Underrepresented in Tech

Underrepresented in Tech

By Michelle FrechetteBusinessEducationArts
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Underrepresented in Tech episodes

  • AI Is Changing the Future of Work. Are Women Being Left Behind?

    AI is changing the way we work, and the opportunities are incredible. But is everyone getting an equal chance to benefit?

    In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Samah explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace and why women may be among those most affected by AI-driven automation.

    From jobs at risk to exciting new opportunities for entrepreneurs, we discuss both sides of the AI revolution. More importantly, we ask: Are we doing enough to prepare women and underrepresented communities for the future?

    We talk about the importance of accessible education, learning new skills, and making sure technology creates opportunities rather than widening existing inequalities.

    Because the real question isn't whether AI will change our future. It's whether we're making sure everyone can be part of it.

    Tune in for an honest conversation about AI, equality, and the future of work.

    25 min
  • Women in Tech After 35: Ageism, Career Growth, and Starting Over

    Getting women into tech is only the beginning. But what happens after they've spent 10, 15, or 20 years in the industry?

    In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Samah discuss ageism, career transitions, and the challenges women face as they grow older in the tech and WordPress industries.

    From navigating layoffs and changing careers to balancing family responsibilities, overcoming self-doubt, and recognizing the value of experience, we explore why retaining and supporting women in tech matters just as much as encouraging them to enter the industry.

    We also discuss transferable skills, professional networking, and why it's never too late to pursue a new opportunity.

    Because the question shouldn't just be how we bring more women into tech, but how we help them stay, grow, and lead.

    Listen to the conversation and share your experiences with us!

    20 min
  • Bridging the AI Divide: Ensuring AI Works for Everyone

    Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn, and innovate, but is everyone benefiting equally?

    In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech Podcast, Michelle and Samah explore the growing AI divide and what it means for individuals, businesses, and communities worldwide. They discuss how access to AI, digital literacy, education, geography, and socioeconomic factors are shaping who can take advantage of this technology and who risks being left behind.

    From personal experiences using AI in everyday work to conversations about global accessibility, responsible adoption, and the future of work, this episode highlights why AI should empower everyone, not just a privileged few.

    23 min
  • Drink a Better Story: Coffee, Community & Innovation

    In this episode, host Michelle sits down with James Laws and Jeremy Moore to share the story behind Bone Life Coffee and how they're building more than a specialty coffee brand; they're creating meaningful connections. From sourcing award-winning coffee directly from farmers to fostering community through their café and subscription service, they discuss the values that drive their business. They also explore the intersection of coffee, WordPress, entrepreneurship, and AI, offering insights into community building, quality, and innovation.

    33 min
  • Accessibility Isn't Built into AI, And That's a Problem

    Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, communicate, and create, but is it truly accessible to everyone? In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Samah explore why accessibility is still missing from many AI tools and the impact this has on people with disabilities and other underrepresented communities.

    Together, they discuss how biased training data can lead to exclusion, why voice recognition, facial recognition, and touch interfaces often fail to meet the needs of diverse users, and what developers and organizations can do to build more inclusive technology. They also reflect on why accessibility should be considered from the very beginning of the design process, not added as an afterthought.

    Join us for an honest conversation about AI, accessibility, and why creating technology that works for everyone isn't just good design, it's essential.

    21 min
  • Pride, Acceptance, and Belonging: Why We Still Need These Conversations

    In this Pride Month episode of the Underrepresented in Tech Podcast, Michelle and Samah discuss the importance of moving beyond tolerance toward true acceptance and inclusion. They explore the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, the impact of discrimination on mental health, and the role allies play in creating safer, more welcoming communities.

    The conversation highlights the difference between simply "putting up with" people and genuinely embracing them for who they are. From workplace inclusion and pronouns to family acceptance and the dangers of performative support, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, respected, and celebrated.

    Join us as we reflect on Pride, allyship, diversity in tech, and how each of us can help build a world where everyone belongs.

    21 min
  • Built Accessible, Made Impossible

    What happens when something is built to be accessible, and then quietly becomes inaccessible again?
    In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into real-life stories of how accessibility isn’t just about design, it’s about maintenance, awareness, and intention. From a curb cut blocked by a concrete barrier to delivery packages placed in the worst possible spot to event spaces that almost get it right, these everyday situations reveal a bigger issue. Accessibility isn’t a one-time checklist. It’s an ongoing responsibility.

    24 min
  • Unsung, Unstoppable: 22 Black Trailblazers in Technology

    In this Black History Month episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Samah highlight 22 Black leaders and innovators whose work shaped modern technology from early telecommunications and spaceflight calculations to computer science breakthroughs and responsible AI.

    Then, they unpack key takeaways from a Forbes article on the challenges underrepresented groups still face in tech, including biased hiring, limited access, gaps in mentorship and networks, accessibility barriers, and non-inclusive workplace cultures, along with practical ways companies and communities can help close those gaps.

    45 min
  • A Global Celebration of Women in Tech: IWD 2026

    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.

    12 min
  • Building Belonging: A Digital Platform for Inclusive Learning & Digital Citizenship

    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.

    36 min

About Underrepresented in Tech

From the publisher's feed

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.