Inclusivity in Entrepreneurship

Businesses of all sizes are increasingly concerned with building and encouraging diversity within their ranks. Although an inclusive workforce that reflects the larger population is a lofty ideal, it can be difficult for some minority entrepreneurs to access certain benefits that might be more readily available to others in the same community. The following points include a few of the ways that the entrepreneurial world can become more inclusive and fair.

Education is Key

The evidence clearly shows that certain minority groups are less likely to be granted business loans or given access to important financial resources when their businesses are just getting started. For others in the same realm, it is vital to learn as much about the situation as possible. This might include addressing some unconscious biases and other painful truths, but the result is likely to be a more understanding, compassionate, and diverse network of business leaders.

Bridge the Gap

Many successful entrepreneurs assume that their profits and growth are due entirely to a solid business plan and plenty of hard work. While those are important factors, some minorities find it difficult to get a leg up even with all the right business moves. Sometimes it helps for an established entrepreneur to mentor, advise, and even advocate for minority communities. This could be as simple as identifying and condemning blatant acts of discrimination or calling attention to intrepid or intriguing business ideas put forward by members of a marginalized group.

Listen and Understand

In certain cases, the most effective course of action involves simply sitting down with people from other walks of life and listening to their unique experiences. Being able to understand and empathize with these individuals and groups will allow any entrepreneur to become a more effective ally and partner for the growth of business leaders across the spectrum. It is important to go into such meetings with an open mind and thick skin. Sometimes the harsh truths that are revealed might be difficult to hear, but knowing what others are going through is an important piece of the puzzle.

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About Cathy Guerriero

Dr. Catherine Guerriero is a New York City-based professional who has dedicated her entire life to education and public service. With decades of experience working with and for New York City’s most vulnerable populations, she continues to serve every day as both an educator and a public servant “in the arena.”

Dr. Guerriero has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration (Magna Cum Laude) from the Steinhardt School of Education, where her research was “The Political Agenda of the New York City Public Schools,” where she won national awards for her doctoral research. Professor Cathy Guerriero also received her Masters In Public Administration (MPA) from the Robert Wagner School of Public Service, also at NYU, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a research thesis titled, “The NYS Board of Regents and the Policy Agenda for Students with Disabilities.” She received her undergraduate degree from Wagner College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with her BA in both Political Science and English Literature and an honors’ thesis on “The Meaning of Feminist Idealogy.”

Professor Guerriero has spent over two decades in academia, including holding the position of President / CEO of two private high schools in New York City. She is a member of the faculty at Teachers College, Columbia University, a position she has held for twenty three years, where she teaches graduate level courses in both American Politics of Education and New York Politics of Education.

Dr. Cathy Guerriero has also been involved in NYC-based politics for her entire career, holding positions as a Campaign Advisor and Senior Policy Analyst at the NYC Office of the Comptroller, NYC as well a working on numerous political campaings over the last three decades. In 2013, she jumped in the arena herself and ran for city-wide office, in the position of New York City Public Advocate.