Barriers to Entry? Gaining & Retaining Employment

Did you know queer people hold <1% of leadership positions in the Canadian tech industry? This episode sheds light on the resilience, authenticity, and empathy that queer leaders bring to the table. It’s filled with industry leader insights to help lift queer professionals to leadership heights. We hope you enjoy it! Many thanks to our incredible Guests. Featuring: Clea Arrieta, Bruno Morel, Dax Dasilva, Lindsay Evans, Jess Malz, RK Popkin, Simran Kanda, & Jacquie Dinershul. Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Dae Courtney Supported by the Canadian Media Fund Become a QT today at ⁠⁠QueerTech.Org ⁠

In this episode, we are deep diving into what it takes to build your career while queer. We discussed with many professionals the importance of skilling up, building networks, finding mentorship, vetting companies, and navigating interviews with authenticity. With community stories and expert advice supported by QT Report, we hope these conversations are thought-provoking and helpful on your career journey, wherever you may be in it. 🎙️ Many thanks to our incredible Guests. Featuring: Alena Papayanis, Zhané Stimpson, David Cardon, Florencia Herra Vega, Lisa Gibson, Meagan Simpson, Joseph Gabereau, Dolapo Fadare, Brent Carvery, Jennifer Dell, and Lae Schmidt. Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Dae Courtney Supported by the Canadian Media Fund Become a QT today at ⁠QueerTech.Org

KICKING OFF SEASON TWO! In Episode One, we highlight the exceptional contributions of queer individuals in the tech industry. Despite obstacles, these individuals have made significant impacts as leaders, founders, and creatives. We delve into the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and discuss practical steps to foster inclusive environments. Listen to queer tech professionals share their experiences and insights from The QT Research report. We also examine the roles of community, mentorship, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in career growth. Finally, don't miss a moving story about a queer leader's role in expanding gender-affirming care within their organization. Tune in to see how queer voices are shaping the future of tech. Many thanks to our Guests & Features: Sam Naylor, Florencia Herra Vega, Sam Andrey, Laura B. MacDonald, Jay Young, & Dr Devan Kronisch Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Dae Courtney Supported by the Canadian Media Fund Become a QT today at QueerTech.Org

On this episode of the QT Podcast, our host Margi Marchetti sits down with Nasouh Al Tark, Front-end Developer. Nasouh shares his story of growing up in Syria and emigrating to Canada as a refugee, and his professional journey, recounting the challenges and triumphs he experienced as a queer individual in the tech industry. Tune in! Learn more: ⁠QueerTech.org⁠ Support QueerTech: ⁠https://queertech.org/donations/support_qt⁠ Presented by RBC Powered by the Canadian Media Fund Hosted by Margi Marchetti Video Editing by Teagan Lance Produced by Dae Courtney

Dr. Devan Kronisch (they/them) brings a unique perspective to coaching in tech, placing a focus on science and empathy in assisting start-ups in the formation of solid organization plans and systems that work for a diverse employee pool. In this episode of the QT Podcast, our host Margi Marchetti sits down with Dr. Devan Kronisch, a psychologist turned coach working in tech. Tune in as Devan shares their unique perspective on navigating the challenges and opportunities within the tech industry. Learn more: ⁠QueerTech.org⁠ Support QueerTech: ⁠https://queertech.org/donations/support_qt⁠ Presented by RBC Powered by the Canadian Media Fund Hosted by Margi Marchetti Video Editing by Teagan Lance Produced by Dae Courtney

Gregory John - awohkotsinaa joins us to share his story of self-actualization while growing up both Gay and Metis in Alberta, Canada, and navigating several industries that ultimately led to founding a tech company: Unimaize Technologies. Learn more: ⁠QueerTech.org⁠ Support QueerTech: ⁠https://queertech.org/donations/support_qt⁠ Presented by RBC Powered by the Canadian Media Fund Hosted by Margi Marchetti Video Editing by Teagan Lance Produced by Dae Courtney

As the co-founder and creative director of the proudly queer-led Silverstring Media, Claris Cyarron has spent the last decade at the forefront of gamer culture and development. With a focus on storytelling and uplift, Claris’ aim has remained on the creation of a more diverse, welcoming and trend-setting gaming environment that’s unafraid of 2SLGBTQ+ storytelling and intersectional feminism. In this episode of the QT Podcast, our host Margi Marchetti explores the intersection of Queer identity, the experience transitioning, architecture and video game design with Claris Cyarron, co-founder of Silverstring Media. Claris shares the challenges faced as a transgender individual in the gaming industry and emphasizes the importance of representation and queer dynamics in storytelling. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation that delves into the fascinating world of game development and its potential to shape our worldview. Learn more: ⁠QueerTech.org⁠ Support QueerTech: ⁠https://queertech.org/donations/support_qt⁠ Presented by RBC and Powered by the Canadian Media Fund Hosted by Margi Marchetti Video Editing by Teagan Lance Produced by Dae Courtney

For Zhané Stimpson, when it comes to tech fostering an open and diverse community is key. With a particular focus on ensuring space for youth, women and 2SLGBTQIA+, Zhané’s primary goal remains sharing the inherent beauty of tech and coding. Through youth-driven initiatives and community-building events, Zhané is a sure leader in ensuring a vibrant and welcoming future for tech. In this episode of the QT Podcast, Margi connects with Zhané to discuss the search for queer leadership, mentorship, and community, how tech passions can become tech careers, and the importance of giving back. Listen in on the powerful insights that come from navigating work as queer person, in the early parts of your career. Learn more: ⁠QueerTech.org⁠ Support QueerTech: ⁠https://queertech.org/donations/support_qt⁠ Presented by RBC and Powered by the Canadian Media Fund - Hosted by Margi Marchetti Video Editing by Teagan Lance Produced by Dae Courtney

After relocating from Brussels to Montréal—the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown prompted a period of self-reflection and change. “Being stuck at home and seeing the world kind of falling apart brought me to think a lot about myself and a lot of things,” they reflect. “I realized that I was non-binary […] and it changed a lot of things in my view of the world, of myself, and of my career, too.” In this episode of the QT Podcast, our host Margi Marchetti sits down with Sasha Fort, Product Manager at LightHouse Labs, to discuss their journey of self-discovery, coming out as non-binary, and their career path. Sasha shares their experience with opening up to loved ones and finding their community, exploring the transformative impact of embracing one's true self and the power of authenticity. Learn more: QueerTech.org Support QueerTech: https://queertech.org/donations/support_qt Presented by RBC and Powered by the Canadian Media Fund - Hosted by Margi Marchetti Video Editing by Teagan Lance Produced by Dae Courtney