Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Tech Girl Podcast hosted by Gertrude Chilufya! Today’s guest is Lily Zheng, an organizational psychologist and acclaimed author of DEI Deconstructed, The Ethical Sellout, and the powerful new release, Fixing Fairness. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to build trust, fairness, and inclusion in today’s workplaces. Lily takes us beyond buzzwords sharing actionable strategies through they FAIR framework (Fairness, Access, Inclusion, Representation) and showing how organizations can move from performative allyship to measurable, lasting progress. Whether you’re a leader, change maker, or DEI practitioner, this conversation offers transformative insights on how to create systems—not slogans—for equity. 🔗 Connect with Lily Zheng:🌐 Website:<a href="https://lilyzheng.co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> lilyzheng.co</a>💼 LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilyzheng308/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> linkedin.com/in/lilyzheng308</a>📚 Get Fixing Fairness on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fixing-Fairness-Transform-Diversity-Backlash/dp/B0F4QD1HQ4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a>!🎧 Produced by LeTroy Gardner &amp; Mario Washington | Fourcast Media👉<a href="https://pushplaypods.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> pushplaypods.com</a> #TechGirlPodcast #FixingFairness #LilyZheng #DEI #WorkplaceInclusion #OrganizationalPsychology #Leadership #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #FAIRFramework #GertrudeChilufya #FourcastMediaEpisode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Tech Girl Podcast00:49 Meet Lily Zheng: Organizational Psychologist and Author01:38 The Need for Re-engineering DEI02:03 A Personal Story of DEI Challenges07:15 The Fair Framework Explained09:43 Building Coalitions for Change14:26 Repairing Harm in Relationships27:21 Global Perspectives on DEI33:45 Cultural Contexts of Inequality36:19 Inclusion as Solidarity at Scale46:59 Representation and Trust in Leadership52:03 Recruitment and True Representation58:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Fixing Fairness: Turning DEI into Real Change with Lily Zheng

Welcome to The Tech Girl Podcast! In this episode, host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with R.M. “Raye” Easterly — a serial entrepreneur, problem solver, and founder of the By Invite Only (Byio) social platform. Raye opens up about her journey of building 12 ventures (and exiting seven!), and her mission to create tech that’s both human-centered and fearless. Raised in #Detroit, she shares how the city’s grit and creativity shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. Together, they dive into authenticity in social media, user empowerment, and how Byio is reimagining digital communities. 🚀Don’t miss this powerful conversation about innovation, community building, and leading with purpose. 📱 Connect with R.M. Easterly: 👉 Facebook: <a href="facebook.com/r.m.easterly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">facebook.com/r.m.easterly</a> 👉 Instagram: <a href="instagram.com/r.m_easterly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">instagram.com/r.m_easterly</a> 👉 Website: <a href="itsbyio.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">itsbyio.com</a>🎧 Podcast Produced by: LeTroy Gardner &amp; Mario Washington | Fourcast Media — <a href="pushplaypods.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pushplaypods.com</a> #TheTechGirlPodcast #WomenInTech #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #SocialMediaReimagined #TechLeadership #Byio #DetroitTech #FearlessInnovation Episode Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Tech Girl Podcast00:42 Meet the Guest: R.M. Easterly, Serial Entrepreneur02:22 The Detroit Spirit: Resilience and Pride06:08 RM's Early Business Ventures07:36 Problem Solving vs. Entrepreneurship12:35 Balancing Intellect and Intuition18:13 Building 'By Invite Only': A New Social Platform26:53 Co-Creation and Community Building27:16 Inclusivity and Empowerment31:00 Empathy in Design34:22 Leadership Philosophy36:12 Balancing Personal and Professional Life42:56 Lightning Round: Unsolved Problems45:37 Human-Centered Innovation49:40 Final Thoughts and What's Next

Reimagining Social Media & Building Human-Centered Tech with  R.M. “Raye” Easterly

