• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • The Fraudulent Scheme: How Barbara Furlow-Smiles used fake vendors, invoices, and kickbacks to steal over $4.9 million from Facebook
  • Condemnation and Misuse of Trust: US Attorney Ryan Buchanan’s response to Barbara Furlow-Smiles’ actions and betrayal of trust
  • From Facebook to Nike: How Barbara Furlow-Smiles continued her fraudulent practices at Nike, swindling over $120,000 and financing a luxury lifestyle
  • Q&A
  • Conclusion

“Barbara Furlow-Smiles: Betraying Trust, Stealing Millions.”

Introduction

Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity manager at Facebook and Nike, has been sentenced to five years in prison for embezzling over $5 million from the companies’ designated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Furlow-Smiles employed a fraudulent scheme involving fake vendors, invoices, and kickbacks to steal more than $4.9 million from Facebook. US Attorney Ryan Buchanan strongly condemned her actions and the breach of trust. Despite being terminated from Facebook, Furlow-Smiles continued her fraudulent activities at Nike, swindling an additional $120,000, ultimately funding a luxurious lifestyle through her deceitful practices.

The Fraudulent Scheme: How Barbara Furlow-Smiles used fake vendors, invoices, and kickbacks to steal over $4.9 million from Facebook

Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity manager at Facebook and Nike, has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. After being convicted of stealing over $5 million from the companies designated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, she has been sentenced to five years in prison. This shocking case has shed light on the lengths some individuals will go to for personal gain, even at the expense of important social causes.

Furlow-Smiles’ fraudulent scheme was a carefully orchestrated plan that involved the creation of fake vendors, invoices, and kickbacks. Over the course of several years, she managed to siphon off a staggering $4.9 million from Facebook, leaving the company reeling from the betrayal of someone they had entrusted with such an important role.

US Attorney Ryan Buchanan, who prosecuted the case, did not mince words when condemning Furlow-Smiles’ actions. He emphasized the severity of her crime, highlighting the misuse of trust and the impact it had on the company’s DEI initiatives. This was not just a case of embezzlement; it was a deliberate act of sabotage against the very values that Facebook claims to uphold.

Despite being fired from Facebook once her fraudulent activities came to light, Furlow-Smiles did not stop there. She continued her deceitful practices at Nike, managing to swindle over $120,000 from the company. This further demonstrates the audacity and lack of remorse displayed by Furlow-Smiles, as she shamelessly financed her luxury lifestyle with money that was meant to promote diversity and inclusion within these organizations.

The extent of Furlow-Smiles’ deception is truly staggering. It raises questions about the effectiveness of internal controls and oversight within these companies. How was she able to carry out such a sophisticated scheme for so long without being detected? This case serves as a wake-up call for organizations to reevaluate their internal processes and ensure that proper checks and balances are in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Furthermore, this case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in corporate social responsibility. Companies often tout their commitment to diversity and inclusion, but this incident exposes the potential for hypocrisy and empty rhetoric. It is crucial for organizations to not only talk the talk but also walk the walk, ensuring that the funds allocated for DEI initiatives are used for their intended purpose and not diverted for personal gain.

The consequences of Furlow-Smiles’ actions extend far beyond the financial loss suffered by Facebook and Nike. The trust of employees, shareholders, and the public has been shaken, casting doubt on the sincerity of these companies’ commitment to diversity and inclusion. Rebuilding that trust will require more than just words; it will require concrete actions and a renewed dedication to the values that these organizations claim to uphold.

In conclusion, Barbara Furlow-Smiles’ fraudulent scheme has exposed the dark underbelly of corporate greed and the lengths some individuals will go to for personal gain. Her actions not only resulted in significant financial losses for Facebook and Nike but also undermined the trust and credibility of these organizations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and robust internal controls in preventing such incidents from occurring in the future. It is a wake-up call for companies to reevaluate their commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that their actions align with their stated values. Only then can we hope to create a corporate culture that truly embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Condemnation and Misuse of Trust: US Attorney Ryan Buchanan’s response to Barbara Furlow-Smiles’ actions and betrayal of trust

Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity manager at Facebook and Nike, has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. After being convicted of stealing over $5 million from the companies’ designated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, she has been sentenced to five years in prison. This shocking case has left many questioning how someone in a position of power could betray the trust placed in them.

Furlow-Smiles’ fraudulent scheme involved creating fake vendors, invoices, and kickbacks to siphon off funds meant for DEI initiatives. At Facebook alone, she managed to steal a staggering $4.9 million. This money was intended to support programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the company. Instead, Furlow-Smiles used it to finance her own lavish lifestyle.

US Attorney Ryan Buchanan, who prosecuted the case, was quick to condemn Furlow-Smiles’ actions and misuse of trust. In a statement, he expressed his disappointment and outrage at her betrayal. Buchanan emphasized the importance of DEI initiatives in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace, and how Furlow-Smiles’ actions undermined these efforts.

The case against Furlow-Smiles began when Facebook discovered irregularities in their financial records. Upon further investigation, it became clear that she had been orchestrating an elaborate scheme to embezzle funds. Facebook promptly terminated her employment and reported the matter to the authorities.

