Inclusion and The Road Ahead

I’ve had the opportunity and privilege to meet many interesting and exciting people. Working at Webhead I have come across people from many diverse backgrounds and from many different careers. It’s exciting to talk to these, ‘experts’ in their own field and hear their exciting stories. Recently I helped organize the Lesbians Who Tech + Allies Meet Up, hosted at Webhead Headquarters. This meet up was created and coordinated by two wonderful women, Lisa and Leanne Martinez. This was just their second meet up here in San Antonio, I was told there was a much larger group in Austin and they were trying to expand it here.

Fast-forward to mid event, I unwind a bit, enjoyed a drink and exchanged conversation with two Texas A&amp;M University of San Antonio students. One was an accounting major the other in business, and they had heard about the event from a friend. Through my conversation with them, they expressed they were pleased with the event and most importantly, they had acquired their purpose, which was to gather career advice from those who are already performing in those fields. This event attracted representatives from the tech community, including groups such as Codeup and Rackspace.

After spending some time networking, it was time for Janie, Webhead CEO and President to welcome the guests and discuss why she thought it was important to host events like these. Janie believes that as a woman and a minority in the tech industry she knows the importance of sticking to your roots, believing in yourself and continue <b>moving forward</b>, despite the hardships thrown at you.

Towards the end of the night, most of the attendees left and I was still talking with those two students, along with Leanne and a few others. We discussed the stigma that still is present in our communities, regarding homosexuality. Having many friends in the LGBT community, I stopped to think and reflect; sometimes we really don’t understand what individuals in the community go through, until you hear their stories and new light is shed upon their struggles.

I had an incredible time being a part of this event and hearing about their struggles and more importantly, their achievements. Events like this help our communities be more inclusive and accept the many changes that take place in our work environment. I’m fortunate to have met such wonderful and hardworking individuals. Lesbians Who Tech + Allies Meet Up, thank you!

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