I’ve always felt hesitant about reading my own interviews—it just feels a bit strange. However, knowing exactly what was written and how it was framed is important to me. I never want my words to be overly polished or altered in a way that changes their intent. That’s why I truly appreciate the way HackerEarth handled this article.

This piece was written during a deeply personal and challenging time, as I was witnessing my father’s health decline before his passing. I wanted the article to reflect the raw emotions I was experiencing—particularly the feeling of helplessness. I know many BIPOC professionals in tech have felt the same way. I asked myself: Do I say it out loud? Do I voice the truths that often go unspoken?

What does it really mean to start from the bottom? And where is here—have we truly made it, or are we still stuck in the same place? In the article, I explore the privilege of access to tech and how it continues to shape opportunities for BIPOC individuals and women in the industry.