Underrepresented in Tech
296 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingUnderrepresented in Tech was designed and built with the goal of demystifying diversity. Fear of tokenization and awkwardness blocks many leaders from reaching out to diverse individuals. This roadblock prevents amazing people from finding amazing opportunities. We built this tool so that if you want to prioritize diversity, you can.
In our weekly podcast, creators Allie and Michelle discuss topics that are important to them as champions of diversity in the WordPress/tech community.
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Episodes
The Digital Divide
June 06, 2024 16:04 - 27 minutes - 63.1 MBIn this episode, Samah and Michelle talk about the digital divide - what it is, who it affects, and how it affects people on both sides. They discuss how lack of access is not a reflection on intelligence or ability, in spite of what politicians and those with privilege may think.
Celebrating Pride Month with Guest david wolfpaw
June 04, 2024 14:07 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this episode Samah and Michelle welcome david wolfpaw to the podcast where the discussion centers on Pride Month, but also outlines some of the challenges that those in the queer community still encounter in life and in the tech community. Special thanks to david for sharing with us and helping us to learn and grow.
We Choose the Bear
May 28, 2024 14:01 - 37 minutes - 34 MBFrom Harrison Butker's anti-feminist, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion, anti-IVF, anti-surrogacy...well anti-almost-anything-he-doesn't-agree-with speech to the men who don't take no for an answer in DMs (and worse), Samah and Michelle not only understand when women say "they choose the bear," but themselves choose the bear, too.
How Language Supports Community
May 21, 2024 14:44 - 46 minutes - 106 MBIn this episode, Samah and Michelle welcome Ruth Kalinka for a conversation around how language can support community - whether we learn additional languages for communication or rely on technology for the assist. Communication, however we achieve it, creates connection.
Diversity Isn't for the Naked Eye
May 17, 2024 13:03 - 24 minutes - 57.1 MBIn this episode, Samah and Michelle discuss how underrepresentation isn't always something that can be seen. Neurodivergence, disability, mental health, LGBTQ+ status, and even ethnicity can never be assumed, and, in fact, should never be assumed.
Appreciation or Appropriation?
May 07, 2024 15:05 - 25 minutes - 59.4 MBIn this episode Samah and Michelle discuss the difference between cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation. While some things seem pretty obvious, sometimes the lines blur between what is acceptable, and what is not. Individual cultures and world locations come into play. The bottom line is always respect.
Salary Transparency
April 30, 2024 14:28 - 28 minutes - 18.7 MBIn this episode Michelle and Samah discuss why salary transparency in hiring practices is beneficial to applicants AND to companies. Without providing a salary (or salary range) companies are wasting both their time and that of their applicants. And applicants aren't getting paid for the many hours that go into applying and interviewing for jobs they may not be able to afford to take.
Including Women in WordPress
April 25, 2024 16:24 - 28 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode, Michelle and Samah talk about women working in WordPress and the current survey that WP Includes is doing around Gender Equality in WordPress Businesses. We talk about how women are treated and accommodated differently in the workplace country by country and company by company and share some of our own personal experiences.
Why Remote Work is Good for DEIB
April 16, 2024 14:07 - 24 minutes - 17.6 MBIn this episode, Samah and Michelle discuss how remote work is beneficial to many underrepresented groups, and why they have found working from home (or wherever they happen to be) to allow for greater flexibility, improved productivity, and overall work satisfaction.
Disconnecting from Work
April 09, 2024 14:05 - 28 minutes - 21.1 MBA recent proposed California law would make it illegal for employers to contact employees after hours, regardless of their contract (with certain exceptions). In this episode Samah and Michelle talk about why disconnecting can be a really good thing, how being contacted after hours can disproportionately affect some underrepresented groups, and their own thoughts on work/life balance.
New Cohost and Partner
April 05, 2024 08:25 - 28 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode Michelle welcomes Samah Nasr to the Underrepresented in Tech project as cohost and partner. Get to know Samah in this episode and why she is passionate about diversity and representation.
