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: Institutional Racism
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?
Jess Talks
I've decided to try a new medium. I don't know what to call it. A lot longer than a blog post. Not quite an eBook. Really it's more like a manuscript. In it, you'll find four of the talks I've given over the last four years. You'll read common themes but also discover some new … Continue reading Jess Talks
A New Spirituality
My son starts middle school this year. Being future oriented, I have been anticipating his first day of school since the last school year ended. Mostly I feel anxious and fearful of what lies ahead. I tell myself it's a necessary part of growing up. It occurs to me - he's not just entering a … Continue reading A New Spirituality
Reconsidering Hope
Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy, likes to tell stories. Haunting, real stories of children, women, those with mental illness, people of color, and the poor trapped in our broken system of justice in the United States. His March 2012 TED talk titled, “We Need to Talk About An Injustice,” has touched and influenced millions … Continue reading Reconsidering Hope
All Work Considered
I recently left my paid work and find myself unemployed for the first time in more than a decade. It's strange when people ask me what I've been up to, and my answer is, "Napping." And instantly, if they're older than 4 years old, they're jealous. I can tell they value napping too, but sadly, … Continue reading All Work Considered
The God who is Faithful
One of the traits I value in a good leader is someone who looks out for his or her followers - even at their own expense. This is why I'm a fan of the Chinese movie, "Hero,1" where the hero is someone who sacrifices his life for many. His sacrifice shows his faithfulness to his … Continue reading The God who is Faithful
Are we still in?
A few days after the U.S. Election, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos received what he described as a "heartfelt" email from one of his employees, asking on behalf of the nine affinity groups at Amazon, if the company's leadership will continue to support diversity and inclusion given the election outcome. The Affinity Groups have already been … Continue reading Are we still in?
When Reality Bites
I'm standing in line to see Trevor Noah. Like an excited teenager waiting to see a rock star. Only this isn't a rock concert. I'm in a long line with a few hundred co-workers at an optional, private company event - all because I'm a fan of his comic bit on colonialism. He talks about … Continue reading When Reality Bites
Sharing our Pain
"There's nothing more painful to me than writing a blog," declares my husband - somewhat hyperbolically, when I asked for ideas for my next blog post. He and I are very different individuals; and different things cause us pain. For him it's writing, for me it's small talk. We both experience "pain" when doing these … Continue reading Sharing our Pain
