Underrepresented in Tech: Recent Episodes
Allie Nimmons & Michelle Frechette
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.
In our weekly podcast, creators Allie and Michelle discuss topics that are important to them as champions of diversity in the WordPress/tech community.
When Simone Biles stepped away from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 she came under a lot of negative scrutiny, even though she made it clear that it was for her mental and physical health. If one of the most accomplished women in the world struggles with the stigma of self care, how much more difficult might it be for others of us to do the same? In this episode Samah and Michelle talk about mental wellbeing, stepping back from circumstances that may be harmful to us, and what it means in the tech space to care for our own mental health and wellbeing.
In this episode, Samah and Michelle discuss gender issues in sports, mainly focusing on a female Algerian boxer, Iman Khelif, who faced accusations of not being a woman due to her high testosterone levels and muscular physique. We talked about the unfair treatment of women in sports, the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender norms, and the mental and emotional toll such scrutiny takes on female athletes. We emphasize the importance of empathy, believing people when they tell you who they are, and rejecting the politicization of human identities.
In this episode, Samah and Michelle speak with Kiera Howe, a trans woman in the WordPress and tech community about her transition while teaching tech, her acceptance in the community, and how her openness about transitioning has authentic power. We talked about why it's important to honor peoples' pronouns, and how many places are safe spaces, but valuing people and how we address them is important for safety in all spaces.
Michelle and Samah welcome guests Nadia Maya Ardiani and Miriam Schwab to talk about the role of head coverings (including hijab, scarves, and more), and why women choosing to honor their own heritage by wearing them should be accepted and allowed personal expression.
In this episode Michelle and Samah discuss a recent cover of The Economist magazine in which they portray a walker mobility device with the seal of the president of the United States affixed to it and the title "No way to run a country."
To infer that disability should disqualify someone from leadership is absurd, and the discussion here will dig deeply into the topic.
In this episode, Samah and Michelle talk about a recent open letter to the organizers for WCEU 2025 from Shahjahan Jewel, in which he talks about WCEU 2025 coinciding with Eid al-Adha, a significant holiday for Muslims. He equates it as if WordCamp was to be held over Christmas.
We discuss why honoring religious days is important, why faith should be considered when planning events, and how significant inclusion around faith is.
In this episode, Michelle and Samah talk with Kristina Louise Treadwell, owner of Web Pro Geeks. We discuss how she started her business, how she manages a team, and how she's used Underrepresented in Tech for hiring.
In this episode, Samah and Michelle talk about the digital divide - what it is, who it affects, and how it affects people on both sides. They discuss how lack of access is not a reflection on intelligence or ability, in spite of what politicians and those with privilege may think.
In this episode Samah and Michelle welcome david wolfpaw to the podcast where the discussion centers on Pride Month, but also outlines some of the challenges that those in the queer community still encounter in life and in the tech community. Special thanks to david for sharing with us and helping us to learn and grow.
From Harrison Butker's anti-feminist, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion, anti-IVF, anti-surrogacy...well anti-almost-anything-he-doesn't-agree-with speech to the men who don't take no for an answer in DMs (and worse), Samah and Michelle not only understand when women say "they choose the bear," but themselves choose the bear, too.
In this episode, Samah and Michelle welcome Ruth Kalinka for a conversation around how language can support community - whether we learn additional languages for communication or rely on technology for the assist. Communication, however we achieve it, creates connection.
In this episode, Samah and Michelle discuss how underrepresentation isn't always something that can be seen. Neurodivergence, disability, mental health, LGBTQ+ status, and even ethnicity can never be assumed, and, in fact, should never be assumed.
In this episode Samah and Michelle discuss the difference between cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation. While some things seem pretty obvious, sometimes the lines blur between what is acceptable, and what is not. Individual cultures and world locations come into play. The bottom line is always respect.
In this episode Michelle and Samah discuss why salary transparency in hiring practices is beneficial to applicants AND to companies. Without providing a salary (or salary range) companies are wasting both their time and that of their applicants. And applicants aren't getting paid for the many hours that go into applying and interviewing for jobs they may not be able to afford to take.
In this episode, Michelle and Samah talk about women working in WordPress and the current survey that WP Includes is doing around Gender Equality in WordPress Businesses. We talk about how women are treated and accommodated differently in the workplace country by country and company by company and share some of our own personal experiences.
