What were your reflections from the video?
- We are unconsciously judging others based on our own past experiences or even comparing them to ourselves. We make assumptions almost automatically that alter our decision making around this person or item. Being more aware of this and taking steps to address this behavior can helps us really look at the FACTS.
In what ways have you examined your implicit biases before coming to Turing?
- Working in a climbing gym, we went through training to incorporate more inclusivness which starts when someone walks into the front door. If someone sees a climber with a rental harndess and shoes, some may already label them as inexperienced or not strong. I have seen first time visitors be treated poorly because of their gear or clothing. We adjusted our language at the front desk to make the environment more welcoming such as "Have you been here before?" and not "Have you climbed before?" Even using inclusive language when addressing a group of team kids as "Hey friends" or "Hey all". I have watched a person belay and wondered if they were a newer climber because of their technique and I have gotten frustrated with some unprepared backpackers on a trail assuming that they did not do their research because of their gear. When I find myself making these judgements I think about accessibility to information, access to money for proper gear, etc. Outdoor gear is EXPENSIVE and maybe they simply did not have the money for the "nicer water filter". Take time to be mindful and introspective.
What kind of software do you imagine building in the future? How will understanding biases (or avoiding understanding biases) impact your products?
- I think creating an app for backpacking planning / packing would be really fun. Having the understanding that some people might not have access to certain brands of the gear, so making a list more simplified / not providing the brand names, etc. Understanding how to make softare more inclusive is challenging but, I think my own experiences will help guide the process.
“All of us live complex lives that require a great deal of juggling for survival,” Carty and Mohanty said in an email. “What that means is that we are actually living at the intersections of overlapping systems of privilege and oppression.”
When you consider the way you move through the world, what elements of your identity are you most aware of on a daily basis?
- I am a white woman that participates in many male dominated activities (climbing and hiking / backpacking). I have been talked down to on trail or at the climbing gym for simply being a woman. They were under the assumption that I didn't know what trail I was. And usually while climbing, I receive directions while I am on the wall that I did not ask for, and I am not afraid to tell them that I don't appreciate it. I grew up in a middle-upper class family in the midwest where the schools I went to were dominantly white. I grew up having friends that identified as LGBTQ but it was very looked down upon in the small community. Colorado is not very diverse but, working with many people in the climbing community at the gym, I incorporate inclusiveness every day. I know I am not perfect and I am still learning. I appreciate it when people correct me (for example if I forget their pronouns) and I put it on myself to do better.
What strengths does your identity give you? How will you utilize those at Turing?
- I think my identity gives me strength, courage, kindness, the ability to listen, the ability to learn, understand and provide the space for conversations to happen, setting boundaries, being honest, and working through problems. Utilizing the knowledge of my strengths and weaknesses at Turing will give me room to grow - I am eager to learn and to learn from others. I hope my ability to listen, empathy, and providing space for conversations provide a positive working environemnt, especially working with classmates.
How do you think you could value the identies of those around you to bring out their strengths at Turing? Has there been a time where you were able to advocate or include people around you?
- I value everyone's background / experiences / values / boundaries. I fully believe in complimenting each other's strengths and weaknesses makes a healthy, and well rounded team. Someone's strengths may be my weaknesses but, I fully embrace that and I can learn a lot from them! (Example: I LOVE overhung climbing but when I climb with one of my best friends, she is stellar a vertical walls and even though it is a challenge for me and I struggle while she succeeds, I learn SO much and the process is fun.). I feel as though I was advocating and including people around me at my gym on a regular basis. Working with all of the coaches that have different strengths / backgrounds / identities - it is really fun to see all of the different interactions with the athletes and the different coaching styles and how well the coaches compliment each other.
How will your strengths impact you as a teammate? What will you bring to your cohort?
- I hope my strengths make me a good teammate but also help me to continue to learn, grow and be challenged. As I stated above, I would like to bring to my cohort a positive and inviting space for others to feel comfortable coming to me with whatever they may need. I want to bring support, engagement, empathy, strong communication and determination.
Great thoughts here, I think a more diverse tech industry benefits us all, and it is great to see Turing students thinking about these subjects early on.