A land acknowledgement is a way to recognize and respect Native peoples and their relationship with the land we colonizers stole from them. It also strengthens everyone’s relationship to nature, the lands we occupy, and the communities our dominant cultures often never take the time to see.
Category Archives: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
When Should White People Quote MLK?
When should white people quote Martin Luther King, Jr.? I’ve heard many Black anti-racism advocates say the answer is somewhere between when we deeply understand how to not whitewash his quotes and never, ever, ever. So for any white folks reading this, here’s why we should follow this very reasonable request: Believe Black people whenContinue reading “When Should White People Quote MLK?”
Remotely Biased – A Befriending Dragons Story
Last week @VeniKunche tweeted asking for “remote work” tips for managers. I immediately replied with a whole string of tips that reduce bias. Veni said, hey, blog that. And I thought, sure, that’s easy. And yet here it is, days later, and I hadn’t written much more than a paragraph until I accepted Amy Cuddy’sContinue reading “Remotely Biased – A Befriending Dragons Story”
Befriending Dragons Happy Hour
I have so many thoughts and ideas about where my passion will lead me next. I haven’t yet settled on any one thing for a new career, so I went back to the basics. Listen. Listen to my community. I envision my community as marginalized people in tech. So I have started a meetup groupContinue reading “Befriending Dragons Happy Hour”
Befriending Dragons | #Words4Justice
Today is my last official day at Microsoft. I no longer feel safe, comfortable, or valued working in tech. Going forward I’ll be working to actively disrupt tech culture and systems to reduce harassment and discrimination. Keep an eye on #Words4Justice. 😊 Be kind. Be brave. Go beyond ally to accomplice to actively disrupt bullying and discrimination. cindygross@outlook.com @cindygrossContinue reading “Befriending Dragons | #Words4Justice”
Moving Beyond Unconscious Bias – Good People Matter!
Presented at SQL Saturday Oregon on October 24, 2015 by Julie Koesmarno and Cindy Gross Good People We’re good people. As good people we don’t want to think we do things that have negative consequences for others. But sometimes our subconscious can fool us. What we intend isn’t always what happens. We think we’re makingContinue reading “Moving Beyond Unconscious Bias – Good People Matter!”
Where are the Women in Technology? #BoiseWIT
Where are the Women in Technology? The Event This year’s Boise Code Camp has an exciting new panel session: “Where are the Women in Technology?” We have a great lineup of women who will help us all understand why women in tech matter to your bottom line. The panel invites everyone of any gender toContinue reading “Where are the Women in Technology? #BoiseWIT”
Would you go to jail for Human Rights?
I believe in justice. I believe in human rights. I believe gay rights are human rights. I believe the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees “Equal Justice Under Law”. Idaho is keeping that justice from an entire group of people – those who are gay. Gay teens in Idaho are bulliedContinue reading “Would you go to jail for Human Rights?”
What Should “Racism” Mean?
Racism isn’t dead, it just keeps morphing. And spreading. And multiplying. Take all those things you see about racism and add in sexism, homophobia, and other “isms”. Be aware and stop doing it. It isn’t some mysterious other doing it – it’s mainstream Americans.
Transgender…. Are You Uncomfortable Yet?
I wrote this post for Idaho’s Add the Words blog, I am reposting here to spread the word: I started this post to ask you to join us at Boise’s Transgender Day of Remembrance 2013. As I thought about how to write about it, what I could say to get people to attend, I realizedContinue reading “Transgender…. Are You Uncomfortable Yet?”