# 60: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Future for Tech: A Conversation with Four Local Leaders

Diversity and inclusion are arguably the most important issues in tech culture right now. Companies on and between the coasts, from startups to global corporations, recognize more and more the positive impacts of improving diversity and inclusion. In fact, our tech censuses in Indianapolis and Cincinnati this year revealed that it’s the top-ranked social issue by members of both communities. Entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders are making efforts to honestly assess the state of diversity and inclusion in tech and, more importantly, determine how to create a brighter and more inclusive future. With this national trend in mind, we held a special pitch night in Indianapolis earlier this month called “Diversity, Inclusion, and the Future of Tech.” As part of our programming, we brought on a guest host and a panel of three champions for diversity in the local community. The conversation was so timely and full of wonderful insights that we decided it needed to be shared with the entire Powderkeg community. In this episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, Kelli Jones of Givelify leads Danielle Vetter of Cummins, Kelly Schwedland of Elevate Ventures and Rochelle Olaleye of Salesforce in assessing the state of diversity and inclusion in tech today. Over the course of an inspirational and informative discussion, they ultimately explain what entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders can do to help make their companies and communities more diverse, more inclusive, and more welcoming of different perspectives. And it’s not about optics. It’s about building high-performing companies that attract the best talent and understand their customers’ needs. In this episode with four champions for diversity and inclusion in tech, you’ll learn: --- Keyways companies can empower team managers to drive diversity and inclusion. --- How diverse founders can build “venture-backable” companies to help secure funding. --- Strategies for weaving diversity and inclusion into your company’s day-to-day operations. --- The best hiring practices for attracting and retaining diverse talent. --- Why you should make time to listen to everyone on your team. --- The crucial role training plays in promoting diversity and inclusion. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.