Diverse Minds Movement

I have ADHD. 

For some, a diagnosis of a neurodivergent condition is a badge of honor. For others, this admission validates their feelings of deficiency. 

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with, manage, mentor, and learn from many women in professional roles who were climbing the corporate ladder and flourishing in their careers. Behind closed doors, however, many of them struggled with insidious feelings of inadequacy and described how imposter syndrome ruined their ability to fully bask in the glory of their accomplishments. 

For the women that I met, that were also neurodivergent, they also lived with the fear of being “found out”, believing that people would invalidate their strengths because of this perceived weakness. 

So, today I speak openly for them. 

For the neurodivergent black and brown women, particularly those in technical job functions, their admission was a confession, an acknowledgement of a difference only done behind closed doors and in confidence.  

The reality is that mental health stigma is real and that many underrepresented and marginalized individuals cannot fully live in their truth because the impact of disclosure is usually career-limiting. 

I distinctly remember my conversations with these women.  

Our stories share eerie similarities- our journeys all mottled with tales of hardship, resignation, failure, and loss.   

Black, brown, educated, hardworking, professional, neurodivergent. 

As a result of their experiences, many of these women have a focus and fortitude forged directly from the battles they fight daily.  

Daily they push past man-made barriers that keep them separated from their goals.  

Daily they fight. Daily they win. And their conquests go unrecognized. 

So today, I speak openly for them. 

These women are not hysterical. They are not angry. They are not histrionic or attention-seeking. 

They are different. And they are valued. 

In October, we recognize World Mental Health Day. It is an opportunity for us all to be mindful that we must do our part to create inclusive spaces where everyone can flourish and be their authentic selves, despite our differences.  

We must do our part to be accepting of those around us, educate ourselves, and strive to work collectively to eradicate the stigma and prejudice that keeps many people from reaching their full potential. 

Together we can change the narrative.  Together we can uplift diverse minds. Join the movement today. 

This article is part of a three-part “Reading Beyond the Stereotypes Series” from The Cyber Guild’s Diverse Minds Movement Community. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.

The Diverse Minds Movement Community is working to harness the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals, dismantle barriers to success, and empower leaders, managers, and team members to work together to contribute their talents to the advancement of cybersecurity.