Underrepresented in Tech

In this episode, host Michelle sits down with James Laws and Jeremy Moore to share the story behind Bone Life Coffee and how they're building more than a specialty coffee brand; they're creating meaningful connections. From sourcing award-winning coffee directly from farmers to fostering community through their café and subscription service, they discuss the values that drive their business. They...

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, communicate, and create, but is it truly accessible to everyone? In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Samah explore why accessibility is still missing from many AI tools and the impact this has on people with disabilities and other underrepresented communities. Together, they discuss how biased training data can lead to...

In this Pride Month episode of the Underrepresented in Tech Podcast, Michelle and Samah discuss the importance of moving beyond tolerance toward true acceptance and inclusion. They explore the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, the impact of discrimination on mental health, and the role allies play in creating safer, more welcoming communities. The conversation highlights the...

What happens when something is built to be accessible, and then quietly becomes inaccessible again? In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into real-life stories of how accessibility isn’t just about design, it’s about maintenance, awareness, and intention. From a curb cut blocked by a concrete barrier to delivery packages placed in the worst possible spot to event spaces that almost get it righ...

In this Black History Month episode of Underrepresented in Tech , Michelle and Samah highlight 22 Black leaders and innovators whose work shaped modern technology from early telecommunications and spaceflight calculations to computer science breakthroughs and responsible AI. Then, they unpack key takeaways from a  Forbes  article on the challenges underrepresented groups still face in tech, includ...

In this special episode of the Underrepresented in Tech Podcast , Michelle and Samah introduce an exciting global initiative for International Women’s Day 2026 . Instead of looking back at history, this year is all about celebrating women in tech right now . On March 8, 2026 , Underrepresented in Tech will host a live, six-hour global event , featuring interviews with women in technology from arou...

In our first episode of 2026, Michelle and Samah are joined by Dragana Babić and Sanja Hunyadi to explore a bold regional initiative: a digital platform designed to support children with learning disabilities and learning difficulties, along with the parents and educators who support them. We talk about what sparked the project, why access to modern learning tools remains unequal across smaller co...

Promotions aren’t just about performance; they’re about power, bias, and access. In this timely and deeply honest conversation, Michelle and Samah unpack what promotion really looks like for women, women of color, and experienced professionals in today’s workplace. Drawing on recent research and real-life experiences, we examine why minority women are the least likely to be promoted, why Gen X tal...

In this episode, Michelle and Samah celebrate the incredible contributions of women in tech while addressing a persistent challenge: being invited to speak only about gender rather than expertise. From tech panels to conferences, women continue to face subtle biases, from discussions about lipstick to exclusion from technical sessions. We explore why women should be recognized for their knowledge,...

In this heartfelt and candid episode, Michelle and Samah open up about the realities of burnout, the challenges of constant travel, and the emotional toll of balancing community work, career, and personal life. From globe-trotting across major WordPress events to learning when to pause and recharge, they share their experiences of exhaustion, recovery, and the importance of self-care. They also di...

In this inspiring episode, Michelle and Samah sit down with Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN and one of the keynote speakers at WordCamp US 2025. Amy shares the incredible story of how NTEN was formed by a global community of changemakers, and how it has grown into a powerful movement that helps nonprofits and missions thrive through strategic and equitable use of technology. From the importance of di...

In this episode, Michelle and Samah talk about how speaking at events in the WordPress world is an incredible honor, but it often comes with real costs. Most speakers receive no pay, no travel or lodging covered, and sometimes face financial barriers that make it hard to share their voices. Thankfully, passionate community members, organizations, and companies have stepped up with creative, heartf...

In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into Black Tech Week, an inspiring and fast-growing event in Cincinnati that blends community, culture, and innovation. We explore how over 6,200 attendees, from tech professionals to students, came together to network, learn, and celebrate Black and Brown excellence in tech, despite corporate cutbacks on DEI initiatives. We discuss the event’s headliner, K...

In this compelling episode, Michelle and Samah dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and gender equality. We unpack a powerful article from UN Women, exploring how AI systems shaped largely by male-dominated industries can reinforce existing gender biases. From hiring algorithms that prefer men to voice assistants defaulting to submissive female personas, we examine why representat...

In this deeply personal and impassioned episode, Michelle and Samah reflect on a powerful talk given at WordCamp Montclair 2025 by Michelle, "Underrepresented in Tech: The Journey to Amplify Others." We explore why our advocacy work continues, from laryngitis to lifting voices, even when the impact isn't always visible. Michelle and Samah explore hard truths about allyship, burnout, and the quiet...

In this heartfelt episode, Michelle shares her whirlwind experience traveling to and from WordCamp Europe. From radar-key-accessible toilets in Switzerland to flight delays, scooter battery regulations, and missed connections, she shares what it means to travel as a disabled person. Through moments of kindness, absurdity, frustration, and resilience, Michelle brings to light the reality of accessi...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Michelle and Samah explore the complexities of cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation. Sparked by a discussion around wearing a keffiyeh, the conversation broadens to include traditional garments, hairstyles, food, and religious symbols from various cultures. With examples ranging from Sari and dukus to braids and hijabs, Michelle and Samah em...

In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into the topic of burnout, discussing how it affects many professionals, especially in light of recent economic challenges like layoffs and rising living costs. They explore the emotional and physical toll burnout can have on workers, especially women and minority groups who often juggle multiple responsibilities at work and at home. They also touch on the...

In this episode, Michelle and Samah catch up after a busy stretch filled with job changes, travels, and community events. They dive into a timely conversation about a Blue Origin spaceflight featuring an all-women crew, including celebrities like Katy Perry and Gayle King. While the mission is framed as a milestone for women, Michelle and Samah reflect critically on what it means for women in STEM...

In honor of Black History Month, Michelle and Samah highlight the incredible contributions of Black pioneers in technology—past and present. From GPS to gaming consoles, traffic lights to ice cream, Black innovators have shaped our world. Join them as they dive into their stories, recognize their impact, and celebrate their legacies. Plus, a special shout-out to BlackPress and the Black WordPress...

In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into the unsettling political shifts happening in the U.S. and beyond, discussing how they affect not just Americans but the world. From removing Spanish-language accessibility on government websites to the rollback of reproductive rights and immigration crackdowns, we examine the broader implications of these policies on diversity, equality, and human righ...

In this heartfelt episode, Michelle, Allie, and Samah reflect on the evolution of their work advocating for underrepresented voices in the tech industry. From the early struggles of building a sustainable project to the transition of leadership and personal growth, they share emotional moments, hard-won lessons, and the importance of creating space for diverse voices. Tune in for an inspiring disc...

In this week’s episode, Michelle and Samah reflect on their achievements from the past year and revisit impactful episodes covering topics like gender equity, mental health, racial and ethnic representation, and accessibility. Through personal stories, expert insights, and candid discussions, this podcast aims to educate, inspire, and foster meaningful conversations about the challenges and succes...

In this week’s episode, Michelle and Samah dive into the Harvard Business School article "5 Strategies for Overcoming Unconscious Bias in the Tech Industry" . They share personal stories and explore the pervasive impact of hidden biases in hiring, promotions, and workplace culture. They discuss how biases affect diverse communities differently and the importance of awareness, inclusivity, and fost...