Closing the Power Gap

Hello all,

This week I am sharing another gem from the Better Allies Friday newsletter- **5 Ally Actions**. You can get more resources from the Better Allies website and subscribe to the newsletter as well. Although it's geared towards leaders- I think we can all use this advice.

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Invite feedback

Last week, I joined Michael Baran on The Culture Advantage podcast for a great conversation about allyship. (I’ll share the link once it’s posted.)

At one point, he asked me, “What ally actions have people struggled with the most?”

I didn’t hesitate: “Speaking truth to power.” That includes moments when we need to give feedback to someone in a leadership role about behavior that wasn’t fair or inclusive.

The very next day, I happened to be reading You’re the Boss by Sabina Nawaz, an executive coach who previously led Microsoft’s executive development and succession planning. Nawaz writes about something she calls the “power gap”—the invisible distance that opens up when someone moves into a position of authority. It changes how others see them *and* how they see themselves.

If leaders don’t intentionally close that gap, she warns, they risk creating a culture where feedback disappears:

“Those with less power will have a harder time standing up to a boss, especially one who thinks they’re always right.”

So if you manage people or hold any kind of influence, take a moment to ask:

“What’s one thing, if I did more or less of it, that would help you do your best work?”

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So let me take that advice...

What's one thing, if I did more or less of it with WIT, that would help you do your best work?

Let me know!

All the best,
Holly

Knowledge is Power: Raising Cybersecurity Awareness Among Girls

Hello all,

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is still going and this week I'm sharing a new report from the Girls Who Code organization.

How can we help make working in cybersecurity seem attainable to a more diverse group of people?

This new report finds that: "The more girls know about cybersecurity and the realities of working in the sector, the more interested they are in pursuing a career in the field. While half of all girls expressed interest in a cybersecurity career, this number jumped to 85% among girls who “know a lot” about cybersecurity."

and,

"There is a peak intervention window to cultivate awareness and interest. Girls' cybersecurity career interest peaks at ages 15-16 before declining in their late teens, creating a critical need for early intervention. "

From their LinkedIn Post:

"Did you know that women make up just 22% of cybersecurity professionals worldwide? At Girls Who Code, we wanted to understand why. Our new research report, Breaking Barriers: Girls and the Future of Cybersecurity, surveyed more than 2,000 teens across the country to uncover how girls think about cybersecurity and what it would take to help them see themselves in this critical field.

What we found is both striking and hopeful: the more girls know about cybersecurity, the more interested they are in pursuing it. We have to create early, sustained opportunities for girls to build confidence, community, and real understanding of cybersecurity careers.

Programs like Girls Who Code are showing what’s possible. Our alumni are not only more aware of cyber pathways, but more likely to pursue them. If we want a safer, more equitable digital future, we must ensure girls aren’t just aware of cybersecurity careers—they’re prepared and inspired to lead them.

I also want to give an incredible thank you to former Director of CISA Jen Easterly for supporting this work and penning an incredible note that is a part of this report. Read the full report to learn how you can help better encourage and support young girls entering cybersecurity:"

What is happening at your SUNY, or in your town or city? I'd love to hear what others are doing.

All the best,

Holly

Embracing the Light: Celebrating Diwali and Global Belonging

Hello all,

This week, continuing with my intention to highlight more of our fall/winter holidays, I am providing some information about **Diwali - the Festival of Lights**, from the organization GlobalMindED. This post is an excerpt from the newsletter the organization sent out on October 20, 2025.

Your campus may have planned events for this holiday as well, or may have already celebrated them. The Plattsburgh student Club International is hosting a Breakfast and a Dinner Party this Sunday to bring people together and share the beauty and culture of Diwali with everyone interested in attending. I hope that you can take some time to experience and learn more, as you continue on your life journey.

All the best,
Holly

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A Festival of Light and Belonging: Diwali 2025

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished celebrations in India and around the world. Rooted in **Hindu** tradition, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. For many, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, while others honor the goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, prosperity, and renewal. Families light *diyas* (small oil lamps), decorate their homes, share sweets, and gather in gratitude and hope for the year ahead.