Join host Gertrude Chilufya on this powerful episode of The Tech Girl Podcast as she speaks with Brazil’s top LinkedIn voice, Felipe dos Anjos Almeida. Known for his impactful talks, workshops, and mentorship, Felipe challenges companies to move beyond performative gestures and truly embrace diversity, inclusion, and innovation in the workplace. Felipe shares his inspiring journey and transformative projects like “Trans Sub,” an initiative empowering trans women in tech. Together, Gertrude and Felipe unpack what authentic employer branding really looks like, the importance of representation in leadership, and how each of us can be an effective ally for lasting change. Whether you’re in tech, HR, or simply passionate about equity and inclusion, this conversation delivers fresh perspectives and actionable insights to help build a more inclusive future. Connect with Felipe:LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/almeidafelipe88/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/almeidafelipe88/</a> Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner &amp; Mario Washington | Fourcast Media<a href="pushplaypods.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pushplaypods.com</a> #TechGirlPodcast #DiversityInTech #Inclusion #EmployerBranding #FelipeAlmeida #BrazilianVoices #InnovationThroughDiversity Episode Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Tech Girl Podcast02:34 Defining Employer Branding05:19 The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion08:06 Felipe's Journey and Initiatives16:06 Creating Inclusive Work Environments17:39 Implementing Diversity Programs20:57 Measuring Diversity and Inclusion26:42 Measuring Employer Branding and Recruitment27:18 Diversity and Inclusion in Brazilian Companies29:14 Programs for Underrepresented Groups31:32 Challenges and Solutions for Diversity33:18 Advice for New Inclusive Companies38:19 The Role of Allies in Promoting Inclusion42:06 Current State and Future of Diversity50:31 Economic Realities in Brazil52:59 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Authentic Inclusion & Employer Branding with Felipe dos Anjos

In this inspiring episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with Lieke Lamb, keynote speaker, innovation strategist, and Director of Women in Tech Netherlands to discuss breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry and building a more inclusive digital future.&nbsp; Lieke opens up about her journey as a tech leader, the importance of digital and AI literacy, and why women’s voices must stay central in shaping innovation. She also shares her forward-thinking perspective on the future of work, gender equality, and the power of human connection in an AI-driven world.&nbsp;If you’re passionate about technology, equality, and innovation, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!&nbsp; 🔗 Connect with Lieke Lamb:🌐 Website: <a href="www.trendwatcher.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.trendwatcher.com</a>💼 LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/liekelamb/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/liekelamb/</a> 🎧 Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner &amp; Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐<a href="https://www.pushplaypods.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> pushplaypods.com</a>#TechGirlPodcast #WomenInTech #AIInnovation #DigitalLiteracy #FutureOfWork #GenderEquality #LiekeLamb #GertrudeChilufya #WomenEmpowerment #TechLeadership #InnovationStrategy Episode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Tech Girl Podcast01:26 Meet Today's Guest: Lieke Lamb02:14 Lamb's Career Journey and Achievements03:15 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Tech04:55 The Rapid Evolution of Technology05:23 AI and Digital Literacy12:29 The Human Element in Technological Advancement21:37 Women in Tech: Global Movement and Personal Advocacy29:44 The Startup World and Female Entrepreneurs30:06 Encouraging Women to Be Bold32:46 Role Models and Historical Female Figures35:49 Challenges in the Workplace and Society39:45 Balancing Career and Family45:00 Lightning Round: Personal Insights48:18 Final Thoughts and Advice51:36 Podcast Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The Future of Work and Women in Tech with Lieke Lamb

In this enlightening episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with Dr. Vivienne Ming, a visionary theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Human Trust.&nbsp; Dr. Ming opens up about her remarkable journey from homelessness to becoming one of the leading minds shaping the future of AI and data science. She shares powerful insights on technology, inclusion, and human potential — exploring how AI can transform education, hiring, and healthcare while raising vital questions about ethics and creativity in an increasingly automated world. Don’t miss Dr. Ming’s take on how to future-proof ourselves against AI and her upcoming book, Robot Proof, a manifesto for thriving in the age of intelligent machines.&nbsp; 🔗 Connect with Dr. Ming: 🌐 Website:<a href="https://socos.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://socos.org/</a> 📘 Pre-order Robot Proof:<a href="https://socos.org/robot-proof#book-anchor-point" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://socos.org/robot-proof#book-anchor-point</a> 💼 LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienneming/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienneming/</a> 🎧 Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner &amp; Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐<a href="https://www.pushplaypods.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> pushplaypods.com</a> #TheTechGirlPodcast #WomenInTech #ArtificialIntelligence #AIethics #STEM #Innovation #DrVivienneMing #GertrudeChilufya #TechForGood #FutureOfWork #HumanPotential #RobotProof

