Diversity & Inclusion Series: How AITHERAS is tackling Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

“I look at our firm, and we are an incredibly diverse firm, I don’t think it’s something that came about because I said “we’re looking for women or Black people”, but it’s because of the circles we are in and the inclusive environments we are in, we find people who may not be part of the norm.”

- Andrew Milisits, Founder, AITHERAS

by Aimee Welcome

Companies that focus on diversity and inclusion as key deliverables often enjoy amazing benefits from increased productivity and profits to improved creativity and reduced employee turnover. For organizations looking to improve their diversity and inclusion programs and policies, the change can be challenging — and rewarding.

In this article, we will explore how AITHERAS owner Andrew Milisits and 3 other entrepreneurs have overcome barriers and developed successful companies while keeping diversity and inclusion at the forefront of business development. 

AITHERAS founder, Andrew Milisits describes his experience being a black entrepreneur during the current climate.

“I would say the political climate that exists now is not something that is new. It is something that’s being revealed. You have to look at the way that systemic racism has been part of this country since its inception. Because of that, there have been many systems that people have danced around and when that happens, it bubbles up to a point where you have to deal with it. I don’t believe that a way out of it is just having Black entrepreneurship, but it is a piece of it. Not to just set an example so that people can follow, but being a Black man and an entrepreneur, I’m going to look for avenues and ways to bring folks here to this company that a majority of the time people don’t look for. It’s not that I’m looking for Black and female or any other sort of minority in this country. It’s just the circles I travel in, for the most part, will always include those folks. Therefore, it’s my responsibility to keep those avenues open”

When asked about AITHERAS’ diversity efforts, Andrew stated, “I look at our firm, and we are an incredibly diverse firm, I don’t think it’s something that came about because I said “we’re looking for women or Black people”, but it’s because of the circles we are in and the inclusive environments we are in, we find people who may not be part of the norm. Being Black, it’s important that those opportunities continue and not to say specifically, that I’m going to find someone who is Black, but to make sure that those who are Black, or do not look like a majority of this country continue to have opportunities”

Andrew does not believe that having Black-owned businesses will stop systemic racism; however, it does help. He believes that being diverse is not just about looking for Black men or women, but also including other types of minorities in this country. Keeping avenues open for change in those areas will send a message that everyone is wanted and welcomed.

Now let’s take a look at how other entrepreneurs have been affected by diversity and inclusion within their own businesses:

Ryan Williams, Co-Founder & CEO of Cadre

Cadre is an online marketplace that connects investors and operators of real estate. Cadre has also developed an innovative investing model, combining predictive analytics and institutional rigor with greater transparency and low fees. In honor of Black History Month, Cadre CEO Ryan Williams sat down with venture investor and longtime friend, Peter Boyce II to discuss diversity in tech, and their hopes for the future. Williams states “Resiliency, ambition, humility and giving back have all been important to me and instilled within me since my earliest days. When it comes to resiliency, I look at adversity not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to grow to expand what I personally think is possible. When it comes to ambition, it’s important to not let society’s expectations define you –don’t allow preconceived notions of what success looks like define what’s possible and what you can attain or imagine.

He also gave advice to young, minority entrepreneurs, stating “Sometimes, for people who haven’t had a direct example of success or don’t have a ton of resources, there can be conventionality in terms of what paths they choose. There is a tendency and a gravitational pull to less risk and take fewer chances. My view is that one of the best ways to get unconventional outcomes and uncommon results is to do unconventional things. So I always say, shoot for the stars, take chances, take risks, be ok being unconventional and be ok being different. The worst that can happen is that you’ll learn and grow from it. The best that can happen is that you can completely transform the trajectory of your life or others’ lives.”

Jessica Matthews, Founder & CEO of Uncharted Power

While a junior in college, Jessica Matthews co-created the Soccket, a soccer ball that can take the kinetic energy created from being tossed and kicked around and transform it into a renewable and portable energy source.

According to her Forbes interview, to us this may seem like a fun gadget. But to those living in “light poverty,” with no electricity or constant outages, this technology can be a game-changer. Matthews went on to start Uncharted Play to expand her product line into energy-producing jump ropes and skateboards. Uncharted provides both products and system-wide solutions that address the generation, transmission and storage of power for underserved communities.

“Uncharted Power is changing the narrative for how companies that build technology, in general, should look. And that’s a big thing for me. As a woman of color, it’s really important that we think about diversity not as charity, but as something that’s good for business. So, knowing that we are setting that example and suggesting an alternative is part of the overall technological revolution, is something that really, really excites me. As Uncharted Power continues this new chapter, I’m excited about taking thoughts and psychological ethos and applying it to technology. I’m excited to see how individuals react to what we’re building and how this affects their thoughts and their lives.”

Kimberly Bryant, Founder & Executive Director of Black Girls CODE

Black Girls CODE is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching African American girls about computer programming and digital technology through workshops and afterschool programs.

According to a recent Adobe interview, “Supporting pipeline programs like Black Girls Code can help the next generation of students access the skill sets they need to successfully fill these roles. The industry is changing rapidly; we can’t wait until high school to introduce these skills or we won’t have a diverse workforce to draw from.

 When asked about advice to companies trying to develop their diversity and inclusion efforts, Bryant stated, “I've been talking to a lot of different founders about this recently. So there are a few things. I think casting a wide net, and throwing away the sketch of what an ideal candidate should look like is important. So not only going into the places, beyond the normal places of recruiting, but also looking at different candidates that could possibly be successful at your company.” 

As we continue to grow, change, and bridge the gap of diversity and inclusion within the workplace, we celebrate the industry leaders that are paving the way for positive business development and economic initiatives in the minority communities.