In this episode, Samah and Michelle discuss how remote work is beneficial to many underrepresented groups, and why they have found working from home (or wherever they happen to be) to allow for greater flexibility, improved productivity, and overall work satisfaction.
A recent proposed California law would make it illegal for employers to contact employees after hours, regardless of their contract (with certain exceptions).
In this episode Samah and Michelle talk about why disconnecting can be a really good thing, how being contacted after hours can disproportionately affect some underrepresented groups, and their own thoughts on work/life balance.
In this episode Michelle welcomes Samah Nasr to the Underrepresented in Tech project as cohost and partner. Get to know Samah in this episode and why she is passionate about diversity and representation.
In this episode, Michelle talks with Chris Ford - two self-proclaimed "old broads" working in tech. They discuss what navigating a young person's world looks like, and why they're still relevant, in spite of what society may say.
- https://twitter.com/riotmaam
In this episode, Michelle talks to Caylin White about invisible disabilities - how others interact with us, but more importantly, how to care for oneself, how to hold your own personal boundaries, and why sharing struggles and triumphs (for them) makes sense.
- Breathe with Me, Caylin Brie
- https://linktr.ee/cbcinked
In this episode Michelle talks to Karmen Kendrick about navigating the tech world as a strong, independent black woman - the challenges, the hopes, and the successes.
- @iamkarmenk
- karmenk.com
In this episode, Michelle talks to Carole Olinger and Birgit Olzem about disabilities: how we navigate in the WordPress world, and how others interact and accommodate us (or not). Ultimately, we talk about self-advocation and self care.
- coachbirgit.com
- caroleolinger.com
In this episode, Allie and Michelle talk about boundaries. Why they are important, the types of boundaries, and how it can be challegning for underrepresented people to set and enforce them. This is also Allie's last episode as co-host!
The second-to-last episode of the year also happens to be Allie's second-to-last episode as host! In this episode, Michelle surprised her with a few friends who stopped by to share how Allie's DEI work in WordPress has affected them.
In this episode Allie and Michelle share their thoughts on feminism! What it means, what is and is not feminism, it's complications, and how to be a "good" feminist.
As we come toward the end of 2023, Allie and Michelle chat and reminisce about the last three years of Underrepresented in Tech. There is also some very important news in this episode, so don't miss it!
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss the challenge of allies asking underrepresented people to validate, police, advise, or assist their allyship. This mental labor can add more of a burden than that allyship removes.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss "coming out." Typically referring to a queer person letting someone know they aren't straight for the first time. But in this episode, Allie and Michelle talk about the various ways people can come out in their lives. And how "coming out" as an ally is both different and similar to other types of coming out.
In this episode Allie and Michelle discuss why and how it can be more expensive to live a life as a disabled person, a woman, a black person, etc. Catch a glimpse into the details of a life you may not be living and let's build empathy together!
Articles mentioned in this episode:
- The Cost of Racism
- Racial Bias in Medicine
When a marginalized person says that a situation is about race, gender, ableism, etc. it's your job as an ally to belive them! In this episode Allie and Michelle disucss this concept and the degree to which they agree with it.
In this episode, Michelle chats with Francesca Marano and Siobhan McKeown about their new initiative, WP Includes, aimed at increasing the representation of womenin WordPress boardrooms and leadership. Learn more at: https://wpincludes.me/
In this episode, Allie and Michelle chat about the highlights and memorable conversations they've had as a part of recording the Inclusive Webinar Series. They also touch updates and feelings on other parts of the brand.
In this episode, Michelle talks with Anne McCarthy. Anne (she/they) works for Automattic as a sponsored contributor to the WordPress.org project, spearheading the FSE Outreach Program and participating on multiple release squads in various capacities. In this episode, the pair touch on what Anne is currently working on, including the blocks museum, how to contribute to a release squad, and the new Underrepresented Gender Team for WordPress 6.4.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle sit down with Samah Nasr, who has worked at Yoast since 2018 as a Community Project Manager. Samah works closely with many of the Yoast community DEI effots, such as the Yoast Diversity Fund and Yoast Care Fund.
When people point to social issues that affect many, we can often look at that as a political issue. This kind of thinking creates division where there doesn't need to be any. And overlooks the human beings at the center of these issues. In this episode Allie and Michelle look at a recent discussion relating to WordCamp 2023 as an example of unfairly and unjusutly politicizing and subsequently dehumanizing people at the core of important conversations.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle talk to Femi Lewis and Maestro Stevens, two upcoming speakers at WordCamp US. They discuss their speaking experience and their unique journeys seeing themselves represented (or not) in the community.
