Stanford & Duke Launch Diversity Education Certification Program
Expanding Partnerships for Diverse Tech Founders
A collaborative effort between the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Flagler Entrepreneurship Center, the Opportunity Hub, and the 100 Black Angels and Allies Fund is gaining momentum with the addition of partners from Duke University and Stanford University.
This partnership aims to enhance representation and provide crucial support for diverse founders within the technology sector.
New Educational Programs and Faculty Involvement
Faculty members associated with both Stanford and Duke will contribute their expertise to the DEIS Practicum Certificate and the Black Technology Ecosystem Investment Certificate programs.
These programs are designed to address systemic approaches to diversity and inclusion, extending beyond traditional HR practices and compensation equity.
A key focus is increasing the involvement of Black investors in startup funding.
Addressing Systemic Issues and the Wealth Gap
Vickie Gibbs, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Center, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts to broaden access to this vital education.
She stated that working together is essential for creating a more equitable society and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial community.
Expanding Reach and Validation
Rodney Sampson, Executive Chairman and CEO of OHUB, and co-founder of 199 Black Allies & Angels fund, views the inclusion of Duke and Stanford as a significant validation of the program.
He also highlights the increased exposure to the alumni networks of these prestigious universities.
This expansion will broaden the impact of the program’s solutions and insights within these communities.
A Comprehensive Framework for Employers
Sampson’s developed framework offers a multi-faceted approach for businesses, encompassing several key areas.
- Review of diversity, equity, and inclusion within corporate governance.
- Assessment of hiring, promotion, and HR practices.
- Evaluation of procurement and vendor services.
- Examination of innovation and product development.
- Strategies for reaching diverse audiences in marketing.
- Investment in Black and Latino communities.
- Monitoring the business’ impact on the community.
Recognition from the Brookings Institution
This framework received recognition in a recent report by the Brookings Institution, authored by Amy Liu and Reniya Dinkins.
The report underscored the importance of CEOs actively working to dismantle bias and cultivate a culture of belonging.
Such leadership is crucial for fostering collaboration and achieving sustained prosperity.
Stanford’s Commitment to DEI
For Stanford University, this partnership represents an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This comes after a period where the university sought to address concerns stemming from its initial embrace of policies limiting diversity training.
Collaboration and Global Impact
Tom Byers, Keohane Distinguished Visiting Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University, and STVP Faculty Director, expressed gratitude for the collaboration.
He believes that working with action-oriented colleagues will facilitate the creation of valuable network connections and the dissemination of learning insights worldwide.
This collaborative effort promises to create lasting change in the entrepreneurial landscape.