"Old Broads" Working in Tech (feat. Chris Ford)
March 28, 2024 08:09 - 33 minutes - 58.5 MBIn this episode, Michelle talks with Chris Ford - two self-proclaimed "old broads" working in tech. They discuss what navigating a young person's world looks like, and why they're still relevant, in spite of what society may say. https://twitter.com/riotmaam
Invisible Disabilities (feat. Caylin White)
March 27, 2024 08:07 - 25 minutes - 46.3 MBIn this episode, Michelle talks to Caylin White about invisible disabilities - how others interact with us, but more importantly, how to care for oneself, how to hold your own personal boundaries, and why sharing struggles and triumphs (for them) makes sense. Breathe with Me, Caylin Brie https://linktr.ee/cbcinked
Navigating Tech as a Strong Black Woman (feat. Karmen Kendrick)
March 26, 2024 08:04 - 23 minutes - 42 MBIn this episode Michelle talks to Karmen Kendrick about navigating the tech world as a strong, independent black woman - the challenges, the hopes, and the successes. @iamkarmenk karmenk.com
Disabilities and Self-Advocation (feat. Carole Olinger and Birgit Olzem)
March 25, 2024 08:00 - 44 minutes - 79.5 MBIn this episode, Michelle talks to Carole Olinger and Birgit Olzem about disabilities: how we navigate in the WordPress world, and how others interact and accommodate us (or not). Ultimately, we talk about self-advocation and self care. coachbirgit.com caroleolinger.com
Setting Boundaries & Allie's Last Episode!
December 26, 2023 17:58 - 31 minutes - 54.8 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle talk about boundaries. Why they are important, the types of boundaries, and how it can be challegning for underrepresented people to set and enforce them. This is also Allie's last episode as co-host!
The Allie-Roast!
December 15, 2023 17:32 - 34 minutes - 61.7 MBThe second-to-last episode of the year also happens to be Allie's second-to-last episode as host! In this episode, Michelle surprised her with a few friends who stopped by to share how Allie's DEI work in WordPress has affected them.
Our Thoughts on Feminism
December 12, 2023 19:17 - 36 minutes - 65.4 MBIn this episode Allie and Michelle share their thoughts on feminism! What it means, what is and is not feminism, it's complications, and how to be a "good" feminist.
End of Year 3 Recap
December 01, 2023 19:39 - 43 minutes - 40.6 MBAs we come toward the end of 2023, Allie and Michelle chat and reminisce about the last three years of Underrepresented in Tech. There is also some very important news in this episode, so don't miss it!
How Allies Create Mental Labor for Underrepresented People
November 17, 2023 16:46 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss the challenge of allies asking underrepresented people to validate, police, advise, or assist their allyship. This mental labor can add more of a burden than that allyship removes.
Coming Out As An Ally
November 06, 2023 16:45 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss "coming out." Typically referring to a queer person letting someone know they aren't straight for the first time. But in this episode, Allie and Michelle talk about the various ways people can come out in their lives. And how "coming out" as an ally is both different and similar to other types of coming out.
The Cost of Being Underrepresented
October 20, 2023 13:51 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this episode Allie and Michelle discuss why and how it can be more expensive to live a life as a disabled person, a woman, a black person, etc. Catch a glimpse into the details of a life you may not be living and let's build empathy together! Articles mentioned in this episode: The Cost of Racism Racial Bias in Medicine
Believing Underrepresented People
October 10, 2023 16:41 - 29 minutes - 27 MBWhen a marginalized person says that a situation is about race, gender, ableism, etc. it's your job as an ally to belive them! In this episode Allie and Michelle disucss this concept and the degree to which they agree with it.
WP Includes (feat. Francesca Marano and Siobhan McKeown)
September 28, 2023 15:49 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBIn this episode, Michelle chats with Francesca Marano and Siobhan McKeown about their new initiative, WP Includes, aimed at increasing the representation of womenin WordPress boardrooms and leadership. Learn more at: https://wpincludes.me/
UIT Webinar & Brand Update
September 22, 2023 15:37 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle chat about the highlights and memorable conversations they've had as a part of recording the Inclusive Webinar Series. They also touch updates and feelings on other parts of the brand.
The Underrepresented Gender Team and More (feat. Anne McCarthy)
September 15, 2023 00:08 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBIn this episode, Michelle talks with Anne McCarthy. Anne (she/they) works for Automattic as a sponsored contributor to the WordPress.org project, spearheading the FSE Outreach Program and participating on multiple release squads in various capacities. In this episode, the pair touch on what Anne is currently working on, including the blocks museum, how to contribute to a release squad, and the new Underrepresented Gender Team for WordPress 6.4.
