Humanizing Tech artwork

Humanizing Tech

73 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratings

Humanizing Tech highlights the people working to make the tech industry a more diverse and inclusive place.

On each episode, we will attempt to dig below the surface of our guest's achievements and challenges, showcasing the stories behind the story.

We believe that focusing on the person and humanizing their lived experiences will help us shape the future of tech.

Technology Society & Culture inclusion portland diversity innovation nonbinary technology underrepresented women
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Rose Kaz: The Intersection of Tech and Creativity

January 08, 2024 11:00 - 57 minutes - 131 MB

Rose Kaz joins the podcast to share how we can bring together creativity and tech.   A visionary leader, expert connector and advocate for Women’s Rights, Rose is passionate about creating a more equitable future for ALL by emulating that world within the brands she builds.   We discuss how we can all adopt more creativity into our lives, create the environments we need for creative flow, and her love for podcasting (and Portland!).   Check out her podcast “Money, Sex,...

Noah Puckett Decodes Tech Industry Transitions

October 23, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 163 MB

On this episode of Humanizing Tech, we demystify career transitions to the Tech Industry.   In addition to being an Alchemy Code Lab grad and Software Engineer, Noah Puckett (they/them) leads the Accessibility Employee Resource Group (ERG) at New Relic.   We explore how neurodivergent perspectives can question and challenge the insularity of traditional workplaces. From making sense of nonsensical job descriptions and navigating corporate vagueness as a new hire, to applying ...

Hazel Valdez: Scaling the Mission of PDXWIT

July 24, 2023 10:00 - 57 minutes - 132 MB

This episode of Humanizing Tech welcomes our new Executive Director Hazel Valdez! Listen to meet Hazel and learn about her fascinating (and delicious) background, how she’s working to unify the PDXWIT team (staff and volunteers), and the exciting plans to scale the mission of PDXWIT with full transparency.   PDXWIT is always looking for volunteers! If you’re passionate about building an inclusive and equitable Portland Tech Industry, we’d love to meet you.   Learn more about ...

API Immigration Stories: Zhou Fang

June 12, 2023 11:00 - 47 minutes - 108 MB

On this episode, we were joined by Zhou Fang, Founder and EDI practitioner at Intersectional Group LLC.   Zhou Fang’s work focuses on intersectionality and interconnection, on curiosity and empathy, helping organizations and teams grow in a meaningful way. A Director of Communications with 10+ years of experience in partnership, account management, business development, people operations, and event planning with a track record of independent execution and building lasting partnersh...

Bess Campbell: How to Pivot Careers with PDXWIT

January 16, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 67.7 MB

On this episode of Humanizing Tech, we’re joined by Bess Campbell, Solutions Engineer at Actable.  After many years in the service industry, Bess decided she was ready to pivot careers and went back to school to become a computer programmer. To her advantage, the service industry taught her all about working with people under pressure - how to be a team player, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to create elegant, efficient systems.  In her Solutions Engineer role, she helps her...

Estephany & Cristabel: Know your Worth and Act On It

December 12, 2022 11:00 - 44 minutes - 101 MB

We're kicking off a new series for the podcast where we spotlight stories from the PDXWIT Community.   On this episode, we're joined by Cristabel Nichols and Estephany Mitchell – our first sister pair of podcast guests and powerhouse PDXWIT Community Members.    Cristabel currently heads up Web Operations Program Management at Provider Solutions & Development and Estephany supports our Operations here at PDXWIT. Together, they share the powerful impact PDXWIT had on their lives and c...

Deana Solis: How Fears Can Fuel Us

October 24, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 118 MB

PDXWIT volunteer, mentor, and member of the speakers bureau, Deana Solis, is the inaugural FinOps Leader at Smarsh.  As the youngest of five, Deana became known as the most fearful of her family and had to learn how to conquer her fears at a very young age.  Throughout her career, she became fueled by her fears and found them to be a source of inspiration for her professional development, learning new skills, and heightened emotional intelligence. She believes we must acknowledge our fea...

