|
| |
|
As Thanksgiving approaches in the US, we find ourselves reflecting on the many reasons we have to feel gratitude. Even amid the conflicts and tragedies occurring across the world, we see signs of positive change in so many areas.
We’re thankful for organizations like As You Sow that are leading efforts to change corporations for good — as they detailed in their recent Shareholder Impact Review. We appreciate the researchers who continue to shine a light on the importance of diversity through new studies, like the Blackrock paper that found women-led companies outperform those led by men and this Harvard Business Review report on board diversity. And we’re filled with gratitude for the signs of progress we see in impact investing and inclusive entrepreneurship, which you can read about below.
November isn’t just a month for giving thanks — it’s also Native American Heritage Month — so for our Fearless Feature, we’re spotlighting one man who is helping improve representation for Native people all year long.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for the actions you take to shape a better future.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| Breaking the Hollywood Bubble |
If you watched the critically acclaimed show Reservation Dogs on FX or Hulu, you’re familiar with the work of Sterlin Harjo, one of the show’s co-creators. The show, which just wrapped up its final season, is the first of its kind. Set in a small town in the Muscogee Nation, it features a cast and writing team almost completely comprised of indigenous people.
An Oklahoma-based artist and member of the Seminole Nation with Muscogee heritage, Harjo enjoys being an outsider in Hollywood, as he told Hollywood Reporter. He rejected a common belief among producers and directors — that there weren’t enough Native actors to create a show about Indigenous people. Finding an all-Native cast was easy, he says; “you just need to look outside of LA.”
Now, Harjo hopes to see more representation of his community on screen. “With the fans of this show, it’s opened up this idea of what a Native show can be. I think that executives and whoever will be less afraid to do an Indigenous show now,” he said in an interview with Rolling Stone.
We admire how Harjo broke out from his bubble to build visibility for underrepresented voices and stories — and how he’s inspiring others to do the same.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| INCLUSIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Transparency for Founder Diversity
|
| A new California law will soon shine a spotlight on which venture capital firms support underrepresented founders — and which don’t. Beginning in 2025, any venture firms whose portfolio companies are based in or have significant operations in the Sunshine State will be required to report data on their founders’ gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability status, and veteran status. |
| |
|
| Supporting Women of Color-led Startups |
| Expanding personal networks is key to creating opportunities for women and minority founders, says Jill Johnson of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Through the Creating Conscious Collisions event series, Johnson fosters environments where entrepreneurs, investors, allies, and policymakers can connect. A recent event in Seattle spotlighted six women of color leading successful startups, all of whom you can read about in Geekwire. |
| |
|
Impactful Inventions
|
| What do a smart cane, a hologram zoo, a honeybee vaccine, and a personal helicopter have in common? They all landed a spot on Time’s Best Inventions of 2023. The 200 groundbreaking products and ideas stand out for their impact on the world. From an AI system that monitors endangered species to a bionic leg, these inventions show what is possible when ingenuity meets impact. |
| |
|
|
