Taking PRIDE in Diversifying Miami's Tech Ecosystem
- Fernando Torres + Andreina Weichselbaumer -
At Radical Partners we’re proud to celebrate Pride Month 2024 by graduating 13 diverse leaders who are closing the gender equity gap in Miami’s local tech ecosystem. Through the GET Champions program, leaders representing tech companies, innovative startups and organizations, ecosystem-building institutions, and large corporations, connected along their common mission to transform their ventures to become more inclusive towards women, trans, and nonbinary professionals.
Along this four-month journey, all participants found that:
Gender equity is more than just a social good;
it has become a strategic necessity in the workplace. Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives, driving innovation and problem-solving. Studies have shown that companies with higher gender diversity are more likely to outperform their peers.
The strategies to diversify teams vary depending on the organization's current stage in the process of closing the gender equity gap, however, the most prominent and unanimous lesson from the program is the fact that recognizing and addressing unconscious biases is the first step of a multi-faceted approach. The cohort was carefully guided to reflect across life experiences and their companies’ procedures to evaluate what biases currently affect staff retention, attraction, hiring, and promotion. By doing so, they could more thoughtfully target discrimination and implement specific strategies to mitigate bias across all stages of team growth and everyday interactions.
Leaders discovered that gender equity requires ongoing effort and education, proving the value of continuous learning and training programs like GET Champions that keep inclusive principles at the forefront of organizational culture. Committing to this cause ensures that all employees, from entry-level staff to executives, are equipped to work equitably with diverse gender identities.
After all, effective change starts with leadership. Leaders who joined the cohort are vocal and active proponents of gender equity who set the tone for the entire organization. Their strong, committed leadership in fostering an inclusive workplace has impacted their organizations, allowing them to gain momentum toward becoming more inclusive and effective and setting the pace for their peers.
These principles translate into developing and applying inclusive policies, which are crucial practices. Our region's most powerful advocates, like TransSOCIAL's Ashley Mayfaire, consulted participants on drafting and implementing policies that protect gender identity privacy, promote equal opportunities, and support marginalized groups. These policies not only enhance workplace culture but also attract and retain top talent.
Data also shows that inclusive workplaces attract top talent. Employees want to work for organizations that value diversity and provide equal opportunities for growth and advancement. This also leads to a company’s positive reputation, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and brand strength. Consumers and clients are increasingly looking to support businesses that align with their values.
We also witnessed how the organic support that the cohort developed amongst each other highlights the importance of community and support networks. By connecting with like-minded leaders, they shared experiences, resources, challenges, and solutions, fostering a collaborative approach to achieving gender equity and continuing education on the subject.
Developing awareness, knowledge, and skill is key to moving the needle!
This second cohort of leaders underwent an immersive program that consisted of four virtual workshops, a mentorship session, three one-on-one coaching sessions, and a Talent Connect event for leaders to meet and interview diverse candidates.
These workshops focused on the Lay of the Land and Unconscious Bias, Retaining, Attracting, and Hiring Diverse Talent. Each one was led by experts who created the content specifically for our cohort's needs and skills. Together, we explored the complexities of gender bias, the importance of inclusive policies, and the impact of diverse teams on innovation and performance. The one-on-one coaching allowed the cohort to not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply practical strategies within their own companies.
Strengthen Miami’s Tech Ecosystem with us.
GET Champions is leading the path toward gender equity in Miami’s tech ecosystem. The second cohort hired diverse candidates from Talent Connect, implemented new inclusive policies in their companies, mentored talent through promotions, and shared the knowledge they acquired with other leaders within their organization.
With each iteration, GET Champions is becoming stronger, scaling its impact in Miami by collaborating with radical partners like Miami Tech Works. After two years of running this program with our friends at GET Cities, we’re now gearing up for the third round launching in 2025! Do you or someone you know want to be part of the next cohort? Let’s stay in touch and take action in this movement!
