How to help women and underrepresented founders be successful: DivInc
As 2020 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on what this year has been. Of course some of the first things that come to mind are COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd, and the resulting worldwide protests in support of ending racism.
It also marked my second year in business for myself. I’ve reflected on how I’ve spent my energy and resources in such a tumultuous time. One of the brightest spots for me in 2020 has been my involvement with DivInc.
On March 3rd, 2020 I attended a networking event at the Ion, the anchor to Houston’s budding innovation district and epicenter for Houston’s innovation ecosystem. I had no idea how a simple business networking meeting would move me in ways that were difficult for me to explain to others. I likened the experience to going to a rousing church service.
The evening started out with then-director of the Ion, Gabriella Rowe, explaining how Houston was well-suited to be the next tech hub in the United States, and how the city’s diversity will help us get there — if we’re able to harness the will and the resources to do it. She set the perfect stage for Co-Founder and CEO of DivInc, Mr. Preston James, to talk about the work that he has done at DivInc. Mr. James talked about how he came into this work and what he thought the tech space and underrepresented founders in the tech space needed to be successful.
Then we got to hear from some graduating participants of the DivInc accelerator. This is where the magic started to happen. I was moved listening to these young men and women talk about not only their businesses, but their experiences working with DivInc and how DivInc had been fundamentally responsible for the shifts in their mindsets. After going through the program, they came to not only believe in their business ideas but to believe in themselves and to see the unique value they bring to their respective marketplaces.
As one who works closely with leaders and entrepreneurs, I understand how vital a core belief in “self” is. I knew at that moment that this organization was one that I wanted to sow into. I wasn’t sure how I would do it; I just knew that the vision from leadership was right, the goals were right, and as an organization, they were getting it right!
See, I believe in the richness that diversity brings. I believe that broader perspectives will yield better solutions. I understand the value to the tech industry when women and diverse entrepreneurs are fully supported and funded. In DivInc I saw this happening and saw it as a way to get behind something that is bigger than myself.
I made it my personal mission to help in whatever way I could. I reached out to Mr. Preston James directly to let him know that I wanted to help in whatever way he would have me. I reached out to his staff to let them know that I would help in whatever way they would have me. I went to their website and completed online contact forms to let them know that I would help in whatever way they would have me. So I was delighted when they reached out as they were getting ready for their next accelerator cohort. They were looking for mentors and wondered if I might be interested. As a coach to leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives I thought this was a great fit. However, it was in the opening Zoom call when participating founders spoke about what they were doing, why they were led to do it, and some of the successes that they have had, that I was moved again. It felt like confirmation that this is where I was supposed to be.
Now, having completed my first round of mentorship, I can attest that this is indeed good ground for sowing! I will continue to be a part of DivInc in whatever way they will have me for as long as they will have me. I would also like to invite you to help with their cause.
They launched a 25 Days of Giving campaign in early December. If you are like me and believe in the richness of diversity, and you believe in the great tech hub that Houston can become, I hope you will consider making a donation as the year closes (hopefully a sizable one, but small donations add up to make a big impact too). Please take a moment to stop by their website. Check out what they’re doing and hit the bright pink donate banner at the top of the page. If you make a donation of $100 you’ll even get a T-shirt so that you can outwardly share your support for women and diverse founders.
As this year comes to an end, I’m reminded that while things are challenging there is much to be excited about! I pray blessings over you and your family during this season and beyond.
