I think many of this author's experiences are universal.I'm a white woman and I have bought clothes specifically for an interview or for a job that I would never wear outside of work. I have also felt like I didn't fit into a work situation many times. Years ago I worked in an office where multiple people spoke Polish and would converse in their language around me in the office all the time. Talk about uncomfortable. I have been in situations that were blatantly sexist too. Work can be very stressful for anyone but Bay St is hyper competitive. That's why they get paid the big bucks. 
Unfortunately the author has a chip on her shoulder planted by her father. A parent should never call a teacher an idiot especially in front of a child. I have a 4 year old and I have received judgemental looks from time to time because of my child. People judge other people's kids all the time. The woman on the subway reacted badly probably because the child was precocious. You can't always assumed racism