The power of representation often reveals itself in unexpected ways. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion at our offices, where we welcomed students from Eastern Michigan University’s NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) and Women in Tech groups for an after-work session.
While EMU isn’t my alma mater, I’ve always been passionate about education and mentorship. Having the students visit our workplace added an extra layer of reality to their experience – they weren’t just hearing about tech careers, they were seeing where these careers could take them.
A Night of Meaningful Connections
The students brought their A-game with thoughtful questions and genuine engagement. What struck me most was what we learned afterward – the organizers shared that this was the first time students had lined up to speak with panelists after such an event. This seemingly small detail spoke volumes about the importance of seeing yourself represented in the industry you aspire to join.
Unexpected Benefits
The evening yielded an unexpected bonus: while I knew one of my fellow panelists, the other was new to me. Since then, we’ve collaborated on several projects – a perfect example of how these events create ripple effects of connection and collaboration in our tech community.
The Power of Representation
Meeting the students in our actual workplace environment added authenticity to our conversations. It’s one thing to hear about careers in tech; it’s another entirely to see and interact with professionals who look like you, in the spaces where they work and succeed.
Looking Forward
This experience has inspired me to consider deeper involvement with NSBE. These organizations play such a vital role in supporting and encouraging the next generation of tech professionals, and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing more to their mission.
To the EMU students who spent their evening with us: keep pushing forward. Your enthusiasm and curiosity are exactly what our industry needs, and I’ll be cheering for your success every step of the way.
Do you remember a moment when you saw yourself represented in your chosen field for the first time? How did it impact your journey? Share your story in the comments below – your experience might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.