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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.
In our weekly podcast, creators Allie and Michelle discuss topics that are important to them as champions of diversity in the WordPress/tech community.
155 Episodes
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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, including biased hiring, limited access, gaps in mentorship and networks, accessibility barriers, and non-inclusive workplace cultures, along with practical ways companies and communities can help close those gaps.
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 around the world. Streaming live on YouTube, the event will spotlight diverse voices, personal journeys, challenges, successes, and leadership stories across time zones and regions.
Women at all stages of their careers, from those just starting out to seasoned leaders, are invited to join, share their stories, and be part of a global conversation about equity, representation, innovation, and community in tech. Registration is open for attendees and for those interested in being interviewed. This event is about visibility, connection, and celebrating women exactly as they are, where they are.
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 communities, and how a volunteer-led team is building a “one place” hub for resources, communication, and collaboration, grounded in one core belief: we all belong together.
The conversation also expands into digital citizenship, media literacy, cybersecurity, and critical thinking, especially in an era of AI and misinformation. Dragana and Sanja share lessons from their work (including workshops for children with developmental disabilities and youth-led teaching moments) and how listeners can support inclusion locally and globally.
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 talent is often overlooked, and how structural bias, rather than a lack of ambition or skill, continues to influence career outcomes.The discussion includes gatekeeping, age bias, self-advocacy, unequal pay, and why diversity efforts often overlook age and lived experiences. Most importantly, we discuss what needs to change in organizations, leadership, and ourselves if we truly want equitable career progression.This episode isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to do better.
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, leadership, and technical skills, and how the tech community can create truly inclusive stages.
Join us as we discuss representation, inclusion, and the power of letting women, and all underrepresented voices share what they know best.
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 dive into deeper reflections on cultural expectations, the pressure women face in both professional and personal spaces, and how vulnerability can foster resilience. Amidst laughter, friendship, and a few rubber ducky moments, this conversation serves as a reminder that it’s okay to slow down, ask for help, and find joy in the little things.
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 digital inclusion and equity to the confidence-building work of empowering nonprofits to see themselves as technologists, Amy dives deep into how technology can and should serve as a tool for social impact. She also reflects on her co-authored books, Social Change Anytime Everywhere and The Tech That Comes Next, and teases her upcoming WordCamp US keynote.
Whether you’re passionate about open source, nonprofit technology, or building a more inclusive digital future, this episode is filled with practical insights, thought-provoking ideas, and plenty of inspiration.
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, heartfelt initiatives to make WordPress more inclusive. They share a lot of amazing initiatives. From the grassroots Michelle & Me Selfie Challenge to the Yoast Diversity Fund, the Open Horizons Scholarship, mentorship programs, and beyond, these efforts are helping underrepresented people take the stage, connect, and shine. This is a celebration of those programs, the lives they’ve touched, and an open invitation. If you know of other initiatives, share them so we can spotlight even more of the good happening in our community. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard.
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, Keke Palmer, and the role of local sponsors and grassroots organizers in creating space for underrepresented voices. We also touch on broader conversations around access and inclusion at WordCamps and how to support diverse participation in tech events.
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 representation in AI development matters and how the data we feed these systems influences their fairness. We also explore tools and initiatives working to create more equitable AI.
Whether you’re in tech or just curious about how AI is shaping our world, this episode offers a critical, thoughtful, and, at times, humorous perspective on how we can build smarter and fairer AI systems for everyone.
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 resilience behind grassroots efforts. They share personal stories of how this podcast has changed their lives and listeners' lives, not through viral moments but through steady, intentional progress.Together, we ask the tricky question, "Does it even matter?" and answer it not with stats or spotlights but with heart, hope, and honest reflection.If you've ever felt unseen in tech or wondered whether small acts of inclusion can make a real difference, this episode is for you.
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 accessibility, where it works and fails, and the incredible people who make all the difference along the way. This story is about grit, luck (the good and the bad), and a lot of champagne.
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 emphasise the importance of context, historical awareness, and intent. They offer practical advice on how to support underrepresented communities respectfully—through asking questions, doing research, and ensuring purchases directly benefit those cultures. This episode is a powerful reminder that respect, education, and empathy are key to truly honouring the traditions and struggles of marginalised communities.
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 difficulty of setting boundaries, the importance of self-care, and how to recognize the early signs of burnout. The episode highlights the need for both individuals and managers to prioritize mental health, create healthy work-life boundaries, and seek support when needed.
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 and tech spaces. They discuss representation, meaningful progress, and whether space tourism like this truly inspires the next generation of women scientists or makes headlines. The episode closes with a look ahead to upcoming inclusion-focused events (Work Pride) and WordCamp Europe.
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 community for fostering representation in tech.
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 rights. Tune in as we unpack these urgent issues and reflect on the fight for a more inclusive world.
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 discussion on allyship, community-building, and the power of persistence in the face of adversity.
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 successes of marginalized communities in tech.
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