Femi Lewis's Website
Femi Lewis's Twitter
Maestro Stevens Wesite
Maestro Stevens LinkedIn
Femi'w WCUS Workshop
Maestro's WCUS Panel
BlackPress
Big events can be overwhelming emotionally for anyone. But sometimes it's useful to look at how to approach that overwhelm based on whether you are more of an introvert or extrovert. Allie and Michelle share their personal tips as an introvert and extrovert, respectively.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle catch you up on the two newest and biggest things happening with the UIT brand. Our new webinar series and our sticker launch!
Learn more about the webinar and how to sponsor here: https://www.underrepresentedintech.com/webinars/sponsor/
Grab yourself some sweet stickers here: https://www.underrepresentedintech.com/shop
In this episode, Michelle chats with young tech professional Olivia Bissett about her experience working in the industry, bringing people into WordPress, and finding and building community.
Show Notes:
- Webinar Sponsorship Interest Form
- New handbook page for WordCamp Organizers: WordCamp Speaker Selection (for content AND diversity)
All Podcast Sponsors:
- Bet Hannon
- Design TLC
- Go WP
- Human Made
- Lockedown SEO
- MasterWP
- Ninja Forms/Saturday Drive
- Stellar WP
- The Blogsmith
- WP Wallet
- Yikes Inc.
- Yoast SEO
In this episode, Allie and Michelle try to dig into what makes a community a community, as opposed to being a clique or worse. They use their own personal experiences to determine that communities need to be much more intentionally inclusive in order to keep them from becoming toxic.
In this episode Allie and Michelle discuss the importance of women supporting, uplifting, and advocating for other women in tech. They list some methods and practices you can prioritize in order to make sure that everyone gets a seat at the table.
In this episode Allie speaks with Lindsey Miller, owner and CEO of Content Journey. Lindsey has a unique approach to content marketing that truly puts people first
Visit Content Journey
In this episode, Michelle chats with Marieke van de Rakt about her new venture - Emilia Capital - and how important it is to invest in women founders and business owners.
In this episode, Allie chats with Sima Parekh, the Executive Director of 48in48 - an organization which holds annual events focused on launching 48 websites for 48 nonprofits in 48 hours. Allie and Sima discuss Sima's history with the organization, how this build-a-thon works, and the impact that it's had so far.
Check out 48in48's website to learn more about their events and how you could volunteer for the next one.
This topic has been such a long time coming! Today, Allie and Michelle take the time to discuss how event organizers - in tech, WordPress, and beyond - can ensure that the people they invite to speak as well as the people they select are diverse. Building a diverse, equitable, balanced, and inclusive program of content isn't an overnight process, but can be achieved through intentional planning and decision-making. We hope that event organizers from all types and sizes of events find this episode helpful!
We also hope you check out our past episodes that center around event organization and speakers.
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction
[02:06] Speaker recruiting and outreach
[06:47] Speaker application pages and forms
[08:12] Diversity questions on speaker applications
[15:06] Ad
[15:26] Building a program of content
[17:21] Weighted speaker selection
[19:12] The myth of taking in order to give opportunity
[22:00] Putting the person before the topic
[24:09] The case for blind speaker selection (and it's pitfalls)
[27:24] Creating balanced programming after selection
[28:53] Announcing speakers all at once
[31:09] Diversity and inclusion must be intentional
[32:30] Outro
Places to Find Diverse Speakers
- WP Speakers
- HeroPress
- WP Diversity
- BlackPress
- WordPress Women of Color
- A Diverse WordPress
June is Pride Month - and while we love to see rainbow merch, there are ways that companies can honor Pride both in great and not-so-great ways. In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss examples of how to be a fantastic ally during Pride, as well as some ways to avoid performative marketing.
Show Notes:
- https://make.wordpress.org/core/2023/04/07/preparing-for-the-next-women-nonbinary-release-squad/
- https://twitter.com/karmatosed
- https://twitter.com/michelleames
In this episode Allie and Michelle discuss the social linguistic phenomenon of code switching, as well as the variety of not-quite-code-switching-but-basically-code-switching that underrepresented people do to fit in, feel respected, and feel safe.
