7 Questions with Samantha Slater
Policy Specialist, Google
Samantha Slater (she/her) is a Policy Specialist at Google Dublin by day and a keen pole dancer by night. After studying a B.A in English Literature, she experimented in the world of advertising and NGOs for a number of years and then took a hard pivot into the world of tech policy.
1. Where’s your hometown?
Originally Co.Donegal, Ireland. Currently living in the capital city, Dublin.
2. How did you get into STEM?
After graduating, I moved straight into advertising. I loved how creative it was, but I felt there was a lack of purpose to it. I wasn’t changing the world in any way. I joined an NGO, and everything changed. I finally understood what motivated me: driving change, influencing the lives of people, and working on tough political issues. I moved into STEM, as I realized that tech policy has the potential to positively influence and shape how people live their lives, on a huge scale, and I wanted to be part of that.
3. What is a piece of advice that you have found especially useful?
Listen actively. Being a good listener is, in my opinion, one of the most important qualities a person can have in their personal and professional life. Don’t listen to fix (unless the speaker wants you to), listen because sometimes a person just wants to be heard and have their thoughts validated.
In a work environment, I think it’s one of the most strategic ways to build a relationship and connect with someone.
4. What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you deal with it?
Moving from a women-centered NGO, where I was solely driven by the pursuit of justice for disadvantaged women, to Google.
I was overwhelmed and insanely proud that I had managed to get a job at Google in a really interesting area, but I was also worried and felt guilty that maybe I had “sold out” and gone to “that side”. Influenced by the recent negative conversations around tech companies, I ignored the potential that technology could have for good. And, while I adored the work of the NGO, I grew disillusioned with the lack of upward growth and the instability of funding for my job. I had to succumb to the fact that I wasn’t going anywhere and that I needed to move. That was difficult to accept, as I was incredibly emotionally invested in the work.
I got the opportunity to interview at Google. I couldn’t believe how interesting the conversations I had at the interview were. Since I’ve started, I’ve moved past that internal conflict as I can actually understand, embrace, and work on tech policy initiatives that are positive for users. Seeing how driven my colleagues are to do the right thing is motivating. I really did not expect that, and I can honestly say I’m loving it so far.
5. What’s something you’ve done that you’re really proud of?
This campaign. I orchestrated the entire campaign when I worked at the NGO, pretty much on my own. I cut corners everywhere I could — I knew there was no budget for it — but I desperately wanted to use important data we’d collected to force people to open their eyes and acknowledge the harrowing reality of sex trafficking for women worldwide. The project was intense, exhausting, and personally challenging, as it made me confront the depths of depravity that exist in the world.
The campaign garnered national (and even some global) media attention, and it resonated with people on a level that I didn’t anticipate. I’m extremely proud of that campaign and the impact it had.
6. What are you most excited about right now, in or outside of STEM?
I’ve finally started recording a podcast with my sister @secretlifeofcode on all things sex, relationships, life, feelings, etc., and I love it so far. We’ve been talking about doing it for years, as we’re very open and adore having these introspective, messy conversations, and finally, we’re taking action. It’s still to be released (we’re working on it, so watch this space @sammysueslater), but I’m so excited to see how this project unfolds.
7. What is your favorite source of inspiration?
Dancing. I feel energized and alive when I dance.
