Social Scientist Q&A

Meet NCWIT research staff and learn more about the NCWIT Workforce Alliance in this new series of Q&As! Member representatives meet with researchers on a quarterly basis for engaging meetings on timely topics. Learn more and find information on how to become a member at ncwit.org/workforce/.

What is your role at NCWIT, and how does your expertise support member organizations in the Workforce Alliance?

I am Research Faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder and a Social Scientist with the Workforce Alliance team at NCWIT. My expertise is in Equitable Organizational Communication – specifically in developing policies and workplace cultures that are welcoming, accepting of all people, and innovative.

Can you share an example of a recent project or research initiative you’ve worked on and its impact?

Recently, I’ve been studying updates about the wage and wealth gaps. I’ve been interested in the pay gap for many years, and I have been delighted to learn of some improvements and simultaneously disheartened by some of the lingering imbalances that haven’t seen as much progress.

What do you find most rewarding about working with Workforce Alliance member companies?

I love our Workforce Alliance members! I am always inspired by the passion they show for creating welcoming workplaces, sometimes in spite of some very real structural challenges like budget constraints, or geographical limitations.

What’s one actionable insight or tool you’d recommend to companies looking to improve their recruitment and retention efforts?

I highly recommend NCWIT’s Tech Inclusion Journey®.

What inspired you to pursue a career in social science, particularly within the tech workforce?

I have been a teacher (and then a professor) for 25 years, so teaching and research have always been part of my professional identity. However, I narrowed my focus to organizational equity in 2007, when I was inexplicably let go from a consultant job the day after I announced my pregnancy. It was one of the first times I’ve personally felt discrimination at work, and it motivated me to challenge policies and practices that disadvantage some employees unfairly.

What’s a fun fact about you that Workforce Alliance members might be surprised to learn?

I’m a scuba “Divemaster,” and I think there is nothing better than a day at the beach.

If you weren’t a social scientist, what career path would you choose?

If I wasn’t a social scientist, I would probably be a marine biologist who moonlights as a romance novelist.