A safe space can be a Slack group, an event, or even a person. In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss the importance of safe spaces and how you can make them worthwhile for the people they benefit.
Important Links:
- BlackPress Slack
- WP Women of Color Slack
- Big Orange Heart
Your small business stack can inclued all the tools, resources and websites you use on a regular basis to make your business run smoothly. When you're starting out, you want to look for free or low-cost tools. Allie and Michelle provide their suggestions and recommendations for building out your stack!
In this episode Allie and Michelle discuss AI imagery and writing. Diversity is often a huge concern with this content since rarely are these things coded without biases of some kind.
It's harder than ever for minority businesses to get funding from venture capitalists and investors. Allie and Michelle discuss why and how this happens, as well as some "magic wand" solutions for how it could be resolved.
Episode Links
- Venture Capital for Black Entrepreneurs Plummted 45% in 2022
- For Black Entrepreneurs, the Racial Wealth Gap Makes Finding Funding Nearly Impossible
- Main Street's Minority Owners Need Loans to Grow, But Access to Capital Remains Inequitable
- Why Black Entrerpenuers Struggle to Secure and Receive Funding and Investment Grants
- Yelitsa Jean-Charles and Healthy Roots Dolls
Time Stamps
- [01:20] Contest winners announcement
- [03:59] Celebrating 10,000 downloads
- [06:10] The challenges for minority entrepreneurs to find funding
- [18:33] The phenomenon of ideas being stolen
- [21:08] Ending on a positive note
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss why you shouldn't claim that people are lucky to have all teh things they work so hard to achieve!
In this week's episode, Allie chats with Oneal Rosero: Community Manager, WCAsia speakers team organizer, Training Team faculty Admin, and facilitator for #WPDiversity APAC. Oneal and Allie spent time at the Community table during Contributor Day at WCAsia talking all things diversity in WordPress and in this episode, take a look at how the event accomodated a diverse set of attendees.
Allie and Michelle were both fortunate enough to be selected to speak at WordCamp Asia 2023! They recorded a live episode during Contributor Day in Thailand about how great the event already was!
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss how the recent boom of tech layoffs can disproportionately affect underrepresented people and cause a unique set of struggles for them.
In this episode Allie and Michelle talk about the fine line between being inclusive with your marketing efforts, and being performative. Hint: it's all about intention and thought!
In this episode, Michelle meets up with Michele Butcher-Jones to discuss the challenges of dealing with food at WordCamps and other conferences. Namely, the issue of not being able to eat an event due to food allergens, culural concerns, etc.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle coach you through the do's and don'ts of submitting a fantastic speaker application request.
Check out Allie's post on How to Apply to Speak at an Event here
In this episode, Allie and Michelle identify how allyship is just as much about unlearning certain thoughts, behaviors, and mindsets as it is about learning new ones.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle provide you with 8 resolutions you can commit to in 2023. Each one will help you move make this year much more focused on diversity, equity and inclusion!
Show Notes:
- Enough with the woke stuff: and other racist speech you can unlearn (Nyasha Green, MasterWP)
- A Diverse WordPress Twitter list
- Harmful Language You May Be Using
- The New Yoast Inclusivity Feature (ft. Hannah W.)
- Details about the Yoast Inclusivity Feature
In this episode Allie and Michelle discuss the discussion around moving the WordPress community from Twitter to another platform.
Check out Nyasha Green's post about exploring Mastodon.
And Michelle's Twitter poll.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss how top-down decisions, changes, and culture shifts can effect entire teams, companies, and organizations. When looking at DEI, these items coming from leadership can mean that less pressure is put on invididuals lower down on the professional ladder to make important changes.
As we approach the holiday season, Michelle and Allie are beginnign to think about what makes inclusive and exclusive marketing. There are so many opportunities to market in a way that includes everyone this season... why not do it?
Chances are, you're using "woke" incorrectly. Whether you mean it as a compliment or as an insult, it's now a word so twisted from it's original meaning... Allie and Michelle recommend dropping it altogether.
Maybe when hiring or interviewing, you rely on certain red flags to tell you whether or not to move forward with someone. But sometimes, a red flag isn't actually a red flag but instead an outdated unconscious bias.
In this episode, Allie chats with Amber Hinds who - among many other things - is the co-lead of the upcoming WP Accessibility Day event! In this episode, we talk abotu the event, accessibility in WordPress, and how things can move forward in the community and within the core software.
