Women Who (Do) Tech: Moving Forward, Seizing the Future

Thanks Krista … to be fair, I do understand that discrimination is alive and well … not just for women but racial, ethnic, religious and sexuality orientation “minority” groups. Thing is, as minorities the only way to succeed and excel is to engage the support of those who are “other than” the minority in which you exist. By definition, being a minority means you have a numbers disadvantage … and in the vein of “you get more flies with honey than vinegar” in order for women (and other minorities) to address the disparity is to step forward with conviction, thoughtful engagement and driving forward in a positive way.

No one likes a whiner

Hey Michelle … oddly I had replied to this comment earlier but my response seems to have fallen out of the thread, so wanted to chime in again.

First, I'm sorry you had those experiences. I've had my fair share of attacks and know how that feels. For whatever it's worth, I try to remember that when folks respond that way it's not about me. It's about their insecurity and low sense of self that they must strike out. I'm guessing that those comments were also largely anonymous or so posted in a way that you couldn't identify the source … nothing worse than a coward.

To your point about gender equality in the Bay Area – make no mistake even in this bastion of seeming liberal openness there is a distinctly parochial feel about many things and also a hefty dose of misogyny. It exists everywhere … and from where I sit, the thing to keep in mind is that while we cannot stamp out all of those people, leveraging the magnificently transparent world of social media we *can* bring those perpetrators to public accountability … forcing them into the open, shining a bright light on their behavior.

While there may be a slight rose-hued tint to my lens, I do firmly believe that (at least in business) by forcing such people into public view that the general perception will be that they are in the wrong and in the end they will be ostracized.

In the mean time, supporting each other and making sure to remember that, as Eleanor Roosevelt said (this isn't the perfect version of her quote but a solid paraphrase): “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Your strong closing sentence leads me to believe you are precisely the kind of strong woman who can withstand those slings and arrows … and toss 'em back when need be. May you continue to roar!

Thanks!
Good point regarding the difference. Very true -

A-men … or shall I jokingly offer A(wo)-men? Joking aside … I hate labels too … Let's of course admit that stereotypes exist for a reason (being both Jewish and gay I'll cop to sometimes nodding my head at things I hear) … but at the same time those are not defining factors for all … nor should they be the guiding force … especially in business.

Brava to you for such strong conviction and sense of self … what I would posit to you is, do you think there are ways you might reach out to those whose esteem may not be so strongly forged? Not suggesting you lead a support group but perhaps be a role model for others as just your brief post leaves me thinking you'd be splendid for that!

I couldn't agree more … and let's talk about that mentoring thing … what actions do you take to help on that front? Speak at schools? Belong to list servs and such? What suggestions might you have for folks. If we're going to forge some solutions let's share some ideas!