In this bonus episode of The Higher Ed Pulse recorded live at HighEdWeb 2024, Mallory Willsea sits down with Melanie Lindahl, Senior UX/Web Designer, Developer, and Project Manager at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Together, they dive into Melanie’s career journey, the challenges of working in male-dominated spaces, and the importance of advocating for oneself in the workplace. They also reflect on the significance of creating inclusive environments, particularly within the higher education web community.

Key Takeaways

• Multi-faceted career paths: Embrace diverse roles that align with your strengths, whether in design, development, or leadership.
• Navigating male-dominated spaces: Acknowledge and address microaggressions, and understand the importance of standing up for oneself.
• Advocacy and empowerment: Women need to advocate for themselves in professional settings and find supportive communities, even when it feels intimidating.
• Importance of words and communication: The language used in the workplace, especially in male-dominated spaces, can reveal underlying biases and impact perceptions.
• Inclusive communities: Spaces like the Hi Ed Web community offer supportive environments for individuals navigating tech and web development in higher ed.

How did Melanie Lindahl’s multifaceted career develop?
Melanie’s career in web development, UX, and project management evolved naturally from her artistic background and meticulous personality. Her journey highlights the importance of balancing creativity and leadership skills. She speaks passionately about her love for organization, which drew her toward project management, and how coding matched her detail-oriented nature. As a result, her career encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including web design, development, and leadership roles.

What challenges has she faced as a woman in tech?
As the only woman on both her direct team and the broader IT team, Melanie has had to navigate a male-dominated space. While her team is supportive, she recognizes that working without female camaraderie brings its own challenges. Throughout her career, she’s encountered microaggressions—subtle and often unintentional behaviors or remarks that undermine women's authority. For example, she has observed male colleagues using dismissive language to describe female leaders. These experiences highlight the systemic issues that persist in workplace cultures, especially around gender dynamics.

What advice does Melanie have for women entering similar spaces?
For young women starting their careers, Melanie emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. Drawing from her own experiences, she encourages women to stand up for themselves, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky. She also recommends reading “The Feminist Fight Club,” a book that provides practical strategies for handling workplace challenges. While standing up to microaggressions can be intimidating, Melanie stresses that women must be their own advocates, as they are often their best and only champions in these situations.

Are there support systems available for women in male-dominated fields?
Melanie acknowledges the complexities of creating formal women’s support groups, especially within institutions bound by Title IX regulations. While it is important to have spaces where women can share experiences, the obligation to report sensitive issues can make these spaces feel less safe. Nevertheless, Melanie expresses her desire to foster community among women in her department and is hopeful about finding ways to support female colleagues in the future.

What makes the HEW community special?
Melanie highlights the inclusivity and supportiveness of the HEW community, soon to be rebranded as the Digital Collegium. She describes it as a place where she feels heard, safe, and valued, encouraging others to join this space as they enter the higher education web development field. This sense of belonging contrasts with her experiences in male-dominated teams, emphasizing the importance of finding professional networks that champion inclusion and empathy.

In closing, Melanie and Mallory reflect on the value of conferences like HEW for creating space to discuss critical topics such as gender dynamics in the workplace. Melanie’s insights serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive communities and the need for ongoing conversations around advocacy and empowerment.

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Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
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