Yoast & Diversity (feat. Samah Nasr)
September 11, 2023 17:40 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle sit down with Samah Nasr, who has worked at Yoast since 2018 as a Community Project Manager. Samah works closely with many of the Yoast community DEI effots, such as the Yoast Diversity Fund and Yoast Care Fund.
People are Not Politics
August 28, 2023 18:43 - 19 minutes - 36 MBWhen people point to social issues that affect many, we can often look at that as a political issue. This kind of thinking creates division where there doesn't need to be any. And overlooks the human beings at the center of these issues. In this episode Allie and Michelle look at a recent discussion relating to WordCamp 2023 as an example of unfairly and unjusutly politicizing and subsequently dehumanizing people at the core of important conversations.
The Road to Speaking at WCUS (feat. Femi Lewis and Maestro Stevens)
August 17, 2023 19:31 - 28 minutes - 50.7 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle talk to Femi Lewis and Maestro Stevens, two upcoming speakers at WordCamp US. They discuss their speaking experience and their unique journeys seeing themselves represented (or not) in the community. Femi Lewis's Website Femi Lewis's Twitter Maestro Stevens Wesite Maestro Stevens LinkedIn Femi'w WCUS Workshop Maestro's WCUS Panel BlackPress
Preparing for WCUS as Introverts and Extroverts
August 11, 2023 17:53 - 23 minutes - 42.5 MBBig events can be overwhelming emotionally for anyone. But sometimes it's useful to look at how to approach that overwhelm based on whether you are more of an introvert or extrovert. Allie and Michelle share their personal tips as an introvert and extrovert, respectively.
UIT Updates: The Webinar Series and Swag!
August 04, 2023 16:41 - 23 minutes - 41.8 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle catch you up on the two newest and biggest things happening with the UIT brand. Our new webinar series and our sticker launch! Learn more about the webinar and how to sponsor here: https://www.underrepresentedintech.com/webinars/sponsor/ Grab yourself some sweet stickers here: https://www.underrepresentedintech.com/shop
Youth in Tech (ft. Olivia Bissett)
July 28, 2023 01:55 - 30 minutes - 54.3 MBIn this episode, Michelle chats with young tech professional Olivia Bissett about her experience working in the industry, bringing people into WordPress, and finding and building community.
The 100th Episode Retrospective
July 13, 2023 19:28 - 23 minutes - 41 MBShow Notes: Webinar Sponsorship Interest Form New handbook page for WordCamp Organizers: WordCamp Speaker Selection (for content AND diversity) All Podcast Sponsors: Bet Hannon Design TLC Go WP Human Made Lockedown SEO MasterWP Ninja Forms/Saturday Drive Stellar WP The Blogsmith WP Wallet Yikes Inc. Yoast SEO
Community or Clique?
June 30, 2023 16:45 - 25 minutes - 45.7 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle try to dig into what makes a community a community, as opposed to being a clique or worse. They use their own personal experiences to determine that communities need to be much more intentionally inclusive in order to keep them from becoming toxic.
Women in Tech Supporting Women in Tech
June 21, 2023 15:33 - 29 minutes - 52.8 MBIn this episode Allie and Michelle discuss the importance of women supporting, uplifting, and advocating for other women in tech. They list some methods and practices you can prioritize in order to make sure that everyone gets a seat at the table.
Mental Health and Content Marketing feat. Lindsey Miller
June 09, 2023 13:17 - 35 minutes - 62.9 MBIn this episode Allie speaks with Lindsey Miller, owner and CEO of Content Journey. Lindsey has a unique approach to content marketing that truly puts people first Visit Content Journey
Investing in Women feat. Marieke van de Rakt
June 06, 2023 14:18 - 24 minutes - 43.9 MBIn this episode, Michelle chats with Marieke van de Rakt about her new venture - Emilia Capital - and how important it is to invest in women founders and business owners.
Impacting the World with WordPress in 48 Hours (feat. Sima Parekh)
May 29, 2023 15:04 - 31 minutes - 55.5 MBIn this episode, Allie chats with Sima Parekh, the Executive Director of 48in48 - an organization which holds annual events focused on launching 48 websites for 48 nonprofits in 48 hours. Allie and Sima discuss Sima's history with the organization, how this build-a-thon works, and the impact that it's had so far. Check out 48in48's website to learn more about their events and how you could volunteer for the next one.