Michelle talks with Kathy Zant about disability and accomodations, from the lens of Kathy's experience as a caregiver. It's important to be aware of both the struggles and the wins when it comes to living in a world not always designed for people with disabilities.
In this episode, Michelle and Allie have a sobering discussion about the simple fact that reverse racism is not a real thing, and how believing it is can be the starting place to a lot of other harmful thoughts, words, and actions.
We cannot believe it took so long for us to talk about this! Imposter syndrome can affect anyone. It most strongly tends to affect underrepresented people who feel like they are not good enough or not worthy of their success. In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome and their personal tactics for fighting it.
There are so many words in the English language that have far-back meanings we've come to forget. Many are used in the tech industry without a second thought. Some we may use in our personal lives. In this episode, Allie and Michelle provide you with some examples of words and phrases with racist origins that we should try to avoid!
In this episode, Allie and Michelle talk to Hannah, one of the team members at Yoast who was instrumental in creating the newest beta feature of the Yoast SEO pluigin which helps you keep your writing inclusive and welcoming.
In this episode, Michelle interviews Piccia Neri all about recruiting! If you hire or intend to hire in order to build a diverse team, this is an episode you cannot miss.
In this episode, Allie revisits the idea of tech mentors and mentees. This time, she's joined by Nyasha Green is mentors up to 50 people at a time, all on how to succeed in tech!
In this episode, Allie revisits the idea of tech mentors and mentees. This time, she's joined by Nyasha Green is mentors up to 50 people at a time, all on how to succeed in tech!
In this episode of the podcast, Michelle brings on special guest Cami Kaos! Cami shares some practical advice for DEI hiring that everyone should know when trying to build more diverse teams.
This this episode, Allie and Michelle chat with Maddy Osman of The Blogsmith! Maddy just launched a brand new book called Writing for Humans and Robots!
- Grab the Style Guide Here
- Connect with Maddy on Twitter
- Learn more about and buy the book!
Professional mentorship is so valuable, but it can often be difficult to find a mentor, or conduct that relationship in a lasting way. In this episode Allie and Michelle discuss how to get a mentor, do's and don'ts for mentorship relationships, the differences between mentoring and coaching, and more.
In this episode, Allie speaks with James Giroux (Director of Brand & Product Marketing at Stellar WP) about ways in which one can be an ally for others - even when things don't go as planned.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss how we think about accessibility and the things we forget about being inclusive and open.
So many people are interested in starting a podcast. It's both harder and easier to create one than you may think. In this episode, Allie and Michelle recount all the things you may want to do and consider before launching your show.
In this episode, Allie chats with Gina Innocent of GoDaddy Pro. They talk about Gina's time at WCEU, her meetup with the BlackPress Slack group, diversity in tech, and WordPress meetups!
In this episode, Allie and Michelle try to think of contributing from a new person's point of view. When you're lookign to build a career in tech, how can volunteering time to contribute to WordPress help you achieve your goals? There are tons of answers to that question, and we break them down here!
In this episode, in response to their WordCamp Europe FOMO, Allie and Michelle share their top tips for how underrepresented people can make the msot of their time and expeirence at a WordPress event.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss the challenges that come with sponsoring events in WordPress. How much of sponsorship decisions are emotional and how much is business-centric?
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss the paid services they provide under the UIT umbrella, what those services include, and why they are important additions to the database.
In this episode, Allie talks to Rachel "Win" Winchester about Internet Art. What is it, what does it say about us, and how can it be a launching pad for underrepresented artists?
Links Mentioned:
Shawne Michelaine Holloway - portraiture: http://shawnemichaelainholloway.com/alignment
Twitter: @cleogirl2525
Adrian Piper - wikipedia page: http://adrianpiper.com/removed-and-reconstructed-en.wikipedia-biography.shtml…
Residency Program blog post: https://getshifter.io/internet-art-digitalcube-residency-program/…
Win's website: https://visualwebmaster.com
In this episode, Allie and Michelle share their favorite websites and resources that underrepresented people in tech may find helpful. And not to worry. These are also helpful for allies, too!
Links mentioned include:
- https://github.com/aurooba/sponsor-wp-contributors
- https://us.wordcamp.org/2022/support-underrepresented-speakers-at-wordcamp-us/
- https://blackpresswp.com/
- https://heropressnetwork.com/
- https://www.bigorangeheart.org/
- https://twitter.com/wpwomenofcolor
- https://yoast.com/yoast-diversity-fund/
- https://www.diversifytech.co/
- https://poststatus.com/podcast/get-hired/
In this episode, Allie and Michelle celebrate 50 episode of this podcast! They look back on some listener feedback, share their favorite episodes, and discuss some really awesome news for underrepresented WordCamp US speakers!