Amanda Lopez: Community Building

August 08, 2022 10:00 - 52 minutes - 119 MB

Amanda Lopez, “Keener” and Senior Talent Acquisition Partner in the Outdoor Apparel Industry, joins us on the podcast.    A true Oregon Native, Amanda tells the story of her family opening the first Mexican Restaurant in Hood River as first generation immigrants and the community they built in Hood River.    A community builder herself, Amanda has been involved with PDXWIT since 2015. She launched Women of Color in Tech, serves on the board, and helps with PDXWIT’s Scholarship Progra...

Isabel Rodriguez: 2022’s State of the Community

July 11, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 51.5 MB

Isabel Rodriguez (they/them) identifies as Black, Queer, Puerto Rican, and Non-Binary. As a feminist, scientist, researcher, and analyst, Isabel is passionate about data and storytelling with a critical lens; these lived experiences inform their work as the Data and Communications Manager for PDXWIT.  They join us on the podcast to introduce PDXWIT’s 2022 State of the Community survey and encourage listeners to take it and share it with your organizations.  Tune in to learn about this ye...

Padmashree Koneti: Culture Shock and Confidence

April 25, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 106 MB

On this episode of Humanizing Tech, Padmashree Koneti (she/her) joins us to discuss her experience with identity assimilation as a first-generation immigrant. As the VP of Product Management of Tableau and vocal advocate of DEI, Padmashree brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to the tech industry.    She defines the model minority myth in her own words, how it shapes the obstacles she overcame, and her hopefulness for future generations entering their careers today. Tune in for some c...

Tia Hopkins: How to be Great at Something

March 21, 2022 11:00 - 52 minutes - 121 MB

On this episode of Humanizing Tech, we’re joined by Tia Hopkins, CTO and Chief Cyber Risk Strategist with eSentire. Tia has 20+ years of experience in Cybersecurity and is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive generation of cybersecurity professionals.    We discuss how to build confidence, competence, and influence within any organization. A powerhouse footballer AND philosopher, Tia drops golden nuggets all throughout the episode relatable to young job seekers and seasoned pros,...

Paloma Medina: The Power of Resiliency

December 14, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 154 MB

On this episode of Humanizing Tech, we’re join by Paloma Medina for a discussion on how her love of all things systems and her own personal upbringing have shaped her resiliency throughout her career and in Tech. By way of anarchism, healthcare, and the Tech communities Paloma proves the road you choose  may not always be a straight path, but the journey will shape you.  Tune in to learn about the 6 core needs we all have and go to www.palomamedina.com/biceps.

Julia Niiro: Adaptability

November 16, 2021 11:00 - 50 minutes - 116 MB

In this episode, we discuss why being adaptable can literally save lives. Founder and CEO of Milkrun, Julia Niiro, is bridging the gap between small farms and local communities with tech.  Growing up, Julia moved around a lot. We discuss how this informed her outlook on life and business, a tolerance for discomfort, a love of change, and how to let go of old ideas when they're not working.  A writer by passion, Julia’s career path blossomed alongside the emergence of E-commerce; when soc...

Kristen Buchanan: Equitable Onboarding

October 25, 2021 10:00 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

On this episode of Humanizing Tech, we’re joined by CEO and Founder at Edify, Kristen Buchanan (she/her). A longtime fan of PDXWIT, Kristen noticed many of the people she was meeting had to “manage up” during their onboarding experience. She kept hearing stories about how difficult that is, especially for people with marginalized identities. Kristen believes the new hires aren’t responsible for shaping an onboarding experience; that it’s the people managers who need to own this part of the p...

Jackie Wirz: The Opportunity for Impact

September 27, 2021 10:00 - 42 minutes - 97.5 MB

On this episode of Humanizing Tech, we’re joined by Jackie Wirz. Jackie helps develop creative, confident, and curious critical thinkers by engaging them in socially conscious and equitable STEM experiences as the Executive Director of Saturday Academy. We discussed how she nurtures her mental health, how she defines making an impact, and what being an advocate means to her. Jackie was also this year’s winner for Speaker of the Year with PDXWIT! Tune in to hear about the work Jackie’s puttin...

