This post has been republished via RSS; it originally appeared at: New blog articles in Microsoft Community Hub.
In the past, the technology industry was often criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusion. However, recent years have seen a significant shift in attitudes and actions towards creating a more inclusive environment. We had a chance to interview US M365 MVP and RD Sharon Weaver to discuss the changes made, from challenging the status quo to implementing flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and equal pay initiatives. Learn more as we explore the progress that has been made and the hope for continued growth in the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in the technology industry.
Pictured above MVP and RD Sharon Weaver
As a leader in technology, what have been the most significant changes you've observed in the industry regarding diversity and inclusion?
The most significant change I’ve observed regarding diversity and inclusion is that we are beginning to understand and recognize that in the past industry has been built around the benefit and convenience of neurotypical, middle to upper class white men. Scheduling, activities, the way we dress, and even the way we work are designed this way. By recognizing that this is the baseline and that we need to totally disrupt the status quo and change the system, we can now start to discuss how we can change to be more inclusive to others such as women and other minorities, neurodivergent, and physically challenged individuals as well. Flexible schedules, remote work, equal pay, and equal representation in leadership are beginning to not only be encouraged but expected. Increasingly, children with working mothers grow up more self-sufficient and so household duties are becoming more shared responsibilities which allows women to take on more challenging roles. I can only hope that this change in the way we look at work will continue to evolve in a way that will continue to grow the representation of women in technology over the coming years.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that highlighted the importance of women's representation in tech?
As a woman in tech, I have consistently been the only woman on my team, and often, the only woman in my area or department. As I progressed in my career, I noticed that many networking and relationship building activities were centered around male sports. I was often left out because my peers didn’t think I would enjoy it. However, when I was invited although I enjoyed being included and spending time with my peers, I still would have preferred a different activity so I often wondered how we could do the same thing for women, but rarely had enough women on the team to even recommend the idea. I finally started simply inviting the women around me to more women-focused events and activities and realized that it positively impacted their overall feelings about work and supported them in growing their careers. They participated and spoke up more in meetings and contributed more to projects. It was at this moment that I realized we needed to do something different and started to create my own groups, activities and events that were more openly inclusive and diverse to support anyone in their journey and started to advocate for more representation of women in tech.
How can someone be an ally for women in tech?
To be an ally for women in tech, you should actively educate yourself on current challenges, support advancement of women who work with and for you by edifying them at any opportunity, and advocate for inclusive practices. Always be sure to speak up if you recognize an obvious bias, mentor and sponsor women, promote equal representation, and support a woman-friendly workplace culture. Consider the inclusivity and diversity of activities and events before scheduling and always look for ways to highlight the best in others. Most importantly, normalize co-ed mentoring and work relationships by making sure to have them in an open, transparent, and non-threatening environment so that we can all benefit from each other’s experiences and support.
What barriers have you faced as a woman in the tech industry, and how have you overcome them?
In the tech industry, I often experienced barriers like gender bias, lack of representation in leadership, unequal pay, and limited access to mentorship and networking. To overcome these challenges, I have sought out strong mentors and sponsors (mostly men) who helped to guide me and advocated for my advancement. I also participated in MANY networking groups and organizations, which provided me with a ton of support, resources, and community. To make a difference for others, I now regularly participate in initiatives that promote awareness and insights for diversity and inclusion, such as mentoring programs, leadership training programs, and flexible work arrangements. I am increasingly taking on leadership roles and opportunities to publicly advocate for change, influence policy, and normalize inclusive cultures within the tech industry.
Could you suggest effective strategies that women in the technology sector could employ to thrive in today's industry?
First and foremost, be authentic and unapologetically you. Women should showcase and highlight their own skills and achievements and develop a strong personal brand in the way they are the most comfortable. They should always continue to build their own personal relationships by networking, both within and outside their organization, to stay aware of opportunities and provide support to and from peers and mentors. Stay current with industry trends and always dedicate some time each week to continuously keep up with both technical and soft skills. Finally, advocate for themselves in terms of promotions, challenging projects, and salary negotiations to help advance their careers.
In addition to these personal efforts, there are also many external resources available to support women in their technology careers. There are several resources that I would recommend viewing including:
Women Who Code a community that empowers women to excel in technology careers
Tech Ladies the largest community of women in tech
The Wit Network a global and local Not for Profit organization providing inspiration, education, mentoring, networking and practical advice to empower women (and men) to build and grow their careers in technology and pursue their ambitions
In conclusion, the article highlights the significant progress made in the tech industry in diversity and inclusion. To further empower future women in tech, we can continue to advocate for inclusive practices, support the advancement of women in the industry, and provide mentorship and networking opportunities. By actively educating ourselves on current challenges and being allies for women in tech, we can help to create a more inclusive and diverse industry for all.