I’m trying something new. I’ve partnered with a good friend, also a Christian woman of color in technology, on a podcast series called “Waiting to Download: Race & Gender in Tech.” Launching a podcast is no joke, especially since we’re both novices. From coming up with a name, to outlining episodes, the planning process has … Continue reading Just Launched a Podcast
Category: Gender
On Belonging
It’s mid-afternoon and I am moderating a panel discussion as part of a one-day conference. As I walk into the large, rectangular meeting room, I notice half the room’s filled already with people waiting for our session to start. The panelists arrive and I take my seat with them in front, facing the audience. For … Continue reading On Belonging
Whose Turn Is It Anyway?
I believe there's a shift happening in the U.S. Where white supremacy and patriarchy remain thick, people are grateful to see the usual suspects in charge. But in other places, where the air is less smoggy, people are downright fed up with the old guard (OG). People are ready for someone else to lead. … Continue reading Whose Turn Is It Anyway?
The Missing Voice
Everyone remembers a layoff. This Michelangelo poster is my last gift from my co-workers at AltaVista when we all got laid off. I remember the layoff happened a week after the 9/11 terrorist attack. The HR people couldn't catch a flight early enough, hence the week delay in delivering our parting papers. In hindsight, the … Continue reading The Missing Voice
Shalom and False Peace
It's a typical Saturday morning. I'm at a local coffee shop, sipping my espresso and enjoying some peace and quiet. I take out my books and my laptop, preparing to read and write. But someone doesn't get the memo. A few minutes into my peace and quiet, I hear a voice behind me say, … Continue reading Shalom and False Peace
Lunch with the ‘Bros’
Sometimes, I feel like I'm on the show "Silicon Valley," the fictional HBO show about "bro" life at a startup. To be honest, I haven't watched the show. I feel like it would just be too painful and traumatic for me. A little too real. Like this lunch. I like to keep in touch with … Continue reading Lunch with the ‘Bros’
The Costs of Leadership
#RBF. I had to look up the hashtag when I first saw it. What could it possibly mean? Resting Bitch Face. I couldn't believe people would 'critique' someone's resting face. But it wasn't just any resting face. The face belonged to a woman. In particular, a woman who dared to lead. In the United States, … Continue reading The Costs of Leadership
Working on Character
The last thing I want to work on is my character. It's like someone familiar I see across the room I barely acknowledge, for fear of making eye contact. Or like a slightly crooked painting on the wall I hope no one notices. Perhaps if I ignored it, the flaws will just go away. I … Continue reading Working on Character
The Woman Behind the Checkbox
My son wants me to write about being a Christian woman leader in technology. “It’s complicated,” I tell him, “And very hard to do without whining.” The kid looks at me, puzzled. I feel like I owe him an explanation now. After all, the way he sees me is fitting. I’m his mom, but I’m … Continue reading The Woman Behind the Checkbox