Anna Madill: Inclusive Work Culture

September 01, 2021 10:00 - 52 minutes - 121 MB

On this episode of Humanizing Tech, we’re joined by Anna Madill. Anna is the Founder and CEO of Avenue, a digital marketing agency that amplifies the impact of growth-minded and purpose-driven companies through results-led digital marketing. Anna shares how she boosts her confidence with public speaking, the challenges of running a company as a woman of color, and what goes into becoming a Certified B Corporation. We also took some time to reflect how we’re each acknowledging Asian America...

Kistein Monkhouse: Humanity in Healthcare

August 09, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 65.1 MB

In this Innovator segment we welcome our first guest, Kistein Monkhouse the CEO and Founder of Patient Orater -- a platform that uses storytelling to improve patient experience and population health. Also a filmmaker, Kistein discusses her documentary “Humanizing Healthcare.” Trailer for Kistein’s movie: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/humanizinghealthcare

Jelani Memory: Making Things that Matter

July 12, 2021 17:57 - 42 minutes - 96.3 MB

On this episode of Humanizing Tech, we were joined by Jelani Memory, CEO and Founder of A Kids Book About. Jelani’s company publishes books to help kids and their grownups have honest conversations about things that matter. He authored the first book in the series, A Kids Book About Racism. We discussed that magic time before age 9 where kids and parents are reading together, how parents can become co-learners alongside their kids, and how reading these challenging, empowering and important ...

Joy Buolamwini: Algorithmic Bias

June 21, 2021 10:00 - 19 minutes - 44.8 MB

Joy Buolamwini is a Ghanian-American computer scientist at MIT who researches algorithmic bias in computer vision systems and is focused on identifying bias in artificial intelligence and practices for accountability. She’s also the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League. Wildly accomplished, Joy’s research on this subject has been covered in over 40 countries.  In this episode, we discuss how the tech industry has a tendency to center the potential of technology, while often overlookin...

April Leonard: Finding joy

May 24, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MB

Our very own April Leonard (she/her) joins us on the PDXWIT podcast! April is an Engineering Manager at GitHub and also leads our Podcast Volunteer Team. With a passion for playing music, ballet, and growing people, April pivoted from the arts, to math, to eventually tech, and ultimately managing teams. We asked April where she gets the inspiration to “stay up” even in the dark days, how she approaches management, and how she creates and facilitates joy. She regales us with what happens from...

Alexis Williams: Individuality

May 03, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 51.6 MB

Alexis Williams (she/her) is currently a student at NYU, majoring in integrated digital media with a concentration in computer science and web development. Today on Humanizing Tech, Anusha and Ochuko share insights around Alexis’s rising career in tech, her experiences and how they relate, and how she uses digital content to inspire other young women in computer science. Alexis is known for her action-oriented solutions and multidisciplinary perspective, which she makes accessible through so...

Rihana Mungin: Space science

April 12, 2021 10:00 - 57 minutes - 132 MB

Rihana Mungin (she/her) is a Mechanical Engineering Graduate Research Assistant and the Board Treasurer for PDXWIT. She joins us on the podcast to share about her experience in academia as a Black woman and what it's like to learn through the eyes of astronauts. We discuss learning from failure, how arts and drama can build confidence in any career path, and how finding the right team bolsters a sense of belonging. Listen to find out what can happen when you find a welcoming, supportive comm...

Grace Andrews: Storytelling

February 15, 2021 11:00 - 36 minutes - 84.1 MB

Technical Storyteller and Digital Anthropologist, Grace Andrews, joins us on the podcast to impart wisdom from her education, cultural and family upbringing, and passion for storytelling. In the episode, Grace shares how she brings the power of storytelling to her work as a product marketer, content creator, and speaking coach. We discuss picking your own title, the evolution of a storyteller, and authenticity in storytelling. Find Grace on instagram @grace_ewuraesi, her website asprinklin...

