The Myth of Access: Why Inclusion Isn’t a Checkbox

Let’s get real for a second.

We love to throw around words like “access” and “inclusion.” Especially in tech. But too often, those words end up on pitch decks and not in practice.

I’ve sat in rooms where we’re “prioritizing inclusion,” but nobody asked who the system was actually built for in the first place. Spoiler: if you're creating a product where someone still has to ask for access, you haven’t solved the real problem.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Access is about infrastructure, not invitation.

It’s about redesigning the process, not just opening the door. Because what’s the use of a door if it’s ten feet off the ground and no one left a ladder?

When I build, I ask:

• Who is this really serving?

• Who’s still getting left behind?

• And are we actually shifting power—or just smiling in the photo?

Inclusion isn’t a vibe. It’s a design decision.