WELCOME TO TECHBURGH
I created this platform to produce transparency about the patriarchal oppression that is affecting women in the tech industry and to highlight ways large corporations and institutions, like the University of Pittsburgh, can transform the professional climate by taking more proactive measures to better initiate professional equality.
Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to dive into corporate America. This is most likely a reaction to the media’s embellishment of the environment, along with my father’s ambitions being whispered in my ear. Nonetheless, I knew that I had to be successful. I had to become “the man” in charge.
Growing up with this mindset, I often experience forms of microaggressions and belittling comments. However, I did not fully recognize them until recently. Comments about my femineity were often put into play, stating that I would not be as successful of a leader as compared to a loud, boisterous, male classmate. I was often told that I was ambitious and determined, for a girl. These little comments ate into my subconscious, and now, when I picture what it means to be a good leader, I see the same picture society expects: a white, cis man who is ambitious and confident.
In the world that I live in, I could not see myself as a leader.
Yes, it is true. Women are making more headway in becoming leaders in this country. However, they are faced with more obstacles and backlash than their male counterparts.
Archaic stereotypes continue to lay seize on the way women are perceived:
Timid
Compassionate
Submissive
The Opposite of the Masculine Identity & The Opposite of a Good Leader:
Confident
Aggressive
Unapologetic
With these binary perceptions of gender identities, women will always endure obstacles in the professional setting.
I wanted to write about this topic for a long time. Exploring and studying the corporate setting before being completely immersed, I accumulated knowledge about the commonality of sexism and racism in the office place. I was abhorred by this knowledge. Wondering why archaic stereotypes continue to plague the modern landscape. Despite the media broadcasting of progressive steps being taken, they have not tackled the entirety of the problem, and they won’t unless backed with the uniform support of institutions and corporations.
This newsletter is of great importance to me being a woman in academia aspiring to break glass ceilings in the corporate world. This project has allowed me to accumulate a better understanding of the realities of the professional career awaiting women in tech. And how that reality does not have to be the future. My generation, with the assistance of institutions and the support of corporations, can implement impactful change that benefits millions.
The world is ever-changing, especially with the abundance of technological advancements. Working together, and educating ourselves on the truth, is what is required if we want to imprint a positive change for the future.
And change is going to begin now.
With you.
