We don’t talk enough about allyship in tech.
It’s often seen as optional, or something that only leaders need to think about. But inclusion won’t happen unless more of us decide to take responsibility, especially those of us with influence, access, or privilege.
Being an ally doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means staying open. Listening. And choosing to act in ways that make space for others to contribute, grow, and be seen.
Here are three simple ways to start showing up, drawn from what I’ve learned recording 100 episodes of Women Disrupting Tech.
They’re simple ways to get started, even if you’re not sure where to begin.
1. Share the Mic
In meetings, panels, and group discussions, some voices still get talked over or ignored. If you notice that happening, step in. Echo someone’s idea that was overlooked. Give credit by name.
Or pass the mic by saying, “Let’s hear what [Name] thinks. She raised a good point earlier.”
This isn’t about being a savior. It’s about recognizing who’s not being heard, and using your voice to create space for theirs.
2. Ask before you act
A lot of well-meaning allyship falls flat because it’s based on assumptions. Don’t guess what someone needs, ask. You might think they want public praise, but maybe they’d rather have your support in a one-on-one with their manager.
Allyship starts with curiosity. Asking, “What would be most helpful right now?” shows respect and builds trust.
3. Call in, not out
Bias happens. Whether in jokes, in hiring decisions, in how meetings are run, they’re a fact of life. When it does, you have a choice: you can ignore it, call it out in frustration, or call it in with care.
Calling someone in sounds like, “Can I offer another take on that?” or “Have you thought about how that might land for someone else?” It’s not about being soft. It’s about inviting reflection without shutting the door on change.
You don’t need to be perfect to be an ally. You just need to be consistent.
Every act of allyship, especially the quiet ones, builds the culture we say we want. And in a field that shapes the future, culture matters.
Want to make tech more inclusive by 2032? It starts with what you do tomorrow, not just what you believe today.
TDLR: Let’s all be allies
Allyship in tech isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up. Here are three ways you can start today:
- Share the mic – Use your voice to amplify others, especially in meetings.
- Ask before you act – Support starts with listening, not assuming.
- Call in, not out – Invite reflection instead of shutting people down.
These small acts build the culture tech needs: inclusive, accountable, and human.
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