oSTEM’s D&I team features Rising Stars who are LGBTQ in STEM because we recognize the many diverse faces and voices within our community. As part of our Black & Out series, we introduce you to Nic Dinkins (he/him). Nic is a software developer in Washington DC who identifies as a black, gay trans man. He shares how coming out as trans in undergrad, coupled with a rocky family relationship ended up with him being asked to leave his school for a year on academic probation. Lacking dialogue around seeking employment as a trans person, lacking any form of personal support, and being from a low socioeconomic background, Nic discusses missing key opportunities during his traditional college years. Fast forward, and Nic has become a mentor of folks who fight similar challenges. He shares specific tips to employers aimed at improving their metrics so that hiring processes are inclusive of diverse candidates. In under a decade, Nic has gone from being “extremely closeted” to playing an active role in changing how the Tech industry around him values the personal experiences of people who have overcome obstacles.