At GlobalMindED, we value cultures, traditions, and stories that build bridges across communities. Diwali reflects themes that deeply align with our mission—renewal, inclusion, and the shared light of human potential. By learning about and celebrating holidays like Diwali, we strengthen our global awareness and honor the diversity that fuels innovation and leadership.

As autumn invites reflection and change, Diwali reminds us to let go of what no longer serves us and to embrace gratitude, clarity, and compassion. The lamps of Diwali are more than symbols—they are a call to nurture light within ourselves and our communities. In this season of renewal, may we all find ways to bring warmth, kindness, and connection to those around us.

How We Can Celebrate and Support

• **Learn and Listen:** Ask your colleagues or neighbors how they celebrate and what the holiday means to them.
• **Share in the Light:** Attend a local Diwali event or festival, try traditional foods, or light a candle in solidarity.
• **Support Small Businesses:** Many artisans and small shops sell handmade diyas, sweets, or decorations—purchasing from them supports cultural preservation.
• **Reflect on Renewal:** Use Diwali as a reminder to bring light into your own spaces—by fostering kindness, equity, and understanding in your community and workplace.

As we celebrate the light of Diwali, may it remind us that every act of inclusion, every bridge built, and every story shared helps brighten our collective future.

The Tech-Talk Tip: If You Want a 'Yes', Don’t Ask a 'No' Question

Hello all,

If You Want a “Yes”, Don’t Ask a “No” Question. That's the title of a short and powerful tip provided by a recent Tech-Talk article. I got the article through my regional library council, but I contacted the publisher and they've given me permission to reproduce the content here, as not all of you will have access.

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How often do you ask a question where the answer could be either “yes” or “no”?

My guess is it’s a lot!

“Do you have any questions?”
“Is this your final decision?”
“Did you finish the report?”
“Are you available tomorrow?”
“Do you need help with that?”

In each of these questions, you’re hoping the answer is “yes”, right? But the way you ask makes it easy for the person to choose “no”.

What could be a better way? What could you say that gives a greater chance of getting a “yes”?
Make sure the question is **open-ended** (can’t be answered with a word or two). Check out these examples:

“What questions do you have?”
“How did you come to your final decision?”
“What progress have you made on the report?”
“When are you available next?”
“What kind of help do you need with that?”

Don’t make it easy for people to give you a “no” unless that’s what you want. Shape your questions so that you have a better chance of getting a “yes”.

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If you like this article … there’s more!

We’re thrilled to share this TECH-TALK article with the SUNY WIT Community — with a special, one-time permission just for you! It’s one of hundreds of Tech-Talk resources designed to help professionals strengthen their communication and technology confidence.

If your organization is a member of one of the **seven NY Library Councils** that subscribe to Tech-Talk, you could already get the weekly tips, videos, and live webinars.

If not, no worries — you can try Tech-Talk for free and discover just how easy it is to grow your tech and communication skills. Here are some easy options for you: [Schedule a Demo] [www.tech-talk.com] [See Pricing]

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Tech-Talk Training for Non-Techies
Transforming Lives Through Technology

Linda Keefe, Publisher
Colorado Springs, CO
Cell: 585-615-7795
Linda@Tech-Talk.com

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All the best,
Holly

Reflecting on History: Indigenous Peoples Day and New York's Living Legacy

Hello all,

This coming Monday is the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday, which is a good time to reflect back on the history and current influence of indigenous peoples of our N.Y. region.

Every part of our state was inhabited or traveled through as part of the great networks of commerce, politics, and everyday life before European settlers arrived, and much of our state, our SUNY employees, and our SUNY students are still part of that living legacy.

Those of us who are the descendants of immigrants—or are immigrants ourselves, owe a debt of gratitude to first nations peoples for our foods, democratic principles, place names, and some of our common everyday traditions.

One way to express our gratitude is by helping to ensure that their history and influence is not erased or forgotten.

2025 is also the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal, and the state has taken steps to acknowledge the impacts of this NY wonder on the The Homelands of First Nations

You can also learn more about specific nations through this NY State Education listing of links to Tribal Nations of New York State

And if you are anything like me (and I know I am) and love music—check out this trailer of the rock music documentary Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World - Official Trailer

All the best,
Holly