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AI is changing the way we work, and the opportunities are incredible. But is everyone getting an equal chance to benefit? In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Samah explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace and why women may be among those most affected by AI-driven automation. From jobs at risk to exciting new opportunities for entrepreneurs, we discuss both sides of the AI revolution. More importantly, we ask: Are we doing enough to prepare women and underrepresented communities for the future? We talk about the importance of accessible education, learning new skills, and making sure technology creates opportunities rather than widening existing inequalities. Because the real question isn't whether AI will change our future. It's whether we're making sure everyone can be part of it. Tune in for an honest conversation about AI, equality, and the future of work.

Getting women into tech is only the beginning. But what happens after they've spent 10, 15, or 20 years in the industry? In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Samah discuss ageism, career transitions, and the challenges women face as they grow older in the tech and WordPress industries. From navigating layoffs and changing careers to balancing family responsibilities, overcoming self-doubt, and recognizing the value of experience, we explore why retaining and supporting women in tech matters just as much as encouraging them to enter the industry. We also discuss transferable skills, professional networking, and why it's never too late to pursue a new opportunity. Because the question shouldn't just be how we bring more women into tech, but how we help them stay, grow, and lead. Listen to the conversation and share your experiences with us!

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn, and innovate, but is everyone benefiting equally? In this episode of the Underrepresented in Tech Podcast, Michelle and Samah explore the growing AI divide and what it means for individuals, businesses, and communities worldwide. They discuss how access to AI, digital literacy, education, geography, and socioeconomic factors are shaping who can take advantage of this technology and who risks being left behind. From personal experiences using AI in everyday work to conversations about global accessibility, responsible adoption, and the future of work, this episode highlights why AI should empower everyone, not just a privileged few.

In this episode, host Michelle sits down with James Laws and Jeremy Moore to share the story behind Bone Life Coffee and how they're building more than a specialty coffee brand; they're creating meaningful connections. From sourcing award-winning coffee directly from farmers to fostering community through their café and subscription service, they discuss the values that drive their business. They also explore the intersection of coffee, WordPress, entrepreneurship, and AI, offering insights into community building, quality, and innovation.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, communicate, and create, but is it truly accessible to everyone? In this episode of Underrepresented in Tech, Michelle and Samah explore why accessibility is still missing from many AI tools and the impact this has on people with disabilities and other underrepresented communities. Together, they discuss how biased training data can lead to exclusion, why voice recognition, facial recognition, and touch interfaces often fail to meet the needs of diverse users, and what developers and organizations can do to build more inclusive technology. They also reflect on why accessibility should be considered from the very beginning of the design process, not added as an afterthought. Join us for an honest conversation about AI, accessibility, and why creating technology that works for everyone isn't just good design, it's essential.

In this Pride Month episode of the Underrepresented in Tech Podcast, Michelle and Samah discuss the importance of moving beyond tolerance toward true acceptance and inclusion. They explore the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, the impact of discrimination on mental health, and the role allies play in creating safer, more welcoming communities. The conversation highlights the difference between simply "putting up with" people and genuinely embracing them for who they are. From workplace inclusion and pronouns to family acceptance and the dangers of performative support, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, respected, and celebrated. Join us as we reflect on Pride, allyship, diversity in tech, and how each of us can help build a world where everyone belongs.

What happens when something is built to be accessible, and then quietly becomes inaccessible again? In this episode, Michelle and Samah dive into real-life stories of how accessibility isn’t just about design, it’s about maintenance, awareness, and intention. From a curb cut blocked by a concrete barrier to delivery packages placed in the worst possible spot to event spaces that almost get it right, these everyday situations reveal a bigger issue. Accessibility isn’t a one-time checklist. It’s an ongoing responsibility.

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.