Women in Tech

Building the Future in Front of You

The author reflects on their experience as a manager and how they have taken it upon themselves to mentor and empower those around them. They discuss the importance of having a mentor and how it can help shape one's career path. They also share lessons they have learned from their mentees, such as the importance of asking the right questions and validating people in their decision-making process. Finally, the author shares how they are actively involved in mentoring and helping others in their alumni network and other organizations of diversity.

A Plan For Creating a More Inclusive Culture

This article discusses a program set up by the author to improve diversity and inclusion in their company. The program consists of micro-actions (15 minute activities) and macro-actions (1-3 hour activities) to demonstrate an attempt at making a more diverse and inclusive culture. The author has seen some micro-wins, such as sourcing female candidates and attending events, and has learned that this approach helps to keep diversity and inclusion at the top of everyone's minds.

Don’t Hire One Woman. Hire Three.

When the author was leading an all-male DevOps team at Square, they were trying to close a female candidate. To ensure she would thrive in the team, the author decided to hire three women - the candidate, an intern, and a bootcamp graduate. This changed the team's culture dramatically, making it more enjoyable to work in and more open and less defensive. The author learned that inclusion and diversity can help everyone, not just certain minorities.

Developing and Sustaining Diversity Within a Company

This article discusses the importance of hiring a diverse team and outlines the steps taken to achieve this. It suggests having a diverse interview panel, avoiding terms that label candidates, creating a grassroots organization, and using social networks as a hiring resource. It also suggests having a template that represents real voices from within the company to create a welcoming impact.

How to Feel Heard During Video Meetings

This article discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome and speaking up during remote Zoom meetings, which is especially difficult for PMs. It outlines the steps taken to address the issue, such as talking to people within the organization, understanding proper Zoom etiquette, and advocating for oneself and others. It also emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor, using online and offline resources, and not questioning oneself.

Paving the Way for the Women of Tomorrow

This is a story of a woman in the technology field who has experienced the lack of female representation and has taken it upon herself to do something about it. She has learned the importance of leaning in with a diversity initiative, and has taken steps to become an example for young women to follow. She has also learned the importance of mentoring and teaching skills to others, and is now focused on leaving a legacy behind. She is thankful for all the help she has received along the way.