I've wondered about the DEI thing, but there's no way to know really. Nobody is going to tell me if that was considered. I suspect not, though.

I find that specific experience doesn't really matter because every job I've gotten has been a complete reset stack wise.

I have a lot of varied experience, but I think what sets me apart is that tech is actually fun for me. My work/life balance naturally tilts towards work. I'm not just looking to climb a ladder, get more money, or protect my job by making myself irreplaceable. By that, I mean that I document everything I do like I'm going to die tomorrow, and like I care about the DX of whomever takes over my role.

I also don't care if I look dumb. I ask dumb questions and I don't try to hide that I'm human. I've done this my entire life, and it's really paid off. I learn more quickly than my peers most of the time, and this is exactly why -- I lean into the impostor syndrome and own it.