Learn how our newest ERG, enABLE, can support all Dropboxers with Technical Program Manager Michael Palmer
Tags: Diversity, Diversity And Inclusion, Dropbox, Disability, Diversity In Tech

Learn how our newest ERG, enABLE, can support all Dropboxers with Technical Program Manager Michael Palmer Dropbox Follow Oct 22, 2020 · 6 min read

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and this year, we’re excited to honor it with our newest ERG: enABLE. enABLE is a group for Dropboxers who identify as having a disability, who support a family member or loved one who has a disability, or who feel an allyship with those who fit either one of those descriptions. We chatted with Technical Program Manager and enABLE Communications Lead Michael Palmer about his passion for keeping Dropbox accessible, his WFH experience, and how he thinks enABLE can help all Dropboxers live healthier lives.

What is your role at Dropbox, and your role within the enABLE ERG?

I am a Technical Program Manager (TPM), and I’m responsible for managing the accessibility program at Dropbox. I work to ensure all the products and services we offer are accessible for people with disabilities. Within the enABLE ERG, I am the communications lead.

How long have you been working for Dropbox?

I was a contractor for one year, and now I’ve been an employee for a year, so two years all together.

Where are you located?

Seattle, WA.

Can you tell us about a project that you’ve been part of that you’re particularly proud of?

For the first time in Dropbox history, we have an accessibility page on dropbox.com that contains information about our accessibility program, as well as accessibility compliance for our products. If someone has a disability and wants to know if Dropbox products will work for them, it’s a great place to start to find out more information.

Meeting Nyle DiMarco when I was a speaker at the Disability:IN Conference

What is one thing that’s exciting you or challenging you at work right now?

I have five kids and a working wife, and one of my children has special needs. In a normal school environment, he has more support from teachers and special educators, whereas at home we have to make sure he’s logged into Zoom and manage that while also trying to do our jobs and attend our meetings. It presents a very challenging situation as a parent, wanting to also make sure your job is your focus during working hours. I also have another daughter who struggles with depression, and this was her first year she was supposed to be in college, but instead she’s stuck at home with her parents when she should be off on campus enjoying being a college kid. So I’m also trying to make sure she feels understood and supported as she struggles with her depression.

Celebrating the holidays with the family (my family is tall, I am 6’2 and my wife is 6’1)

What’s your favorite thing about the enABLE ERG?

We just launched enABLE this year. It was fortuitous timing, because of the pandemic. I know I’m not the only one struggling with mental health, and one of the things I really appreciate is that our sponsor Timothy has been so outspoken about making sure we’re taking our mental health seriously. One of our goals is making sure people are aware of the great services Dropbox offers, including mental health benefits and free counseling, which has now been upped to eight sessions a year. It’s fantastic that leadership has really recognized this, and enABLE has really been able to spread the message around that.

What event or experience are you most looking forward to during National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

I’m really excited for the speaker from Pixar (who will be screening and speaking about his 2019 short Float.) That’s one of the things I’ve always loved about Pixar: going to those movies and seeing them appealing to children, but also having a message that really resonates with parents. Being able to hear the filmmaker talk about that balancing act and the way they were able to convey a serious message within a fun short film really fascinates me, and I look forward to hearing them talk about that.

What’s one of your favorite Dropbox memories/events?

I was lucky enough as a contractor to speak at an All Hands, our company-wide gatherings, about accessibility. I was the only member from my team in Seattle, but everyone up there had been so nice and so welcoming to me. So when I got to the All Hands, I gave a shout out to Seattle, because I’d been so appreciative of the office. When I came back, I was told that when I gave the shout out, the whole office exploded in applause. I want them to know how much I appreciate their support!

Where’s the first place you want to travel when quarantine is over?

Universal Studios Orlando. I recently went there with two of my daughters, but not my youngest son, and I hear from him every day about how he didn’t get to go and they did. So I want to go again — partially because I love amusement parks, but partially so my son will stop complaining to me.

Visiting Orlando Studios right before the pandemic

Are there any new hobbies you’ve been exploring during quarantine?

Watching anime. One of my daughters is very much into it, and she’s been pestering me. It’s not a huge stretch for me; people in Seattle already know I have a huge affection for Korean films, so jumping into anime was like, sure, why not?

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (TV Series 2009–2012) — IMDb

What’s your go-to WFH lunch?

It’s something not proud of, but it’s my go-to: Chipotle! It’s close and it’s fast. I’m one of those people who hates chocolate, like the smell of chocolate makes me ill — but what doesn’t make me ill is tortilla chips. I could eat a whole bag in one sitting, no problem — and I think I have, which contributes to the COVID-20, as I call it.

What’s your favorite thing about working from home?

I don’t miss the traffic, but I do miss listening to my podcasts and my music all the time. I really got into audiobooks, and not having that drive to work has kind of eliminated that, so I have to make up for it in other ways.

My wife and I at our local golf course since we can social distance on the course!

What do you want other Dropboxers to know about the enABLE ERG?

It’s about sharing your story. No matter whether you have a hidden or visible disability, there are other people that struggle with the same challenges that you do. You don’t have any reason to be embarrassed about it. You’re not a bad parent, you’re not a bad worker, if you are struggling at times. One of the things I love about Dropbox is that they understand that, and that there are resources and managers you can talk to to get help.

The other thing we’re really looking forward to is partnering with other ERGs, because we’re not the only ERG that struggles with mental health. We want to show that this affects everyone; we want to be a service to all Dropboxers.

Our ERGs are the backbone of our culture at Dropbox. You can learn more about how they support Dropboxers of all backgrounds here.