Diverse and Inclusive Event Speaker Selection
May 19, 2023 17:02 - 35 minutes - 63.6 MBThis topic has been such a long time coming! Today, Allie and Michelle take the time to discuss how event organizers - in tech, WordPress, and beyond - can ensure that the people they invite to speak as well as the people they select are diverse. Building a diverse, equitable, balanced, and inclusive program of content isn't an overnight process, but can be achieved through intentional planning and decision-making. We hope that event organizers from all types and sizes of events find this ep...
Let's Get Ready for Pride Month!
May 12, 2023 17:51 - 25 minutes - 45.5 MBJune is Pride Month - and while we love to see rainbow merch, there are ways that companies can honor Pride both in great and not-so-great ways. In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss examples of how to be a fantastic ally during Pride, as well as some ways to avoid performative marketing.
Speaking & the WordPress Women/Non-Binary Release Squad ft. Tammie Lister
May 05, 2023 19:10 - 29 minutes - 53.5 MBShow Notes: https://make.wordpress.org/core/2023/04/07/preparing-for-the-next-women-nonbinary-release-squad/ https://twitter.com/karmatosed https://twitter.com/michelleames
Code Switching
April 21, 2023 15:49 - 23 minutes - 41.1 MBIn this episode Allie and Michelle discuss the social linguistic phenomenon of code switching, as well as the variety of not-quite-code-switching-but-basically-code-switching that underrepresented people do to fit in, feel respected, and feel safe.
Creating Safe Spaces
April 19, 2023 14:45 - 23 minutes - 41.9 MBA safe space can be a Slack group, an event, or even a person. In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss the importance of safe spaces and how you can make them worthwhile for the people they benefit. Important Links: BlackPress Slack WP Women of Color Slack Big Orange Heart
Small Business Tools - Recommended by Allie and Michelle
April 10, 2023 19:24 - 26 minutes - 48.2 MBYour small business stack can inclued all the tools, resources and websites you use on a regular basis to make your business run smoothly. When you're starting out, you want to look for free or low-cost tools. Allie and Michelle provide their suggestions and recommendations for building out your stack!
The Challenges of Diversity in AI
March 30, 2023 19:16 - 18 minutes - 32.7 MBIn this episode Allie and Michelle discuss AI imagery and writing. Diversity is often a huge concern with this content since rarely are these things coded without biases of some kind.
How Hard is it for Minority Businesses to Get Funding
March 17, 2023 19:48 - 24 minutes - 43.6 MBIt's harder than ever for minority businesses to get funding from venture capitalists and investors. Allie and Michelle discuss why and how this happens, as well as some "magic wand" solutions for how it could be resolved. Episode Links Venture Capital for Black Entrepreneurs Plummted 45% in 2022 For Black Entrepreneurs, the Racial Wealth Gap Makes Finding Funding Nearly Impossible Main Street's Minority Owners Need Loans to Grow, But Access to Capital Remains Inequitable Why Black Ent...
Luck Has Nothing to Do With It
March 10, 2023 17:39 - 20 minutes - 36.7 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss why you shouldn't claim that people are lucky to have all teh things they work so hard to achieve!
Organizing WCAsia 2023 & The Challenges of Diversity Work ft. Oneal Rosero
March 03, 2023 16:28 - 22 minutes - 39.7 MBIn this week's episode, Allie chats with Oneal Rosero: Community Manager, WCAsia speakers team organizer, Training Team faculty Admin, and facilitator for #WPDiversity APAC. Oneal and Allie spent time at the Community table during Contributor Day at WCAsia talking all things diversity in WordPress and in this episode, take a look at how the event accomodated a diverse set of attendees.
Allie and Michelle at WordCamp Asia 2023!
March 01, 2023 20:26 - 12 minutes - 23.1 MBAllie and Michelle were both fortunate enough to be selected to speak at WordCamp Asia 2023! They recorded a live episode during Contributor Day in Thailand about how great the event already was!
Tech Layoffs for Underrepresented People
February 13, 2023 17:13 - 16 minutes - 30.2 MBIn this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss how the recent boom of tech layoffs can disproportionately affect underrepresented people and cause a unique set of struggles for them.