( CNN ) -- The woman who accused Herman Cain of groping her after a 1997 dinner says the Republican presidential candidate is `` still in denial '' about his conduct . Sharon Bialek is the first woman to publicly accuse Cain of sexual harassment after last week 's disclosure that the National Restaurant Association -- which Cain led in the late 1990s -- made payments to two other women who complained about his conduct . Cain has vehemently denied any allegation of misconduct . Bialek told CNN 's `` Piers Morgan Tonight '' that she came forward Monday `` for the other women who could n't or would n't . '' `` I really hope that what I did will enable other women to come forward in similar situations , '' Bialek said . `` Unfortunately for Herman , he 's still in denial . '' Bialek told reporters Monday that she sought Cain 's help finding a job after being laid off from the trade association 's education foundation in 1997 . She said Cain suggested meeting over dinner , then tried to reach up her skirt after the meal -- and when she protested , he told her , `` You want a job , right ? '' Read more about Bialek 's allegation . Her attorney , Gloria Allred , told CNN her client described Cain 's behavior at the time to her then-boyfriend and a longtime mentor , and both have given sworn statements supporting her account . Allred said her client is a registered Republican . And Bialek said she expects to face public scrutiny following her accusations . `` I know that in the next two days is when everything is going to hit the fan , so to speak , and I 'm prepared for it , '' she said . She added , `` I 'm willing to handle it . I 'm a tough girl . ''
Sharon Bialek appeared on CNN 's `` Piers Morgan Tonight '' She says she 's speaking out for `` other women who could n't or would n't '' Cain has denied any allegation of sexual harassment .