The Underrepresented in Tech Podcast

Learn how to be a better ally in tech

In Underrepresented in Tech’s weekly podcast, UIT founders Allie Nimmons and Michelle Frechette (and sometimes a special guest!) discuss topics that are important to them as champions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the WordPress/tech community.

Over 10,000 downloads since December 2020!

Episode guests have included

Nyasha Green

Nyasha Green

Josepha Haden Chomphosy

Josepha Haden Chomphosy

Dan Maby

Dan Maby

Lesley Sim

Lesley Sim

Maestro Stevens

Maestro Stevens

Latest Episodes

Breaking the Silence: Women’s Reproductive Health, Choices, and Societal Pressures

Breaking the Silence: Women’s Reproductive Health, Choices, and Societal Pressures

When Simone Biles stepped away from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 she came under a lot of negative scrutiny, even though she made it clear that it was for her mental and physical health. If one of the most accomplished women in the world struggles with the stigma of self care, how much more difficult might it be for others of us to do the same? In this episode Samah and Michelle talk about mental wellbeing, stepping back from circumstances that may be harmful to us, and what it means in the tech space to care for our own mental health and wellbeing.

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Accessibility Episodes

Empowering Inclusion: The Impact of WordPress Accessibility Day

Empowering Inclusion: The Impact of WordPress Accessibility Day

When Simone Biles stepped away from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 she came under a lot of negative scrutiny, even though she made it clear that it was for her mental and physical health. If one of the most accomplished women in the world struggles with the stigma of self care, how much more difficult might it be for others of us to do the same? In this episode Samah and Michelle talk about mental wellbeing, stepping back from circumstances that may be harmful to us, and what it means in the tech space to care for our own mental health and wellbeing.

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Disability Respect Matters

Disability Respect Matters

In this episode Michelle and Samah discuss a recent cover of The Economist magazine in which they portray a walker mobility device with the seal of the president of the United States affixed to it and the title “No way to run a country.”

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Allyship Episodes

The Twisties: What We Can Learn from Simone Biles About Mental Wellbeing

The Twisties: What We Can Learn from Simone Biles About Mental Wellbeing

When Simone Biles stepped away from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 she came under a lot of negative scrutiny, even though she made it clear that it was for her mental and physical health. If one of the most accomplished women in the world struggles with the stigma of self care, how much more difficult might it be for others of us to do the same? In this episode Samah and Michelle talk about mental wellbeing, stepping back from circumstances that may be harmful to us, and what it means in the tech space to care for our own mental health and wellbeing.

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Transitioning in Tech

Transitioning in Tech

In this episode, Samah and Michelle speak with Kiera Howe, a trans woman in the WordPress and tech community about her public transition.

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Scarves, Hijabs, Head Coverings, and More

Scarves, Hijabs, Head Coverings, and More

In this episode Michelle and Samah discuss a recent cover of The Economist magazine in which they portray a walker mobility device with the seal of the president of the United States affixed to it and the title “No way to run a country.”

read more

Community Building Episodes

Breaking the Silence: Women’s Reproductive Health, Choices, and Societal Pressures

Breaking the Silence: Women’s Reproductive Health, Choices, and Societal Pressures

When Simone Biles stepped away from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 she came under a lot of negative scrutiny, even though she made it clear that it was for her mental and physical health. If one of the most accomplished women in the world struggles with the stigma of self care, how much more difficult might it be for others of us to do the same? In this episode Samah and Michelle talk about mental wellbeing, stepping back from circumstances that may be harmful to us, and what it means in the tech space to care for our own mental health and wellbeing.

read more
Empowering Inclusion: The Impact of WordPress Accessibility Day

Empowering Inclusion: The Impact of WordPress Accessibility Day

When Simone Biles stepped away from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 she came under a lot of negative scrutiny, even though she made it clear that it was for her mental and physical health. If one of the most accomplished women in the world struggles with the stigma of self care, how much more difficult might it be for others of us to do the same? In this episode Samah and Michelle talk about mental wellbeing, stepping back from circumstances that may be harmful to us, and what it means in the tech space to care for our own mental health and wellbeing.

read more

DEI Concept Episodes

Empowering Inclusion: The Impact of WordPress Accessibility Day

Empowering Inclusion: The Impact of WordPress Accessibility Day

When Simone Biles stepped away from the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 she came under a lot of negative scrutiny, even though she made it clear that it was for her mental and physical health. If one of the most accomplished women in the world struggles with the stigma of self care, how much more difficult might it be for others of us to do the same? In this episode Samah and Michelle talk about mental wellbeing, stepping back from circumstances that may be harmful to us, and what it means in the tech space to care for our own mental health and wellbeing.

read more

Event Episodes

Hiring and Recruiting Episodes

Job and Career Episodes

Marketing and Language Episodes

Celebrating Pride Month with Guest david wolfpaw

Celebrating Pride Month with Guest david wolfpaw

In this episode Samah and Michelle welcome david wolfpaw to the podcast where the discussion centers on Pride Month, but also outlines some of the challenges that those in the queer community still encounter in life and in the tech community. Special thanks to david for sharing with us and helping us to learn and grow.

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We Choose the Bear

We Choose the Bear

From Harrison Butker’s anti-feminist, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion, anti-IVF, anti-surrogacy…well anti-almost-anything-he-doesn’t-agree-with speech to the men who don’t take no for an answer in DMs (and worse), Samah and Michelle not only understand when women say “they choose the bear,” but themselves choose the bear, too.

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How Language Supports Community

How Language Supports Community

In this episode, Samah and Michelle welcome Ruth Kalinka for a conversation around how language can support community – whether we learn additional languages for communication or rely on technology for the assist. Communication, however we achieve it, creates connection.

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Resources and Programs Episodes

WordPress, Religion, and Events

WordPress, Religion, and Events

In this episode, Samah and Michelle talk about a recent open letter to the organizers for WCEU 2025 from Shahjahan Jewel, in which he talks about WCEU 2025 coinciding with Eid al-Adha, a significant holiday for Muslims. He equates it as if WordCamp was to be held over Christmas.

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The Digital Divide

The Digital Divide

In this episode, Samah and Michelle talk about the digital divide – what it is, who it affects, and how it affects people on both sides. They discuss how lack of access is not a reflection on intelligence or ability, in spite of what politicians and those with privilege may think.

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