However, Furlow-Smiles did not stop there. Despite being fired from Facebook, she continued her fraudulent activities at Nike. Over a period of time, she managed to swindle over $120,000 from the company. This additional theft only served to further highlight the audacity and greed of Furlow-Smiles.

The consequences of Furlow-Smiles’ actions extend far beyond the financial losses suffered by Facebook and Nike. Her betrayal of trust has shaken the foundations of these companies and raised questions about the effectiveness of their internal controls. It has also cast a shadow over the entire DEI movement, as people wonder how someone tasked with promoting diversity and inclusion could engage in such deceitful practices.

The case serves as a stark reminder that no organization is immune to the risk of fraud and misconduct. It highlights the need for robust internal controls and regular audits to detect and prevent such activities. Companies must remain vigilant and ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.

In the aftermath of this scandal, both Facebook and Nike have taken steps to strengthen their internal controls and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. They have also reaffirmed their commitment to DEI initiatives and pledged to continue their efforts to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

As for Barbara Furlow-Smiles, she will now spend the next five years behind bars, paying the price for her crimes. Her actions have not only tarnished her own reputation but have also damaged the trust placed in diversity managers and the DEI movement as a whole.

The case of Barbara Furlow-Smiles serves as a cautionary tale for organizations and individuals alike. It reminds us of the importance of trust, integrity, and accountability in the workplace. It also underscores the need for constant vigilance and robust internal controls to prevent fraud and misconduct. Only by learning from such cases can we hope to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

From Facebook to Nike: How Barbara Furlow-Smiles continued her fraudulent practices at Nike, swindling over $120,000 and financing a luxury lifestyle

Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity manager at Facebook and Nike, has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. After being convicted of stealing over $5 million from the companies designated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, she has been sentenced to five years in prison. This shocking case has shed light on the lengths some individuals will go to for personal gain, even at the expense of important social causes.

Furlow-Smiles’ fraudulent scheme involved a web of deceit, fake vendors, invoices, and kickbacks. At Facebook, she managed to siphon off an astonishing $4.9 million through her elaborate scheme. This money was meant to be used for promoting diversity and inclusion within the company, but instead, it lined Furlow-Smiles’ pockets. US Attorney Ryan Buchanan expressed his disappointment and condemned her actions, emphasizing the breach of trust that occurred.

Despite being fired from Facebook for her criminal activities, Furlow-Smiles did not stop there. She continued her fraudulent practices at Nike, a company known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Over a period of time, she managed to swindle over $120,000 from the company, further fueling her luxury lifestyle. It is truly disheartening to see someone entrusted with the responsibility of promoting diversity and inclusion using their position for personal gain.

The case of Barbara Furlow-Smiles serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust and accountability within organizations. Companies like Facebook and Nike have made significant efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, recognizing the value it brings to their workforce and overall success. However, incidents like this can undermine these efforts and erode the trust that employees and stakeholders have in these organizations.

It is crucial for companies to have robust systems in place to prevent and detect fraudulent activities. Regular audits, checks, and balances can help identify any irregularities and ensure that funds allocated for DEI initiatives are used appropriately. Additionally, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability can discourage individuals from engaging in fraudulent practices.

The impact of Furlow-Smiles’ actions goes beyond the financial loss suffered by the companies. It also undermines the progress made in the field of diversity and inclusion. The stolen funds could have been used to support initiatives that promote equal opportunities, create inclusive work environments, and address systemic inequalities. Instead, they were used to finance a lavish lifestyle, perpetuating the very inequalities that DEI initiatives aim to combat.

As this case unfolds, it is important for companies to reflect on their own practices and ensure that they have robust measures in place to prevent similar incidents. Trust is a fragile commodity, and it takes time to rebuild once it has been broken. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion and regain the trust of their employees and stakeholders.

In conclusion, the case of Barbara Furlow-Smiles serves as a cautionary tale for organizations worldwide. It highlights the importance of trust, accountability, and transparency in promoting diversity and inclusion. Companies must remain vigilant and implement measures to prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring that funds allocated for DEI initiatives are used for their intended purpose. By doing so, they can uphold their commitment to creating inclusive work environments and addressing systemic inequalities.

Q&A

1. Who is Barbara Furlow-Smiles?
Barbara Furlow-Smiles is a former diversity manager at Facebook and Nike.

2. What was Barbara Furlow-Smiles sentenced to?
Barbara Furlow-Smiles received a five-year prison sentence.

3. How much money did Barbara Furlow-Smiles steal from Facebook and Nike?
Barbara Furlow-Smiles stole over $5 million from the companies, with over $4.9 million from Facebook and over $120,000 from Nike.

Conclusion

Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity manager at Facebook and Nike, has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing over $5 million from the companies’ designated DEI initiatives. Furlow-Smiles utilized a fraudulent scheme involving fake vendors, invoices, and kickbacks to embezzle over $4.9 million from Facebook. US Attorney Ryan Buchanan strongly condemned her actions and the breach of trust. Despite being terminated from Facebook, Furlow-Smiles continued her fraudulent activities at Nike, swindling an additional $120,000, ultimately funding a luxurious lifestyle through her deceitful practices.