Grace Andrews

February 15, 2021 11:00 - 36 minutes - 84.1 MB

Technical Storyteller and Digital Anthropologist, Grace Andrews, joins us on the podcast to impart wisdom from her education, cultural and family upbringing, and passion for storytelling. In the episode, Grace shares how she brings the power of storytelling to her work as a product marketer, content creator, and speaking coach. We discuss picking your own title, the evolution of a storyteller, and authenticity in storytelling. Find Grace on instagram @grace_ewuraesi, her website asprinklin...

Erin Grace

January 25, 2021 11:00 - 37 minutes - 86.2 MB

As a Chetco and Tututni member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, Erin Grace brings her love of language to learning and documenting inclusive spaces for Native Americans in tech. We learn more about her expertise as a technical writer through read the friendly manual, the questions she has to face when considering a facial tattoo, challenges to BIPOC and blood quantum. If you want to learn more about the Dee-ni project or learn more about the tech natives affinity group at PDXWIT, don...

Erin Grace: Native spaces

January 25, 2021 11:00 - 37 minutes - 86.2 MB

As a Chetco and Tututni member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, Erin Grace brings her love of language to learning and documenting inclusive spaces for Native Americans in tech. We learn more about her expertise as a technical writer through read the friendly manual, the questions she has to face when considering a facial tattoo, challenges to BIPOC and blood quantum. If you want to learn more about the Dee-ni project or learn more about the tech natives affinity group at PDXWIT, don...

Innovators: Ellen Ochoa

November 16, 2020 11:00 - 12 minutes - 28.2 MB

Ellen Ochoa pushes the boundaries in her field as the first Hispanic female astronaut and director of NASA's Johnson Space Center. She shares her story through presentations and is a leader in STEM education and advocacy. In this episode, we discuss how Ellen’s story inspires us to reach for the stars and help the next generation grow to their fullest potential.

Ellen Ochoa: To space and beyond

November 16, 2020 11:00 - 12 minutes - 28.2 MB

Ellen Ochoa pushes the boundaries in her field as the first Hispanic female astronaut and director of NASA's Johnson Space Center. She shares her story through presentations and is a leader in STEM education and advocacy. In this episode, we discuss how Ellen’s story inspires us to reach for the stars and help the next generation grow to their fullest potential.

Kimberly Embry

October 26, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 76.8 MB

Kimberly Embry, program manager and entrepreneur, inspires us to apply for jobs we can grow into, recognize that every skill you gain helps shape your story, and how to get unstuck when you're not feeling fulfilled. Learn more about her path from nursing to tech through coding bootcamp, how her Filipino culture influenced her, and how she's successfully found ways to weave creativity throughout her life. Then check out her amazing jewelry at https://kasa-kasama.com/!

Kimberly Embry: Creativity

October 26, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 76.8 MB

Kimberly Embry, program manager and entrepreneur, inspires us to apply for jobs we can grow into, recognize that every skill you gain helps shape your story, and how to get unstuck when you're not feeling fulfilled. Learn more about her path from nursing to tech through coding bootcamp, how her Filipino culture influenced her, and how she's successfully found ways to weave creativity throughout her life. Then check out her amazing jewelry at https://kasa-kasama.com/!

Rachel Parrott

May 25, 2020 10:00 - 34 minutes - 78.8 MB

Rachel Parrott, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at New Relic shares actionable programs any organization can take to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Join us in learning the difference between an ally and an accomplice, finding career growth through employee resource groups, the neuroscience of why we should treat each other well, and many other tips.

Rachel Parrott: Less talk more action

May 25, 2020 10:00 - 34 minutes - 78.8 MB

Rachel Parrott, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at New Relic shares actionable programs any organization can take to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Join us in learning the difference between an ally and an accomplice, finding career growth through employee resource groups, the neuroscience of why we should treat each other well, and many other tips.

Ochuko Akpovbovbo

April 27, 2020 10:00 - 53 minutes - 123 MB

Get inspired to make a difference with Ochuko Akpovbovbo, a talented student and entrepreneur, who joins us to share her passion for tech, startups, and making capital accessible for women of color. She shows us the power of being involved in the community through her work with Girls Inc., the Portland Incubator Project (PIE), and PDXWIT. Ochuko reminds us about the importance of staying connected through community building, being willing to talk about hard things while maintaining respect...

