Underrepresented in Tech

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 accessible online experiences. Whether you're motivated by a passion for inclusivity or the potential for increased sales, there’s something here for every designer, developer, and marketer looking to reach a broader, more inclusive audience.

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 like WordCamps and introduces PlusBrothers.net, her blog tackling HIV stigma through creative storytelling. Her journey underscores the importance of accessible digital spaces that empower all voices.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah discuss the importance of taking mental health days, especially when life's stresses—both personal and professional—become overwhelming. They share personal stories about balancing work, social pressures, and the impact of constant connectivity through social media and work apps. The conversation highlights the necessity of recharging, recognizing the signs of burnout, and removing the guilt often associated with taking breaks. They emphasize that self-care is essential, offering practical advice for listeners on how to unwind and prioritize mental health.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah discuss the ongoing lack of diversity in the tech industry, where only 15% of the workforce is from BAME backgrounds, and 19% are women. It discusses how this underrepresentation leads to biased technologies and overlooked needs, especially for minorities and women. The hosts examine the causes, such as non-diverse leadership and hiring biases, while sharing personal experiences of discrimination. They express hope for improvement but stress that achieving natural diversity and equality in tech requires sustained effort.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah chat with Rachel Zoller and Joe Foster from the Roll Mobility app. They discuss accessibility challenges for wheelchair users, particularly with public spaces like Airbnb and hotels. The conversation highlights how the Roll app helps users find accessible locations and pushes businesses to improve. Rachel and Joe share stories of their experiences, emphasizing the importance of feedback and small changes that can make a big difference in creating truly accessible spaces.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah discuss women's reproductive health, focusing on menstruation, reproductive rights, and societal pressures around motherhood. Michelle and Samah share personal experiences with painful periods while they highlight the stigma and growing trend of women choosing not to have children. The episode advocates for women's right to decide about their bodies and lives without societal judgment.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah discuss self-advocacy with guest Shailvi Wakhlu. We share personal stories and offer practical tips on how advocating for yourself can help break through professional barriers, particularly for those in underrepresented communities and fields like tech. Shailvi, a best-selling author of the book Self-Advocacy, has also spoken at nearly 100 global conferences and Fortune 500 events on this subject and data.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah discuss the upcoming WordPress Accessibility Day, a 24-hour virtual event in October focused on improving web accessibility. Speakers Bet Hannon and Alexander Gonder share their roles in organizing and their motivations for advocating accessibility, emphasizing its benefits for all users. The event will feature sessions on inclusivity, practical tips, and legal aspects with keynote speaker Lainey Feingold.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah emphasize the global importance of educating women and girls, citing an article from The Steve Sinnott Foundation. We discuss and address broader international issues, such as forced marriages, poverty, and gender-based violence, which can be alleviated through education. We talked about the importance of educating women about health issues and the broader impact of empowering women to make informed choices about their lives.

In this episode, Michelle and Samah explore why minorities are disproportionately targeted by cybercrime. They delve into the heightened vulnerability faced by people of color, Indigenous communities, and women, citing research that reveals higher rates of identity theft and financial fraud among these groups. The discussion highlights how social inequalities are reflected in online spaces, where marginalized communities encounter more significant risks and less protection. The conversation underscores the connection between offline and online violence, emphasizing the need for more inclusive cybersecurity measures.