Women and Minorities in Silicon Valley

In class, we had a discussion about the following series of stories from NPR.  Being a woman in technology, and working in a community where most of my students are minorities, it seemed very relevant. 

Our conversation was productive and enlightening for both the students and the instructor.  (I hope to begin recording these.) 

We discussed the need for women and minorities to act more like the "status quo" which now happens to be a white male.  However, this act goes against our nature/nurture/comfort zone.  And when a woman "acts" like a man, or a man of color "acts" like a white man, doesn't everyone look at them a little cockeyed anyway?

However, when we stifle our strengths in an attempt to fit in I think we do a disservice to innovation in two ways:

• First, we don't take advantage of our full potential as a team member.
• Second, we miss the insights that women and minorities have to bring products to market that will serve a broader range of our community.

In the end, initiatives like "NewMe" and others like them are an exciting part of our industry that will produce some amazing results.  That is of course just my humble opinion. 


Part 1:
http://www.npr.org/2012/07/23/156555402/silicon-valley-boot-camp-aims-to-boost-diversity

Part 2:
http://www.npr.org/2012/07/24/157271459/at-silicon-valley-boot-camp-perfecting-the-pitch

Part 3:
http://www.npr.org/2012/07/25/157342065/at-silicon-valley-boot-camp-a-startups-success