Underrepresented in Tech

A celebration of 22 Black pioneers who shaped telecommunications, computing, spaceflight calculations, imaging and collaboration tech. Conversations also cover modern challenges like biased hiring, limited access to internships and mentorship, non-inclusive cultures, and building equitable pipelines. Practical ideas for widening networks, training, and retention round out the discussion.

In this special episode of the Underrepresented in Tech Podcast, Michelle and Samah introduce an exciting global initiative for International Women’s Day 2026. Instead of looking back at history, this year is all about celebrating women in tech right now. On March 8, 2026, Underrepresented in Tech will host a live, six-hour global event, featuring interviews with women in technology from around the world. Streaming live on YouTube, the event will spotlight diverse voices, personal journeys, challenges, successes, and leadership stories across time zones and regions. Women at all stages of their careers, from those just starting out to seasoned leaders, are invited to join, share their stories, and be part of a global conversation about equity, representation, innovation, and community in tech. Registration is open for attendees and for those interested in being interviewed. This event is about visibility, connection, and celebrating women exactly as they are, where they are.

In our first episode of 2026, Michelle and Samah are joined by Dragana Babić and Sanja Hunyadi to explore a bold regional initiative: a digital platform designed to support children with learning disabilities and learning difficulties, along with the parents and educators who support them. We talk about what sparked the project, why access to modern learning tools remains unequal across smaller communities, and how a volunteer-led team is building a “one place” hub for resources, communication, and collaboration, grounded in one core belief: we all belong together. The conversation also expands into digital citizenship, media literacy, cybersecurity, and critical thinking, especially in an era of AI and misinformation. Dragana and Sanja share lessons from their work (including workshops for children with developmental disabilities and youth-led teaching moments) and how listeners can support inclusion locally and globally.

Promotions aren’t just about performance; they’re about power, bias, and access.In this timely and deeply honest conversation, Michelle and Samah unpack what promotion really looks like for women, women of color, and experienced professionals in today’s workplace. Drawing on recent research and real-life experiences, we examine why minority women are the least likely to be promoted, why Gen X talent is often overlooked, and how structural bias, rather than a lack of ambition or skill, continues to influence career outcomes.The discussion includes gatekeeping, age bias, self-advocacy, unequal pay, and why diversity efforts often overlook age and lived experiences. Most importantly, we discuss what needs to change in organizations, leadership, and ourselves if we truly want equitable career progression.This episode isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to do better.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah celebrate the incredible contributions of women in tech while addressing a persistent challenge: being invited to speak only about gender rather than expertise. From tech panels to conferences, women continue to face subtle biases, from discussions about lipstick to exclusion from technical sessions. We explore why women should be recognized for their knowledge, leadership, and technical skills, and how the tech community can create truly inclusive stages. Join us as we discuss representation, inclusion, and the power of letting women, and all underrepresented voices share what they know best.

In this heartfelt and candid episode, Michelle and Samah open up about the realities of burnout, the challenges of constant travel, and the emotional toll of balancing community work, career, and personal life. From globe-trotting across major WordPress events to learning when to pause and recharge, they share their experiences of exhaustion, recovery, and the importance of self-care.They also dive into deeper reflections on cultural expectations, the pressure women face in both professional and personal spaces, and how vulnerability can foster resilience. Amidst laughter, friendship, and a few rubber ducky moments, this conversation serves as a reminder that it’s okay to slow down, ask for help, and find joy in the little things.

In this inspiring episode, Michelle and Samah sit down with Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN and one of the keynote speakers at WordCamp US 2025. Amy shares the incredible story of how NTEN was formed by a global community of changemakers, and how it has grown into a powerful movement that helps nonprofits and missions thrive through strategic and equitable use of technology. From the importance of digital inclusion and equity to the confidence-building work of empowering nonprofits to see themselves as technologists, Amy dives deep into how technology can and should serve as a tool for social impact. She also reflects on her co-authored books, Social Change Anytime Everywhere and The Tech That Comes Next, and teases her upcoming WordCamp US keynote. Whether you’re passionate about open source, nonprofit technology, or building a more inclusive digital future, this episode is filled with practical insights, thought-provoking ideas, and plenty of inspiration.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah talk about how speaking at events in the WordPress world is an incredible honor, but it often comes with real costs. Most speakers receive no pay, no travel or lodging covered, and sometimes face financial barriers that make it hard to share their voices. Thankfully, passionate community members, organizations, and companies have stepped up with creative, heartfelt initiatives to make WordPress more inclusive. They share a lot of amazing initiatives. From the grassroots Michelle & Me Selfie Challenge to the Yoast Diversity Fund, the Open Horizons Scholarship, mentorship programs, and beyond, these efforts are helping underrepresented people take the stage, connect, and shine. This is a celebration of those programs, the lives they’ve touched, and an open invitation. If you know of other initiatives, share them so we can spotlight even more of the good happening in our community. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into Black Tech Week, an inspiring and fast-growing event in Cincinnati that blends community, culture, and innovation. We explore how over 6,200 attendees, from tech professionals to students, came together to network, learn, and celebrate Black and Brown excellence in tech, despite corporate cutbacks on DEI initiatives.We discuss the event’s headliner, Keke Palmer, and the role of local sponsors and grassroots organizers in creating space for underrepresented voices. We also touch on broader conversations around access and inclusion at WordCamps and how to support diverse participation in tech events.