Edward Jones Worker Sues Over Discrimination
A former branch office administrator for Edward Jones is suing the firm, claiming it ignored her complaints that her financial advisor supervisor consistently harassed and discriminated against her.
In a complaint filed in Illinois federal court this week, Razia Ghausse claimed that when she began work at an Edward Jones branch in a Chicago suburb, financial advisor Ivan Palomares intimidated and insulted her based on her gender, age and religion.
According to the complaint, Ghausse is a Muslim woman born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1962, who immigrated to the United States in 1984. In July 2018, Edward Jones hired Ghausse as a branch office administrator; according to Ghausse, she received “numerous accolades and awards” from the firm for her work.
In 2021, Ghausse became the branch office administrator for Edward Jones’ office in Palo Hills, Ill., a suburb approximately 20 miles out of Chicago. She ran the office, including contacting clients, managing vendors and working with financial advisor Ivan Palomares.
However, in the complaint, Ghausse alleges a horrific work environment at the office, claiming Palomares ridiculed Ghausse for her gender, nationality, religion, race and age.
According to Ghausse, despite her proficiency in English, Palomares allegedly said he was “offended” that she considered English her “second” language. Additionally, Palomares would apologize to clients for Ghausse’s grammar, “despite no customer ever complaining.” Additionally, Ghausse claimed Palomares often yelled at her.
Ghausse “feared that her supervisor, Ivan Palomares, would intentionally and knowingly physically attack, beat and hurt (Ghausse),” the complaint alleged.
In response to questions about the suit, an Edward Jones spokesperson said they “have not been served with the lawsuit you referenced and have not yet reviewed it.”
In early 2025, Ghausse complained to Edward Jones’ human resources department about the alleged discrimination she faced at the branch office. However, she claimed that instead of investigating the claims, Edward Jones “knowingly covered up and ignored” Ghausse’s complaints against Palomares, and instead “knowingly retaliated” against her.
According to Ghausse, the harassment continued, with Palomares allegedly claiming he’d prefer working with “a young female American-born” branch office administrator, and telling Ghausse she was “too old” to be working in the position.
Then, on Aug. 4, Edward Jones allegedly fired Ghausse, which she claims was due, in part, to her complaints.
Later in the year, Ghausse claims she filed her complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission before filing the suit. She’s seeking a jury trial for damages for lost wages and employee benefits, as well as punitive damages.