In this episode, Allie and Michelle look at recent NFL news regarding diversity hires. In response, we talk about how to properly set diversity goals when it comes to building a team or company.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss how providing support for someone going through grief is a lot like providing allyship for underrepresented people. There are tons of similar practices and methods and mindsets to help you be better at both.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss thte difference between being an ally and being a white savior or relying on white guilt.
In this episode, Allie and special guest Aurooba Ahmed discuss the challenges of being a diversity advocate - both as an underrepresented person and as an ally. Namely, how challenging it can be when you don't know what to say, don't want to be loud, or don't want to draw attention to yourself. We name tons of useful ways to be a quiet or hidden advocate.
In this epsiode, Allie and Michelle talk about how they see the boundary between attacking someone else for saying or doing something you don't agree with... and starting a debate or conversation. The line can be thin and easily misinterpreted. But it's worthwhile to consider, because these conversations define how welcoming/inclusive a community is.
In this episode, we try something a little bit different! In a new async interview format, Allie chats with Lesley Sim, creator of Newsletter Glue!
Episode Transcript:
Allie Nimmons 00:00:02 Welcome to the Underrepresented in Tech podcast, hosted by Michelle Frechette and Allie Nimmons. Underrepresented in Tech is a free database, but with the goal of helping people find new opportunities and WordPress and tech overall
Allie Nimmons Hi there, everyone, Allie here. Welcome back to another episode of the Underrepresented in Tech podcast. In this episode, we'll be trying something just a little bit different. We're interviewing Lesley Sim, creator of the Newsletter Glue plugin. Because it was tough to find a way for us to be on a call at the same time, Lesley has kindly agreed to an async interview. So let's get right into it. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you, where are you from, and what do you do with WordPress?
Lesley Sim 00:00:48 Hi, I'm Lesley. I run Newsletter Glue. We are a WordPress plugin that lets you publish newsletters from inside of WordPress. We help you halve your publishing time by publishing newsletters the way you would blog posts and double your distribution because all your newsletters are not only sent to your subscribers, but also published live on your website where your blog visitors can view them as well. And that also means that all your newsletter archives are now SEO friendly too. So Newsletter Glue. I run the business and marketing side of things. Um, so basically anything that doesn't have to do with the actual development work is my responsibility. One of the things that I've really enjoyed actually is getting better at product design. Um, it's something that I hadn't done before and actually found myself really enjoying it. Outside of Newsletter Glue and WordPress, I, I don't know, I'm a human being. I live in Singapore. I like reading scifi and fantasy. One of my favorite authors is Becky Chambers. So I think if you haven't already read her books, I highly recommend them. And if you have, then I think that you immediately have a good idea of the kind of person I am. Um, yeah, that's me.
Allie Nimmons 00:02:29 Tell me about the journey you went on creating Newsletter Glue from the first time the idea popped in your head to its launch.
Lesley Sim 00:02:37 So Newsletter Glue is actually a pivot from our original idea. Um, the original WordPress plugin that we worked on was a membership plugin. So my co-founder whom I met, um, on the Indie Hackers forum, he's been building, he's been membership plugins for the past 10 years or so. And the membership plugins he's built has, you know, over a hundred thousand active installs to date. So he decided he was going to set out on his own and build a membership plugin because that was what he was really good at. Um, and as anyone who's ever tried to start a business, or more specifically a plugin business, knows the tech, the code is just a small part of what makes a business run. Um, so when we started working together and tried to market the plugin, um, we quickly found out that, you know, despite the fact that it was a really great plugin and he'd put in everything that he kne
In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Allie and Michelle discuss a very unfortunate conversation that took place in a popular Wordpress Facebook group recently. They react to what was said, how it was said, and how the members of the group reacted. In total, they examine what this interaction can teach us about fighting for diversity and inclusion in tech and beyond.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss the fact that many WordPress Contribution Teams are short on volunteers! Why is this happening? What can we do about it?
Episode Transcript:
Allie Nimmons 00:02
Welcome to the Underrepresented in Tech podcast hosted by Michelle Frechette and Allie Nimmons. Underrepresented in Tech is a free database, but with the goal of helping people find new opportunities in WordPress on tech overall.
