One of the things we talk about constantly on this show is that 'tech' isn't just about code or hardware—it's about the people who build it and the community that supports them. And if you’ve been part of the Waterloo Region ecosystem for any length of time, you know that building a truly inclusive community takes work, passion, and boots-on-the-ground leadership.

That is exactly why we're excited for this episode's guest.

Samantha Campbell is a software engineer, a long-time community builder, and the driving force behind Gender Equity Tech Waterloo.

We’re going to dig into her journey from organizing Girl Geek Dinners to launching Gender Equity Tech Waterloo, a new initiative creating vital spaces for women and gender-diverse people in our community, and—most importantly—how we can all move from just 'talking' about equity to actually making it happen.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Pivot: How the pandemic shifted community building from 60-person dinners to authentic, small-group connections.
• Authentic DEI: Why "clean washrooms" are the perfect analogy for inclusive policies that benefit everyone (not just the target demographic).
• Career Reinvention: Samantha’s journey from multiple startup exits to teaching at Conestoga College and founding her consultancy, Pixel Bridges.
• Navigating AI: Why we should stop grieving the old ways and start using AI to remove technical barriers.
• Running on Vibes: How finding "Happy Mother Hen" energy can recharge your career.