Exploring Human Potential with AI: A Conversation with Vivienne Ming

In this episode, we dive into The Diversity Dividend with Dr. Poornima Luthra, an internationally recognized author, speaker, and DEI expert. Dr. Luthra shares her inspiring journey, from her early career in talent management to becoming a leading voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She unpacks how her books have reshaped corporate DEI conversations, the role of active allyship, and why systemic change is key to creating truly inclusive workplaces.Tune in to explore how we can all challenge biases, foster belonging, and build stronger, more innovative organizations together.&nbsp;🔗 Connect with Dr. Luthra: 🌐 Website:<a href="https://poornimaluthra.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> poornimaluthra.com</a> 📚 Books:<a href="https://poornimaluthra.com/#author" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> poornimaluthra.com/#author</a> 💼 LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-poornima-luthra-she-her-b09128100/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Dr. Poornima Luthra</a>🎧 Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner &amp; Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐<a href="https://www.pushplaypods.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> pushplaypods.com</a>#TechGirlPodcast #WomenInTech #DiversityDividend #InclusionMatters #DEI #Leadership #Allyship #GertrudeChilufya #PoornimaLuthra #TechPodcast #EquityInAction Episode Timestamps00:00: Introduction to the Tech Girl Podcast01:21: Dr. Luthra's Background and Achievements02:32: Reflecting on Personal Growth03:56: Diving into DE&amp;I Work04:17: Childhood Influences on DE&amp;I Passion06:54: Global Perspective and Experiences07:40: Active Allyship in Practice07:57: Diversifying Diversity11:41: Intersectionality and Socioeconomic Status14:36: Challenges and Mistakes in Allyship18:55: Practical Tips for Overcoming Bias23:21: Systemic Change in Organizations27:56: Navigating Discomfort and Bias Awareness30:38: Exploring Cultural Simulations in Education34:09: Understanding Backlash and Fear in DEI Work40:26: The Importance of Dialogue Over Debate44:13: Quick Fire Round: Personal Biases and Influences47:14: Hopes for Inclusion in Tech and Leadership49:26: Practical Tips for Inclusive Teams53:41: Conclusion and What's Next

The Art of Active Allyship with Dr. Poornima Luthra

In this episode, I was delighted to speak with a fellow Developer Advocate <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsthatlady.dev/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kedasha Kerr</a> about Developer Relations and the role of Developer Advocates in the broader Tech industry. We also talked about managing personal finances as techies which is an essential aspect of growth. You can<a href="https://itsthatlady.dev/mylinks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> find Kedasha here</a>. Happy listening.

Managing Personal Finance in Tech with Kedasha

The Black Female Engineer

The road less traveled can be very scary, Naya and I had a candid conversation about the challenges of working in tech when you don't embody the traditional route or look. It's interesting how imposter syndrome manifests itself in tiny instances like asking for help, especially when you are surrounded by people that don't look like you the layers of self-gatekeeping tend to get in the way, and on a positive note seeing people like you becomes a great motivation to do more or better when you work in Tech. Naya is a Tech content creator and goes by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theblackfemaleengineer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Black Female Engineer</a>. If you are looking to learn more about working in tech, some lifestyle, and fun, you can find out more about her <a href="https://theblackfemaleengineer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a>

Why representation in Tech matters with Naya

The path to taking up a tech career is personal and the best way to start is to assess your situation, are you a new graduate? Are you someone looking to transition? How much time can you afford to put into this path? This and more is what Omotola highlights in our conversation.&nbsp; Omotola is a software engineer, speaker, teacher, and creator of<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mycodinghabits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> My coding Habits.</a>&nbsp;Find her on Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mycodinghabits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.instagram.com/mycodinghabits</a>

How to get started in Tech with Omotola Shogunle

Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner &amp; Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐<a href="https://www.pushplaypods.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> pushplaypods.com</a>

A podcast where technical insights meet human experiences.

Hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gertrude-chilufya/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gertrude Chilufya</a>, The Tech Girl Podcast is a space for curious minds at the intersection of technology, product thinking, and culture. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, creators, and change-makers, we explore:<ul><li>What it means to build inclusive technology</li><li>The real stories behind AI literacy &amp; adoption, product strategy, and developer experience</li><li>How personal identity shapes how we show up and thrive in tech</li></ul>&nbsp;It’s part tech talk, part career therapy always grounded, always bold.

The Tech Girl

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