In 2013, she began starring in the BET network show "Being Mary Jane". Union learned of the series while auditioning for "Scandal" for the role of Olivia Pope, which ultimately went to Kerry Washington. Union has said that she is content with having lost the role in "Scandal" to Washington: "I didn't get "Scandal", but I got something better, which is my own show." Union was impressed with the show's quality and professionalism. Also in 2013, Union starred in Ava DuVernay's short film "The Door" as part of Miu Miu's Women's Tales campaign.