Navigating Intersectionality in the Workplace as a Neurodivergent Black Woman and Parent

Uncovering my neurodivergence and navigating a world, especially workplaces not designed to accommodate people with disabilities, has made for a highly complex life experience. Now, taking into account that I am also a Black, queer woman often makes my everyday life feel like a maze of obstacles. The daily reality for those of us living at the intersection of marginalized identities, for me, Black, queer, autistic, and diagnosed with generalized and social anxiety, results in having to navigate persistent racism, ableism, and sexism, an experience that is often overlooked by those who do not share these identities. 

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Women Equal Pay Day 2024

Despite this fact, data from the 2022 Census shares that AANHPI women working full time are making 94 cents for evey one dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts. The disparity grows further to 80 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic males when you account for part-time, part-year, contracted, or freelance workers. A statistical truth that shouldn’t be. 

Navigating Challenges: Building a Career and Overcoming Adversity | WWCode Member Journey Part 2 

As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the power of resilience, practicing mindfulness, and the importance of seizing the right opportunity that comes my way, practicing the infinite loop growth model. My association with the Women Who Code community has been instrumental in my growth, providing support and encouragement along the way. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future of tech and the possibilities it holds. With a mindset focused on leading and innovating, I’m here to embark on the next chapter of my journey, empowered to make a meaningful impact and work towards #inspireinclusion in the fast-paced world of technology.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: 5 Minutes with a Tech Exec | Crystal Tabassi, Executive Director

Crystal shared insights into overcoming self-doubt, stating, “Everybody that I know, regardless of their gender, how they identify, may experience self-doubt and imposter syndrome as they work through their career.” She highlighted the significance of supportive relationships, stating, “I focus a lot on how you look at business analytics to solve problems. How do you look at that and combine it with people’s behavior from a machine learning type of view to say, how do we use this information, the availability of data to help organizations make data-driven insights to help inform how they wanna pursue and how they want to move forward their objectives from both the short-term and a long-term perspective.”

Shifting Perspectives: Women in Tech and Motherhood | WWCode Member Journey

This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the progress that we have made in increasing diversity in classrooms and workforces. Let’s continue to work towards a future where girls are supported in the pursuit of their passions, as I have been. But let’s also remember that true equality will only be achieved when we recognize that fathers are just as much parents as mothers — and that both can excel in careers along with having children.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: 5 Minutes with a Tech Exec | Natalie Kaminski, Founder & CEO

midst her journey, Natalie was fortunate to be surrounded by remarkable women who served as colleagues, team members, and managers, offering guidance and support along the way. Recalling a pivotal moment in her career, Natalie recounted she had a manager who would remind her to be confident and trust her voice. Reflecting on her experiences, Natalie acknowledged the prevalent impostor syndrome that often plagues individuals, especially in leadership positions. She shared, “As time goes on and as I go up and I become more prominent within my industry, I still feel that impostor syndrome often creeps up. And I remind myself of that advice.”