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
Josepha Haden Chomphosy
Dan Maby
Lesley Sim
Maestro Stevens
Latest Episodes
Navigating Accessibility with Roll Mobility
In this episode, Samah and Michelle speak with Kiera Howe, a trans woman in the WordPress and tech community about her public transition.
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.
Empower Your Voice: The Art of Self-Advocacy
In this episode, Samah and Michelle speak with Kiera Howe, a trans woman in the WordPress and tech community about her public transition.
Accessibility Episodes
Navigating Accessibility with Roll Mobility
In this episode, Samah and Michelle speak with Kiera Howe, a trans woman in the WordPress and tech community about her public transition.
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.
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.”
Allyship Episodes
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.
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.
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.”
Community Building Episodes
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.
Empower Your Voice: The Art of Self-Advocacy
In this episode, Samah and Michelle speak with Kiera Howe, a trans woman in the WordPress and tech community about her public transition.
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.
DEI Concept Episodes
Navigating Accessibility with Roll Mobility
In this episode, Samah and Michelle speak with Kiera Howe, a trans woman in the WordPress and tech community about her public transition.
Empower Your Voice: The Art of Self-Advocacy
In this episode, Samah and Michelle speak with Kiera Howe, a trans woman in the WordPress and tech community about her public transition.
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.
Event Episodes
Webinar and Brand Update
In this episode, Allie and Michelle chat about the highlights and memorable conversations they've...
The Underrepresented Gender Team and More (feat. Anne McCarthy)
In this episode, Michelle talks with Anne McCarthy. Anne (she/they) works for Automattic as a...
Yoast & Diversity (feat. Samah Nasr)
In this episode, Allie and Michelle sit down with Samah Nasr, who has worked at Yoast since 2018...
Hiring and Recruiting Episodes
An Interview with Kristina Louise Treadwell
In this episode, Michelle and Samah talk with Kristina Louise Treadwell, owner of Web Pro Geeks.
Youth in Tech (feat. Olivia Bisset)
In this episode, Michelle chats with young tech professional Olivia Bisset about her experience...
When Your Hiring Red Flags Aren’t Red Flags
Maybe when hiring or interviewing, you rely on certain red flags to tell you whether or not to...
Job and Career Episodes
Empower Your Voice: The Art of Self-Advocacy
In this episode, Samah and Michelle speak with Kiera Howe, a trans woman in the WordPress and tech community about her public transition.
An Interview with Kristina Louise Treadwell
In this episode, Michelle and Samah talk with Kristina Louise Treadwell, owner of Web Pro Geeks.
Youth in Tech (feat. Olivia Bisset)
In this episode, Michelle chats with young tech professional Olivia Bisset about her experience...
Marketing and Language Episodes
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.
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.
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.
Resources and Programs Episodes
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.
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.
WP Includes (feat. Francesca Marano and Siobhan McKeown)
In this episode, Michelle chats with Francesca Marano and Siobhan McKeown about their new...