Q&A with Shaholly Ayers: Diversity and accessibility in technology and beyond

I believe that it is important to embed diversity in tech from the very early design and concepting stage right through to the marketing stage.?

This is a belief that is germane to Lenovo’s vision to lead and enable “Smarter Tech for All,” which has led to some incredible initiatives and achievements like our recent “Increasing Diversity in Innovation” initiative - set to understand and address the issue of underrepresented inventors, and change the world.?

In my function we are continually seeking to broaden the diversity of the people we represent visually across our marketing and communications campaigns, while improving our understanding to represent the differences in the ways people experience our brand.?

Shaholly Ayers, for example, a model/actor and inclusion activist, is featured as the main character in “Within Reach” - one of our recent ThinkBook marketing videos which highlights the ways in which tech can be used for good.?

Soon to be serving as a consultant for the Product Diversity Office at Lenovo, I wanted to talk to Shaholly about her experiences so far and learn more about her hopes for the role in more detail.??

1. It’s great to be working with you Shaholly! The Marketing ad you feature in for Lenovo is super inspirational - it tells the story of enabling a person with limb difference to play a cello which was previously “unthinkable” for her. What are some examples of unthinkable things you dreamed of growing up? What are some things you believed unthinkable that you have been able to do or achieve (especially with technology, as this is the theme of the campaign, but also in general)??

Thank you Emily, I am happy and excited to be working with Lenovo on such important topics: disability inclusion and product diversity.?

Having been born with a limb difference, missing my right forearm and hand, I had to learn to adapt to the physical world and develop real-world problem solving skills for many physical daily tasks like tying my shoelaces and doing my hair to typing on a computer and cooking for myself. As technology and the world advances, I too have found myself physically trying to keep up. For instance, texting - I typically have many typos from texting one handed and have found ‘speech to text’ converters to be a game changer.?

Google Assistant, Alexa, and other hands-free technology have made my life a lot easier. The new advances in prosthetic devices have also changed drastically over the past decade - finally allowing me to do more physical activities like kayaking, and do a push up for the first time in my life!?

I can also cook more easily and cut my own food. Technology, when implemented in certain ways, really has the power to change lives.??

2. You have worked with some incredible forward-thinking brands in fashion and beauty. Is this the first time you have worked with a tech company? What did you learn from the experience? Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share of your experiences??

I really have! It’s difficult to be cutting edge and to go against the “norm”. I have so much respect and admiration for Lenovo and all of the brands who have decided to be inclusive in a world centered around the able-bodied community.

Lenovo is the first tech company I’ve worked with, and I found the production side to be very authentic and detail-oriented, which makes sense; you need to be focused when perfecting your devices. I also really loved how the marketing team worked with the talent, ensuring the storyline was true to life and an organic portrayal of an everyday struggle for someone with a limb difference.?

For example, the prosthesis that the talent Emily used in the commercial was custom-created specifically for her to play the cello. Watching her play brought tears to my eyes because I understand how impossible this would have been without the technological advancement of prosthetics… It was beautiful.?

3. What was it about Lenovo and ThinkBook that drew you to joining this project??

I was drawn to this project because of the inclusion efforts being made. The very fact Lenovo is thinking about people with disabilities and creating “smarter tech for all”, is exciting!?

4. When it comes to inclusive representation, which industries do you believe are charting a positive path forward for inclusive representation and support? Are there industries where you can see opportunities for improvement?

I have seen positive representation in the arts/entertainment and tech industries - but believe those, too, have room for improvement! Education, transportation, and the workforce are all vitally important to the success of the inclusion movement. Without all of these working in tandem we risk alienating a good portion of the population, as well as weakening our social evolution.?

5. When you begin consulting with Lenovo could you give us an idea of the kinds of things you’d like to work on, or any other existing initiatives or projects you think could be improved?

I love that Lenovo has a commitment to creating a more inclusive future for all, with a Chief Diversity Officer, and an entire department focused on ensuring that our products meet the needs of people from all backgrounds and abilities. I am excited to contribute to their work on research and development and think up new ways of creating technology to be used for the greater population. I will go into each project thinking about the end user. How does someone with a limb difference – or a mobility issue such as arthritis or MS - need the device to perform best for their lifestyles? I’d like to help think through the marketing process as well. How, if at all, are people with disabilities being portrayed??

6. What are your favorite tech innovations or some of your most used technologies??

I love how eco-conscious Lenovo is. I don’t know of any other tech company that places the same level of importance on the environment as Lenovo. I also love that the ThinkBook is lightweight and easy to carry with one hand. I am excited about the smart home and Lenovo Smart Frame devices for more hands-free tech!

7. What are some of the projects you’re most proud of in your career so far and why?

I am proud of all of my work. It took such a long time and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get recognized as a serious model in my field. I started more than a decade ago prior to the inclusion efforts we have now, as one of the first models with a disability and the road was not easy. I will never forget Nordstrom for giving me my first opportunity to model for a national catalog, or the various designers and production companies that invited me to walk in New York Fashion Week as the first model with a prosthesis.?

I love that ThirdLove and Ulta Beauty believed in me enough to include me and that Lenovo gave me an opportunity for my first commercial. I will NEVER forget how amazing it felt to be chosen for Rihanna's Savage X Fenty show on Amazon.?

All of these companies, including yours, allowed me to follow my dreams and have the career I always wanted. If it wasn’t for all of these people and companies, I wouldn’t be where I am today - nor would the next generation of people with disabilities have the same opportunities for a successful and prosperous future.

8. On the flipside, if you’re comfortable to share, what are some of the negative experiences or judgements you’ve encountered in your life and career so far? And how have you overcome them?

When I first began modeling I went to many agencies for representation; all of them turned me down. One actually told me I’d never be a model because I had one hand, and the industry would not find me attractive or marketable. Despite the years of rejection, I went ahead and built my career myself: networked, built a portfolio and finally 10+ years later, booked my first paid modeling opportunity with Nordstrom. I really had to dig deep and push myself through a lot of negativity to get to where I wanted to be.?

Even now after all I have accomplished, I still find booking difficult due to the small amount of inclusive brands. I carry on because I love it and because I know the importance of representation and that continuing to push for it will inspire lasting change.?

We’re really looking forward to working with you Shaholly, and cannot wait to see some of the outcomes that your perspectives will inspire!?