Michelle Frechette 00:16
Hi, Allie!
Allie Nimmons 00:17
Hi Michelle! Happy Friday.
Michelle Frechette 00:20
Happy Friday to you. It's snowing here in upstate New York.
Allie Nimmons 00:23
Yay, it is not snowing here in Austin, Texas. I wish it was though.
Michelle Frechette 00:30
What people don't know is coming up soon, like, about a month and a half, you're coming to Rochester. And we're gonna do a podcast together sitting across the desk from each other. So that's going to be so cool.
Allie Nimmons 00:41
I can't, I can't wait. I'm so excited. The whole time I've known, you every single zoom call, except for the ones when you're at your house. Pretty much every single zoom call, you're in like the Give WP headquarters little building. And I'm so jealous that I can't be there because it looks like such a cute and fun environment. So I'm so excited.
Michelle Frechette 01:05
You'll get to co-work with me and Amanda and Jeff that weekend; that's gonna be fun. And we're gonna have a dinner together and all of that. You get to meet all the people; that'll be great. And we've got to find a place and make appointments for tattoos.
01:19
Yes. And we'll be posting all over Twitter about all of that if anyone interested in following our escapades because whenever we get together, there are escapades.
Michelle Frechette 01:30
There are for sure. Some of them include my scooter. But that's another story for another day. Anyway. So 5.9 was released this week. And I thought we could chat about that we were talking a little bit. Josephine i know i love that too, just originally supposed to be out in December. And, you know, we we you and I were together at State of the Word and we know that that got postponed. And I think that's great, quite honestly. I think when things aren't ready, they shouldn't be released. And I was going over some of t
In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Allie and Michelle discuss what you should be looking for or creating as far as company culture! And not only that, Michelle has an amazing announcement!
Episode Transcript:
Allie Nimmons 00:02
Welcome to the Underrepresented in Tech podcast hosted by Michelle Frechette and Allie Nimmons. Underrepresented in Tech is a free database, but with the goal of helping people find new opportunities in WordPress and tech overall.
Michelle Frechette 00:17
Hi, Allie!
Allie Nimmons 00:19
Hi, Michelle. How are you?
Michelle Frechette 00:22
I am good. I'm cold, but I'm good. It's only like 11 degrees Fahrenheit here today, but that's okay. It's sunny. And I have my slippers on. I have a sweater so we're good.
Allie Nimmons 00:32
Cool. Yeah, it's been super cold here too. I mean, not 11 degrees. But I think last night it got down. Well, I mean, yesterday it hailed here in Austin. It was low 30s which is it's that's the coldest it's been since I moved here last July.
Michelle Frechette 00:46
I believe it.
Allie Nimmons 00:47
Yeah. Is is pretty cold. I prefer cold weather to hot weather.
Michelle Frechette 00:53
I like in between.
Allie Nimmons 00:56
Yeah. Ideally, I like in between. But if I had to pick one of the extremes, I'm a cold weather girl.
Michelle Frechette 01:02
I love when people post like on Facebook and stuff like "The people who complained about the heat in the summer are not allowed to complain about the cold in the winter." And I'm like, I reserve the right to complain about extremes. Yeah, sue me.
Allie Nimmons 01:14
I like complaining about everything all the time.
Michelle Frechette 01:20
I love it. I love your topic for today. So why don't you lead us in and tell us what your idea was talk about today?
Allie Nimmons 01:25
For sure. For sure. Well, I heard about this amazing new event that's coming.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle talk about the dreaded influencer list or listicle. We discuss why they are harmful and toxic, using a specific example from 2019 as reference. We also talk about how to properly handle the desire to create similiar marketing strategies in a positive and non-offensive way.
Allie and Michelle have A LOT of feelings about mansplaining. In this episode, they share some cringey examples, as well as talk about the effects of mansplaining and how to avoid it and respond to it.
In this episode, Michelle talks to Tracy Levesque who runs Yikes Inc. They talk about generational wealth and financial independence and how that applies to minorities and underrepresented people.
Allie and Michelle are recording seperately this week as they recover from an amazing time at the 2021 State of the Word. In this episode, they each reflect on the trip, the content, the connections, and so much more.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle are fortunate enough to speak to WordPress Executive Director, Josepha Haden Chomphosy!
