Innovation For All - Diversity in Tech and Business

Cassie Betts is the founder of District2.Co, a technology company that connects brands/designers with factories to streamline the manufacturing process, and Made In South LA (MISLA), a DevShop Academy. Hear how Cassie went from being homeless to being called “The Woman Turning South LA into Startup Land” by Forbes. You'll hear How she went from coding her first computer game at 9 to being homeless at 19, and how she turned that all around. How do you help protect the poor from being displaced through gentrification? Why more money should be spent on technology bootcamps instead of other diversity initiatives.Note: This episode uses includes explicit language and includes some difficult topics about Cassie’s past that may be uncomfortable for some listeners. Please use your discretion.Do you enjoy Innovation For All? Help others find us easily by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

Paul Tasner, Co-founder and CEO of PulpWorks and more recently, Co-founder of Sort, has more than 40 years of operations experience. He has held leadership positions in ventures ranging from start-up to Fortune 100. For the past decade, his focus has been on sustainability. Paul’s corporate affiliations include The Clorox Company, Clif Bar, Method Products, and Hepagen Vaccines. He has authored numerous papers and presentations on supply chain sustainability and currently lectures on this subject in the MBA Programs at San Francisco State University and Golden Gate University as well as the Packaging Engineering Department at San Jose State University. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Boston University.In this episode you will learn: How PulpWorks manufactures packaging for consumer goods using fiber waste The story of Paul Tasner starting his first business at age 66 The perks of being your own boss as an entrepreneur The specific challenges PulpWorks faces in securing new customers How to pursue investors in the competitive city of San Francisco Critical questions to consider for people nearing retirement that want to start a business How recycling is an answer but not the answer Why Paul is envious of the millennial mindset How rejecting plastic can make a difference What Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is and how EPR regulations could impact society Paul’s new tech-based recycling businessGet shownotes for this an every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

Jimmy Chen is the Founder and CEO of Propel, a software company that aims to fight poverty through technology. They are the creators of the Fresh EBT mobile app, which enables EBT cardholders to manage their benefits, save money through grocery coupons, and find jobs. Fresh EBT is used by over 2 million low-income Americans across the country. In this episode of Innovation For All Podcast, Sheana learns why Jimmy decided to start Propel and use the tools of Silicon Valley to address social issues around poverty.In this episode you will learn: Why Jimmy Chen decided to focus on building tech for low income families What is Propel and Fresh EBT Why start with the food stamp program to battle poverty How does Propel get the experience and empathy to solve problems they might not understand What is the process for getting usable information from users What are the logistical and general obstacles faced by Propel and how are they overcome What are some misconceptions about the food stamp program Where else can the private sector make a difference and what are the challengesGet show notes for this an every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.Original air date: 8/21/19Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

In this episode you will learn:How the civil rights movement impacted the growth of McDonald’s in black AmericaHow McDonald’s utilized black-centered marketing strategies to fuel advertisementsThe pros and cons to working in a franchiseHow the fast food industry was seen as a win for low-income communities initiallyHow black-run McDonald’s franchises pooled resources to benefit the communityThe differences of how white and black America viewed McDonald’s and its impact on advertisingHow racist systems use black entrepreneurship as a way to avoid addressing racismCOVID-19: Challenges to the food justice movement and what environmental racism isCorona virus: What are the limits of the private sector?Experience and complexities of black franchise ownersHow to reframe historical storytelling to highlight the community rather than the businessFranchise is available now wherever books are sold.Get shownotes for this and every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.

In this episode you will learn:How the CEO started Amplio Recruiting and why?What were some of the challenges in starting the business?How are companies vetted to ensure that the refugees are protected?What are the assumptions about the refugee community and are they true?What are the challenges with finding opportunities for women refugees?What is Amplio Ventures?What are some of the success stories?How has this work in diversity and inclusion influenced his personal views?Learn more about Amplio Recruiting at https://ampliorecruiting.com/. Get shownotes for this and every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.