Fairfax County, Virginia - July 22, 2024 - Osman and Jarvis Law filed a $1,000,000+ lawsuit against KG&P Strategies, the parent company of MVM Inc., KACE Company, The Providencia Group, and evolve24 doing business as Sherpa LLC, and the following individuals:
- Amber Kodish – former CEO of evolve24 who suspiciously left within weeks of the incident for undetermined reasons, now an Advisory Committee Member at University of Maryland College Park while her son was a senior in High School applying to colleges, possibly including University of Maryland College Park. Now she also does work with targa.ai.
- Rose Sommovigo – former HR Manager of evolve24 who suspiciously left within weeks of the incident for undetermined reasons, niece of former CEO of Time Inc. Ann Moore, and currently employed as the Director of Operations at Player Progression Academy based in Washington DC.
- Noah Howerton – Data Scientist at evolve24 and former military sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States. He does hold a security clearance.
- Scott Forbes – Former DEA Agent sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States and Director of Law Enforcement Services for KACE Company. He does hold a security clearance.
- Carmen Campos – HR Manager for KP&G Strategies.
- Crystal Wheeler – Chief People Officer of KG&P and Career/Executive/Life Coach at Loudoun Counseling and Coaching LLC in Sterling, VA.
Potential Top Executive Witnesses Include:
- Kevin Marquez - CEO/President of Parent Company KG&P Strategies (MVM Inc., KACE Company, The Providencia Group, evolve24). He was named in the inquiry to the EEOC.
- Maria Campos - CEO/COO/President within KG&P Strategies Companies (MVM Inc., KACE Company, The Providencia Group, evolve24). She was named in the inquiry to the EEOC.
The case alleges violations of the Virginia Human Rights Act, including wrongful discharge based on sexual orientation and his Afghan national origin. This follows another Afghan national origin discrimination lawsuit MVM Inc. (A KG&P Company) faced back in the 1990s, along with multiple discrimination and harassment settlements stemming from charges against MVM Inc. over the last decade. Formally known as only MVM Inc., it was only recently that KG&P Strategies was formed as a parent company to include MVM Inc., and the formation of KACE Company and The Providencia Group following numerous settlements for discrimination and publicity. evolve24 was acquired by KG&P Strategies. Their first case of Afghan Discrimination was Alizai v MVM Inc., and since then, have had multiple workplace discrimination settlements within the last decade including discrimination based on Race and Religion.
Background
Osman, a Muslim male of Afghan descent and a gay individual, began his employment as a Vice President at evolve24, located in Herndon, Virginia, on September 27, 2022. Never publicly disclosing this sexual orientation at evolve24, the complaint outlines a series of events that unfolded during his tenure. Allegations of sexual harassment were made against him by a colleague, Noah Howerton, where there is clear evidence of unconscious bias towards gay men. Also, misinterpretations of communications were made stemming from cultural and language differences between American and Afghan cultures. Osman informed HR about unconscious bias shown based on the communications and recommended company-wide training. He was terminated and the reason given was that he did not mention Noah Howerton by name in a monthly company-wide e-mail when Noah Howerton was no longer on his team. Two other senior leaders, American heterosexual white men, were tasked with sending the same monthly email communications and were never disciplined or terminated for not mentioning other team members outside of their group. The disparate treatment between Osman and the two other leaders further shows his reason for termination was pretextual for national origin and sexual orientation discrimination.
Key Allegations
-
Osman's complaint contends that Noah Howerton's accusations were based on misconstrued statements taken out of context and exaggerated even further by individuals listed in the complaint.
-
The lawsuit claims that Osman, despite being a gay male, had not publicly disclosed his sexual orientation at the time of the alleged incidents, though he owns a clothing line where his customer base is gay men.
-
The complaint argues that the subsequent actions by the defendants, including warnings and termination, were pretextual and stemmed from unconscious biases against Osman's sexual orientation and Afghan national origin, after receiving continuous positive reviews and raises over his 17+ year career.
-
Osman alleges that the termination resulted in significant financial losses, emotional distress, and the infringement of his civil rights
Claims and Relief Sought
The lawsuit is structured around four causes of action, focusing on violations of the Virginia Human Rights Act. Osman seeks various forms of relief, including backpay of $20,125/month, compensatory damages, punitive damages, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees.
Wrongful Discharge: Sexual Orientation
Alleges that Osman's termination by KG&P Strategies (MVM Inc., KACE Company, The Providencia Group, evolve24) was directly related to his sexual orientation. Seeks damages totaling $250,000.00 in compensatory damages, $350,000.00 in punitive damages, and backpay.
Wrongful Discharge: National Origin
Contends that Osman's termination by KG&P Strategies (MVM Inc., KACE Company, The Providencia Group, evolve24) based on his Afghan national origin. Requests the same relief as the first cause of action, with damages specified.
Wrongful Discrimination: Sexual Orientation
Accuses defendants Amber Kodish, Rose Sommovigo, Noah Howerton, Scott Forbes, Crystal Wheeler, Carmen Campos of wrongful discrimination against Osman based on his sexual orientation. Seeks similar relief as the first cause of action, including backpay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and legal costs.
Wrongful Discrimination: National Origin
Accuses defendants Amber Kodish, Rose Sommovigo, Noah Howerton, Scott Forbes, Crystal Wheeler, Carmen Campos of wrongful discrimination against Osman based on his Afghan national origin. Requests the same relief as the third cause of action, with specific damages detailed.
Conclusion
Osman's lawsuit underscores the importance of workplace equality and fair treatment, seeking legal remedies for the alleged violations of his rights. The plaintiff is determined to pursue justice and hold the defendants accountable for their actions, especially since there is a pattern of behavior with KG&P Companies (MVM Inc., KACE Company, The Providencia Group, and evolve24) regarding discriminatory practices.
Elaine Jarvis
Jarvis Law PLLC
128 N Royal Avenue
Front Royal, Virginia
540-546-0220
540-546-0229 (Fax)
info@jarvislaw.org
About Osman
Osman is an individual who has dedicated his career to Data Science and Engineering, while coming to the U.S. as an Afghan Refugee with his parents when he was a baby. Committed to promoting equal opportunities and free speech, Osman is now taking a legitimate stand against alleged discriminatory actions experienced during his employment at evolve24, and to put a stop to the continuous discriminatory practices of KG&P Companies (MVM Inc., KACE Company, The Providencia Group, and evolve24). This must be done for he is extremely concerned for the current Afghan Refugees being dealt with by The Providencia Group employees through a Health and Human Services government contract, specifically the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
Disclaimer
This press release is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content herein reflects the allegations made in the complaint filed by Osman against KG&P Strategies, Inc. (MVM Inc., KACE Company, The Providencia Group, evolve24), Amber Kodish, Rose Sommovigo, Noah Howerton, Scott Forbes, Carmen Campos, and Crystal Wheeler. The legal proceedings will determine the validity of these claims.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact Jarvis Law PLLC at info@jarvislaw.org or (540) 546-0220.