Impostor syndrome workshop

The Diversity Committee and the Staff Learning and Development Committee offered a workshop on “Resisting Impostor Syndrome” given by Bess Sadler, Senior Developer at Data Curation Experts on Oct. 6. Impostor syndrome, common among under-represented groups in technology work and academia, is the feeling that you aren't qualified for the work you are doing and will be exposed as a fraud.

The workshop featured discussion of the syndrome and led participants through writing and discussion exercises designed to combat it. It was based on curriculum developed by the Ada Initiative, and built on published and replicated research shown to reduce feelings of impostor syndrome. Sadler emphasized that resisting impostor syndrome is not a substitute for addressing real systemic inequities that actually do create barriers for women, people of color, and additional underrepresented groups.

Thank you to Andreas Orphanides for arranging this workshop!