Ochuko Akpovbovbo: Entrepreneurial enthusiasm

April 27, 2020 10:00 - 53 minutes - 123 MB

Get inspired to make a difference with Ochuko Akpovbovbo, a talented student and entrepreneur, who joins us to share her passion for tech, startups, and making capital accessible for women of color. She shows us the power of being involved in the community through her work with Girls Inc., the Portland Incubator Project (PIE), and PDXWIT. Ochuko reminds us about the importance of staying connected through community building, being willing to talk about hard things while maintaining respect...

New Normal

March 25, 2020 10:00 - 41 minutes - 95.1 MB

Wonder what the current COVID-19 situation means for PDXWIT, an organization where coming together in person feels foundational? Join Kimberly and Dawn as they interview Hazel Valdez and Elizabeth Stock, PDXWIT's Operations Manager and Executive Director, to explore what changes the community can expect, both short and long term. And how we can still enjoy what we love about this community in new formats as we navigate this new normal, apart together.

Hazel Valdez & Elizabeth Stock: New normal

March 25, 2020 10:00 - 41 minutes - 95.1 MB

Wonder what the current COVID-19 situation means for PDXWIT, an organization where coming together in person feels foundational? Join Kimberly and Dawn as they interview Hazel Valdez and Elizabeth Stock, PDXWIT's Operations Manager and Executive Director, to explore what changes the community can expect, both short and long term. And how we can still enjoy what we love about this community in new formats as we navigate this new normal, apart together.

Women in Tech History: Women's History Month

March 09, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutes - 49 MB

Continuing our WIT(H) series (women in technology history), hosts Dawn Mott and Kimberly Embry celebrate Women's History Month. We highlight the stories of these women in technology: Everlyn Boyd Granville, who increased access to information and promoted education, Joan Ball, who revolutionized computer dating despite hardship, the innovative mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, and Donna Hammond, a Portland native and electrician who work has made trades a safe place for women and diverse work...

WIT(H): Women's History Month

March 09, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutes - 49 MB

Continuing our WIT(H) series (women in technology history), hosts Dawn Mott and Kimberly Embry celebrate Women's History Month. We highlight the stories of these women in technology: Everlyn Boyd Granville, who increased access to information and promoted education, Joan Ball, who revolutionized computer dating despite hardship, the innovative mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, and Donna Hammond, a Portland native and electrician who work has made trades a safe place for women and diverse work...

Jesselle Hedman: Beyond diversity

February 24, 2020 11:00 - 50 minutes - 116 MB

Jesselle Hedman shares how her background in organizational communications theory helped her impact the workplace through an equity, inclusion, and diversity lens. From building out a diversity and inclusion program at Vacasa to recruiting for Thinkful, a forward thinking career accelerator program with an emphasis on student success. She shares the pitfalls of focusing on diversity alone, conflating diversity and inclusion, and creating solutions without communicating with the communities...

Jesselle Hedman

February 24, 2020 11:00 - 50 minutes - 116 MB

Jesselle Hedman shares how her background in organizational communications theory helped her impact the workplace through an equity, inclusion, and diversity lens. From building out a diversity and inclusion program at Vacasa to recruiting for Thinkful, a forward thinking career accelerator program with an emphasis on student success. She shares the pitfalls of focusing on diversity alone, conflating diversity and inclusion, and creating solutions without communicating with the communities...

Megan Bigelow

February 10, 2020 11:00 - 41 minutes - 94.2 MB

Sometimes a new year means a new beginning, and maybe some new travel plans too. On this episode of Breaking the Glass Ceiling, we meet with Megan Bigelow, mother, wife, Director of Customer Reliability Engineering and founder of PDXWIT. Listen in as Megan shares her plans for 2020, including a shift in one of her many major roles.

Megan Bigelow: Looking into 2020

February 10, 2020 11:00 - 41 minutes - 94.2 MB

Sometimes a new year means a new beginning, and maybe some new travel plans too. On this episode of Breaking the Glass Ceiling, we meet with Megan Bigelow, mother, wife, Director of Customer Reliability Engineering and founder of PDXWIT. Listen in as Megan shares her plans for 2020, including a shift in one of her many major roles.

