Underrepresented in Tech
Michelle Frechette
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 our weekly podcast, creators Allie and Michelle discuss topics that are important to them as champions of diversity in the WordPress/tech community.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 6, 2024 • 28min
The Digital Divide
In 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.
Jun 4, 2024 • 41min
Celebrating Pride Month with Guest david wolfpaw
In 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.
May 28, 2024 • 37min
We Choose the Bear
From 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.
May 21, 2024 • 46min
How Language Supports Community
In 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.
May 17, 2024 • 25min
Diversity Isn't for the Naked Eye
In 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.
May 7, 2024 • 26min
Appreciation or Appropriation?
In 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.
Apr 30, 2024 • 28min
Salary Transparency
In 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.
Apr 25, 2024 • 29min
Including Women in WordPress
In 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.
Apr 16, 2024 • 24min
Why Remote Work is Good for DEIB
In 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.
Apr 9, 2024 • 29min
Disconnecting from Work
A 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.
