August 2024: I harnessed my inner fire to influence the direction of the tech industry and of our country. I spoke at the Stronger Together: Black Women and Allies in Tech 4 Harris Virtual Summit. Wow – so many powerful folks speaking about our experiences working in tech, how our workplaces and careers are heavily influenced by who is in elected offices, and our dreams for the future! We cannot achieve true equity until we address the systemic barriers that Black women and other women of color face every day – in tech, in our culture generally, and in this presidential race. Why am I talking about politics when this newsletter is about leadership, the tech industry, and careers? Because tech will be more innovative, equitable, and FUN when we elect Kamala Harris. Read more about the impact from this call.
Here’s what I shared at the event (starting at 44:43 in the recording):
It’s an honor to be here today, standing alongside such a powerful community of Black women and allies in tech.
As someone who navigated the tech industry for over 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with being a woman in a male-dominated field. My journey has been shaped by the support and solidarity of communities like this one, and by the belief that together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape.
Too many times I was the only woman in the room, and I can’t remember a time when another Native American person was in a work meeting with me. One time, full of excitement, I came to a team meeting and told my boss that I had two women candidates for our open position and his instinctive, immediate response was to tell me “we won’t lower the bar for them.” Picture that — he meant the bar was lowered to let ME in, right? But really nothing was lowered, because the bar is shaped like a white man, with irrelevant gates that exclude so many qualified people, or cut us deeply as we fight our way in. It was a stark reminder of the bias that persists in our industry – and in our elections. It was a turning point for me. I realized that my voice, and the voices of other marginalized individuals, needed to be amplified, we will no longer be silenced.
This experience fueled my passion to advocate for women and non-binary individuals in tech. It deepened my commitment to racial equity, because I understand that the fight for gender equality is intrinsically linked to the fight for racial justice. We cannot achieve true equity until we address the systemic barriers that Black women and other women of color face every day– in tech, in our culture generally, and in this presidential race.
Today, we have an opportunity to make a significant impact. Vice President Kamala Harris has been a steadfast advocate for equity and justice. Her leadership and policies reflect the values we hold dear – values of justice, equity, and belonging, and the belief that everyone deserves a decision-making seat at the table. And to continue this work, HARRIS needs our support.
So many techies have six-figure salaries – I urge each of you to dig deep into your pockets with that in mind and contribute to her campaign. Yes, money is tight for everyone AND often tech rewards us far better than it does people in other industries. Your contributions help ensure that we have leaders who understand the importance of equitable tech policies and who are committed to driving systemic change. Donate, vote, and talk to at least 3people about registering to vote plus a plan on how they will turn in their vote.
Together, we can build a tech industry that not only welcomes but celebrates diversity. WE can create environments where everyone, regardless of their race or gender, can thrive. Let’s stand strong, support Kamala Harris, and continue to push for the inclusive and equitable future we all deserve.
Thank you.
When MC Lauren Fitzpatrick Shanks asked me what makes me hopeful I said
“Joy will uplift us to the win!”
I wish you all joy and a dragon hoard full of wins!