In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech podcast, Allie and Michelle talk about their feelings on Thanksgiving and the holiday season as a whole.
In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech podcast, we discuss and define doxxing and cancel culture. We also discuss how these things can negatively affect underrepresented people and what allies can do about it.
In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech postcast, Allie and Michelle talk about the idea that people who harass or take advantage of others based on power differences typically prefer to affect people "below them." This is why you may find it hard to believe that someone is behaving inappropriately, since you may never have seen that behavior yourself.
In this episode, Michelle and Allie talk about the complexibilities of how to label and talk about people with disabilities. Are you team "disabled person" or "person with a disability"?
In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech podcast, Michelle and Allie talk about the recent announcement from Make.WordPress.com about returning soon to in-person events. Read the announcement and let us know how you feel about this informatiton. https://make.wordpress.org/community/2021/09/13/announcement-updated-guidelines-for-in-person-wordcamps/
In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle talks to GoWP's COO Emily Hunkler about how women create space at the table for themselves and for each other.
In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Allie and special guest Camber discuss the ins and outs of negotiating a salary! They even provide a real-world example that you can use as a jumping off point.
In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Allie talk about some tried and true tips for diverse people who are looking to get better at networking.
In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech podcast, Allie Nimmons chats with Ebonie Butler, lead developer at Yikes Inc. Ebonie discusses what has made Yikes Inc. a great and supportive company for her to work as a black woman in tech. Great information here for underrepresented folks looking to tell what culture to prioritize, as well as for employers looking to support underrepresented employees.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss the do's and don'ts of quitting. Leaving a job can be just as complicatetd and messy as finding one, especially for underrepresented individuals. Allie and Michelle rely on their personal experience to provide some helpful tips and insight on quitting well.
In this week's episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Allie chats with Topher DeRosia who is a developer and community volunteer. Topher's website HeroPress is a fantastic resource for global WordPress community members. In this episode we talk about the story behind HeroPress and how people like Topher can be amazing allies.
In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech podcast, Allie and Michelle talk about how to write a great bio. Bios are important if you are making any kind of contribution or guest appearance - at an event, on someone's blog, on a podcast, etc. Writing a good bio isn't rocket science, but there are a few do's and don'ts to keep in mind.
On this very special episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Allie talk with Andrea Middleton who is in charge of community leadership in the WordPress open source project, employed by Automattic. We talk about community in WordPress, what it means to be a contributor, and whether or not age is a concern for new community members.
In this episode, Michelle chats with Hazel Quimpo all about how dress codes affect women.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle talk about diversity and representation in event organizing and nominating folks for speaking opportunities!
In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech podcast, Allie and Michelle discuss the belief that contributing to open source is preferable to a college experience. We talk about the merits and pitfalls of that arguement and specifically how it can affect underrepresneted people getting into tech.
In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech podcast, Allie and Michelle discuss burnout. What is it? Who experiences it most and why? When have we experienced it before? We touch on everything from Simone Biles to cognitive load to hiring and more.
In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech podcast, Michelle talks with Allie Dye of WP Valet about invisible illnessnes.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss colorism, using the recent movie "In the Heights" as an example.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle talk about the historic complexities of Juneteeth, their thoughts and fears about how it will be utilized as a day of celebration, and how brands and business can (or cannot) acknowledge this new federal holiday.
In this episode Allie and Michelle discuss why words matter, how to respect chosen pronouns, why gendered language doesn't belong in the workplace, and why unwanted "terms of endearment" should never be used in technology or any other place.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss ways that employers and supervisors can help and advocate for underrepresented employees and team members.
In this episode, Michelle & Allie discuss performative support/virtue signalling, particularly as it applies to Pride Month & LGBTQ+ allyship.
In this episode, Michelle and guest Maryann Reissig discuss ableism, and how you should (and shouldn't) address those with disabilities.
In the episode, Allie and Michelle discuss "calling someone out" versus "calling someone in," and their own personal experiences around this.
In this episode, Allie and Michelle discuss microaggressions, racism, prejudice, fat-shaming, and how words have the power to help and hurt.
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.
In this episode, Michelle discusses job interviewing as an underrepresented person with guest Jeff Betancourt.
Michelle with guest hosts Megan Rose and Laura Coronado discuss how to become a guest on a podcast, how to prepare, and how you can be the best podcast guest possible!
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.
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.
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.
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.