Underrepresented 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.
In this compelling episode, Michelle and Samah dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and gender equality. We unpack a powerful article from UN Women, exploring how AI systems shaped largely by male-dominated industries can reinforce existing gender biases. From hiring algorithms that prefer men to voice assistants defaulting to submissive female personas, we examine…
In this deeply personal and impassioned episode, Michelle and Samah reflect on a powerful talk given at WordCamp Montclair 2025 by Michelle, “Underrepresented in Tech: The Journey to Amplify Others.” We explore why our advocacy work continues, from laryngitis to lifting voices, even when the impact isn’t always visible.Michelle and Samah explore hard truths about…
In this heartfelt episode, Michelle shares her whirlwind experience traveling to and from WordCamp Europe. From radar-key-accessible toilets in Switzerland to flight delays, scooter battery regulations, and missed connections, she shares what it means to travel as a disabled person. Through moments of kindness, absurdity, frustration, and resilience, Michelle brings to light the reality of…
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Michelle and Samah explore the complexities of cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation. Sparked by a discussion around wearing a keffiyeh, the conversation broadens to include traditional garments, hairstyles, food, and religious symbols from various cultures. With examples ranging from Sari and dukus to braids and hijabs, Michelle and Samah…
In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into the topic of burnout, discussing how it affects many professionals, especially in light of recent economic challenges like layoffs and rising living costs. They explore the emotional and physical toll burnout can have on workers, especially women and minority groups who often juggle multiple responsibilities at work…
In this episode, Michelle and Samah catch up after a busy stretch filled with job changes, travels, and community events. They dive into a timely conversation about a Blue Origin spaceflight featuring an all-women crew, including celebrities like Katy Perry and Gayle King. While the mission is framed as a milestone for women, Michelle and…
In honor of Black History Month, Michelle and Samah highlight the incredible contributions of Black pioneers in technology—past and present. From GPS to gaming consoles, traffic lights to ice cream, Black innovators have shaped our world. Join them as they dive into their stories, recognize their impact, and celebrate their legacies. Plus, a special shout-out…
In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into the unsettling political shifts happening in the U.S. and beyond, discussing how they affect not just Americans but the world. From removing Spanish-language accessibility on government websites to the rollback of reproductive rights and immigration crackdowns, we examine the broader implications of these policies on diversity, equality,…
In this heartfelt episode, Michelle, Allie, and Samah reflect on the evolution of their work advocating for underrepresented voices in the tech industry. From the early struggles of building a sustainable project to the transition of leadership and personal growth, they share emotional moments, hard-won lessons, and the importance of creating space for diverse voices….
In this week’s episode, Michelle and Samah reflect on their achievements from the past year and revisit impactful episodes covering topics like gender equity, mental health, racial and ethnic representation, and accessibility. Through personal stories, expert insights, and candid discussions, this podcast aims to educate, inspire, and foster meaningful conversations about the challenges and successes…
In this week’s episode, Michelle and Samah dive into the Harvard Business School article “5 Strategies for Overcoming Unconscious Bias in the Tech Industry”. They share personal stories and explore the pervasive impact of hidden biases in hiring, promotions, and workplace culture. They discuss how biases affect diverse communities differently and the importance of awareness,…
In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Michelle and Samah delve into the rising fear among women in the U.S. in the wake of political shifts and increasing hate speech. With real-life encounters, chilling societal trends, and candid discussions about gender equality, women’s rights, and the responsibility of tech platforms like X (formerly Twitter), the…
In this deeply personal episode, Michelle and Samah set aside the usual tech discussions to share their raw experiences as women navigating challenging times. From the impact of seasonal depression and political anxieties to the struggle for women’s rights and equality, they explore the personal and collective burdens they face. They discuss the backlash against…
In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into the world of accessible and inclusive design! They discuss the A11Y project, which aims to make digital spaces more welcoming for everyone. From smart product descriptions for those with low vision to avoiding stereotypical marketing and embracing diverse representations, they highlight practical steps and the importance of…
In this episode, Michelle and Samah chat with accessibility consultant Elena Brescacin, a blind advocate in the WordPress community, who shares her insights on digital accessibility for visually impaired users. She discusses her experiences with screen readers, website design, and WordPress improvements over nearly two decades. Elena also highlights the need for accessibility at events…