WIT(H): Black History Month

February 03, 2020 11:00 - 20 minutes - 48 MB

In a new series of Breaking the Glass Ceiling, hosts, Dawn Mott and Kimberly Embry, learn about and reflect on the inspiring women that have paved and continue to pave the way in mathematics, science, and technology. For the month of February, this episode of WIT(H) (or women in tech history) starts with Black History Month. Join us as we focus on the accomplishments and experiences of Annie J Easley, Latanya Sweeney, Dr. Gladys Mae West, and Lindsey Murphy.

Women in Tech History: Black History Month

February 03, 2020 11:00 - 20 minutes - 48 MB

In a new series of Breaking the Glass Ceiling, hosts, Dawn Mott and Kimberly Embry, learn about and reflect on the inspiring women that have paved and continue to pave the way in mathematics, science, and technology. For the month of February, this episode of WIT(H) (or women in tech history) starts with Black History Month. Join us as we focus on the accomplishments and experiences of Annie J Easley, Latanya Sweeney, Dr. Gladys Mae West, and Lindsey Murphy.

Episode 6: Dana Lawson

December 16, 2019 11:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

Dana Lawson makes coding exciting and human interactions deep and authentic. From a modest beginning on the New Mexico - Texas border, Dana Lawson has achieved the prestigious title, VP of Engineering at GitHub. But she did not get to where she is now by simply chasing a title; she put in the work and continues to study and hone her craft. Join us as we venture with Dana from studying Fine Arts in college, through her early years programming in the Army, to working with many startups, t...

Dana Lawson: Technology

December 16, 2019 11:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

Dana Lawson makes coding exciting and human interactions deep and authentic. From a modest beginning on the New Mexico - Texas border, Dana Lawson has achieved the prestigious title, VP of Engineering at GitHub. But she did not get to where she is now by simply chasing a title; she put in the work and continues to study and hone her craft. Join us as we venture with Dana from studying Fine Arts in college, through her early years programming in the Army, to working with many startups, t...

Episode 5: Marcus Carter II

December 02, 2019 11:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MB

Ever the team player and coach, Marcus Carter joins us to talk about self-awareness and ultimately, self-acceptance. Marcus shares personal stories of realizations through conversations with his wife and moments of growth with his two daughters. He shares the steps he’s taken to get into tech throughout his career path and into his current role as a talent partner and community advocate. There are lessons of acceptance of self and others. Marcus Carter’s inquisitive mind and non-judgemen...

Marcus Carter II: Self-awareness

December 02, 2019 11:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MB

Ever the team player and coach, Marcus Carter joins us to talk about self-awareness and ultimately, self-acceptance. Marcus shares personal stories of realizations through conversations with his wife and moments of growth with his two daughters. He shares the steps he’s taken to get into tech throughout his career path and into his current role as a talent partner and community advocate. There are lessons of acceptance of self and others. Marcus Carter’s inquisitive mind and non-judgemen...

Gabrielle Blackwell: Inclusion

November 18, 2019 11:00 - 49 minutes - 113 MB

Like many of us, Gabrielle Blackwell longed to feel included in her one-time chosen home of Portland, Oregon. But something didn’t feel right. Although organizations like PDXWIT provide us with a safe space to be ourselves and many ways to get involved, Gabrielle felt something was missing, but could that something be found inside herself? From her first commission-based sales job in tech to her current role as a sales manager, her story is one of both hope and hardship. Back in her nati...

Episode 4: Gabrielle Blackwell

November 18, 2019 11:00 - 49 minutes - 113 MB

Like many of us, Gabrielle Blackwell longed to feel included in her one-time chosen home of Portland, Oregon. But something didn’t feel right. Although organizations like PDXWIT provide us with a safe space to be ourselves and many ways to get involved, Gabrielle felt something was missing, but could that something be found inside herself? From her first commission-based sales job in tech to her current role as a sales manager, her story is one of both hope and hardship. Back in her nati...