Working in tech as a Black autistic woman – with Martina Kuzenski

Working in tech as a Black autistic woman – with Martina Kuzenski

Author: Carolyn Kiel May 27, 2024 Duration: 44:00

Martina Kuzenski is a late-diagnosed autistic woman who received her autism diagnosis at age 28 near the end of her Master's degree program. She is an IT Specialist for the U.S. federal government. She shares her experiences as a Black autistic woman in tech as a mentor for the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program and as a co-author of the best-selling book "Ladies in Tech: Sharing Expertise for a Successful Career". 

During this episode, Martina talks about:

  • Discovering that she is autistic in her late twenties, and what her life was like growing up
  • How she got into a tech career 
  • Her experience of not being "seen" in the tech industry as a Black autistic woman
  • The importance of mentorship, and why she decided to become a P-TECH program mentor
  • The challenges she has faced when trying to find leadership programs for neurodivergent people
  • Why she doesn't feel "autistic enough" in autistic spaces, and the flaws she sees in the neurodiversity movement

Connect with Martina on LinkedIn and read her writing on 
Diary of Self (Martina's blog posts about neurodiversity) and her book "Ladies in Tech: Sharing Expertise for a Successful Career." 

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
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