A workplace dispute has escalated into a legal battle as an employee accuses her former employer of racial harassment and discrimination. Benedicta Nwaukoni filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, on October 28, 2025, against the Asian Community Center of Sacramento Valley, Inc., Kristy Moore, Katy Campbell, and other unnamed defendants.
The lawsuit alleges that Nwaukoni, an immigrant from Nigeria and former Director of Staff Development at the Asian Community Center, faced severe racial and national origin harassment during her employment. According to the complaint, Kristy Moore and Katy Campbell were instrumental in creating a hostile work environment. The allegations include exclusion from meetings, unwarranted criticism, false accusations about work performance, and racist remarks about skin color and immigrants. “Defendants engaged in this behavior in a deliberate effort to send a message of hatred and contempt,” states the complaint.
Nwaukoni claims that despite reporting these issues to Human Resources (HR), no investigation was conducted before her termination. She argues that her dismissal was based on fabricated reasons known to be false by the defendants. This lack of action is cited as evidence of failure to prevent harassment and discrimination as required under California law.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court. These include economic damages for lost wages and benefits due to wrongful termination; general damages for emotional distress; statutory penalties for violations such as not providing access to personnel records; punitive damages for malicious conduct; attorneys’ fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Nwaukoni is attorney Maureen E. McFadden from Concord, California. The case has been assigned Case No. 2S yos2sarr in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento.
Source: 25CV025677_Benedicta_Nwaukoni_v_Asian_Community_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
