#SGBlackLeaders Month: Why Representation Matters

Someone once said, “ The more things change, the more they stay the same”. The world is changing. The faces of those in the workforce are more diverse. The number of founders who identify as black females is increasing, yet male founders continue to draw a disproportionate share of deals and dollars. The global startup ecosystem is becoming increasingly diverse but emerging markets like Africa only receive 10% of private capital investment. Only four of the Fortune 500 CEOs are black men, not one of those companies has a black female CEO.

Startup Grind is a diverse organization with over 600 chapters across the globe. To celebrate Black Leaders Month, we invited our peers, Startup Grind Directors, to discuss “Why Representation Matters”, looking at the intersection of race and gender in the startup ecosystem and how Startup Grind and organizations alike, can drive inclusion and create pathways to equity. 

Meet Our Panel

Alfred E. Blake IV-Director, Startup Grind Rutgers University

Alfred is Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship Programs for Rutgers Business School, Founder of Rutgers Entrepreneurial Academy of Leadership, and the author of The Students Handbook To Breaking All The Rules. Alfred has worked with: SXSW, California State University-Chico, University of Florida, Global Consortium of Entrepreneurial Centers, Pharrell Williams K!dult Conference, Fast Company Magazine, Monster.com, Rutgers University, Hofstra University, Newark Public Schools, The Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools to name a few.

Therese W Gamble, M.I.E.,E.MBA, M.Ed-Director, Startup Grind Jacksonville

Therese W. Gamble is an executive strategist of CRPC People Strategy consultancy that focuses on talent and cultural fit for leaders and teams for desired business results. Therese is going into her second year as the Startup Grind Jacksonville Chapter Director.

Betty Nabangala- Director, Startup Grind Nairobi

Betty is a poet inspired by the freedom that comes from searching for and yielding to one's true self. Her latest project is a curious exploration of sexual pleasure for the sake of pleasure. Betty lives in Nairobi where she manages popular hip-hop artist, Juliani and runs Startup Grind Nairobi.

Modou A. Njie- Director, Startup Grind Banjul

Modou is the Director of Startup Grind In The Gambia part of a global community that educates, inspires, and connects entrepreneurs with resource-based founders in The Gambia and beyond. Modou is passionate about business and project analyst and has a focus on helping businesses in various industries improve on their revenue and service to their clients through data-driven business intelligence and connecting with potential investors. 

This is going to be an exciting panel!!!! Reserve your spot now!  Questions? Send us an email at diversity@startupgrind.com. 

Every month we invite you to better understand and to embrace Startup Grind’s Values:

Make Friends (not just contacts)

Help Others (before you help yourself)

And to broadcast Startup Grind’s Mission:

To Educate, Inspire, and Connect Entrepreneurs

Our global community of 600+ chapters in 110 countries worldwide is here for you. Let us know... How may we best assist you? (I.e. - Can we help facilitate warm introductions to businesses, mentors, and/or investors to grow your startup here or elsewhere?)