t do enough to ensure the women of color joining its ranks have the resources and support they need to adjust to a hegemonic internal culture, the whistleblowers say.”  

What can we d...

Nonprofits are not immune to corruption or bullies. They are like any other workplace. However, for the whistleblower who joins such a team, there can be an even more complicated path to disclosing wrongdoing because of the risk to the entire mission. There is a commitment to the goals and objectives of the organization. Its beneficiaries rely upon the services provided and if the whistleblowing causes the mission to be impacted, the whistleblower can suffer even greater consequences of guilt and moral injury when problems are not fixed.

Join us for an insightful webinar on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This session will explore how whistleblowers, advocates, and the public can effectively use FOIA requests to uncover vital government information, promote transparency, and hold institutions accountable. Learn the steps to file FOIA requests, understand your rights, and discover how accessing government records can support whistleblowing efforts.

Join us for a supportive session exploring the psychological and neurological impacts of bullying on whistleblowers. We'll delve into the mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and trauma, and provide tools and strategies for resilience and recovery. This session aims to offer a compassionate space for healing and empowerment.

As National Whistleblower Day approaches on July 30th, this Roundtable will review the MISC activities to improve laws that are designed to protect employees from retaliation. There are dozens of laws in the US, leading to coverage gaps, confusion and loopholes that leave employees vulnerable and reduces transparency and accountability. Whistleblowers of America works with its partners to address these problems with elected officials. Join the conversation and see where your advocacy can help.

Employees working in the national security space face greater conflicts when trying to expose wrongdoing while still protecting our democratic values and principles.  How can whistleblowers do the right thing when there are threats to their safety, security clearances and the public interest.  What should be reported and what is classified. What are the real problems we face in protecting national interests?