The Manifesto

Chorus of Criticisms

I write this to anyone willing to listen and understand. Inspired by my experiences in the technology field: experiencing social closure on a daily basis. Being told, "you're not ready for a promotion". "Don't lose your audience before you gain them." Subliminal sexism. I wrote this, the day I was turned down for a higher position. This letter is directed to the ones who underestimated my abilities along with others who joined me. I decided to gather every woman and ally at my store in order to speak up.

To Whom it May Concern,

We are tired of the lack of representation and the chorus of criticisms that silence us.

We are exhausted with substitutes of accountability with deflection and pacification leading to antagonization.

The by-product is disabled development.

Instead

We must collectivize, stop the compromise, enabling us to revolutionize.

We demand

Positive mentorships that foster a safe environment inhibiting invisible barriers to success.

Sincerely yours,

Voices of Change

Women are oppressed at disproportionate rates, and women of color are oppressed at even higher rates. Women are underrepresented in the workplace and have less access to opportunities in the workforce. If you are a woman right now, close your eyes: when thinking about an engineer who do you see? When thinking of a president who do you envision?

Women in STEM represent 25% of the industry compared to male counterparts, which translates to the lack of representation in the Science and Technology fields. Why do females make up only 8% of CEO’s. The odds are against women of color, but nothing is impossible.

There must be a change in perception and a change in the way that women are perceived. Self-advocacy and opportunity are indispensable to each other.

This involves taking risks. Right now, I challenge anyone afraid of their voice, to stop dancing to the beat of their own oppression. My letter resulted in more people speaking up about their experiences yielding changes to promote inclusion and diversity: 7 months later I received a promotion, and I am currently involved with diversity initiatives that promote inclusive hiring.