Based on my application, AM offered a screening with HR, which I accepted. The staffer was professional, pleasant and relatable. I was asked several standard questions to clarify I possess the pertinent skill set, ascertain my interest, etc. I was referred for the first interview, which was to last one hour, with one male and one female. I would guess both are under 35. As a start-up culture in a small but rapidly growing business, the male (supervisor) came to the company as an intern and was promoted during just a few years. The female was a recent hire and, like the HR director, very pleasant. I was asked about 10 questions. Though my sector experience is marginally different, it is broad and aligns well with the role. Because the company values promotion from within, another similar organization would likely regard me as a value-added candidate. A learning curve would be relatively insignificant. My sense was I was denied advancement in the process because of fit concerns. I am over 40 with a relevant, diverse and accomplished portfolio in higher education (STEM), public health and healthcare management consultation, with management experience. I am honest, transparent and assertive. Besides these characteristics, I possess secondary qualities, e.g., race, that I sensed were unaligned with the values of the would-be supervisor.