Diversity may be a new word in our vocabulary, but we still have much work
ahead to confront biases and embrace the power of inclusion.
By Guclu Ozenci
Last month was busy for me and the tech community in the DMV area, as we organized two in-person events discussing significant issues across different industries. One of these events, however, was unique. It transcended industry verticals, geography, or business models, focusing instead on the human element: the concept of “being other.” For decades, people across the world have endured biases and exclusion, forming a culture where we often befriend, hire, and support those who look like ourselves. Diversity may be a new word in our vocabulary, but we have much work ahead to recognize and confront our biases. Today’s entrepreneurs, tackling pressing challenges and driving innovation, still encounter the same remnants of exclusion: being the “other.”
Entrepreneurs are inherently different. They take risks, challenge the status quo, and push boundaries—a journey that is never easy. Reflecting on the “being other” theme inspired me to get into this topic in this month’s issue.
I recently learned that diversity spans nine key pillars: age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, nationality, class, and ethnicity. These factors shape biases and lead to discrimination within each. For instance, only five Fortune 500 CEOs are black, and metrics for Asians, women, and other groups fare similarly poorly. At Amazon, 26% of the workforce is black, but only 8% hold management roles. At Apple, Black employees comprise 9% of the workforce but just 3% of leadership. Research further shows that while 91% of S&P 500 companies have diversity and inclusion (D&I) programs, only 14% have set diversity targets for managerial roles.
In his book See, Solve, Scale, Danny Warshay argues that teams with members from diverse backgrounds contribute unique skills, bring fresh perspectives, and achieve groundbreaking solutions. Provided there is inclusivity, these teams often outperform others, innovating effectively because they operate in an environment that fosters trust and encourages different viewpoints. When diverse team members feel empowered to share their unique experiences, the collective knowledge broadens, creating a powerful competitive advantage.
Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO of Chobani, urges companies facing labor shortages to hire refugees, noting, “You will have the most loyal and motivated workforce you have ever seen.” Refugees not only bring resilience but also fresh perspectives and cultural insights that drive innovation, disruption, and efficiency.
In the DMV region, we are fortunate to have both one of the nation’s highest levels of education and one of its most diverse populations. These assets allow us to succeed together if we can create a truly diverse and inclusive environment. Technology startups, in particular, need these different perspectives to spark innovation and stand out.
The Turkish-American community, while not categorized as underrepresented or disadvantaged, still faces the challenges associated with the nine diversity pillars. Though we may appear as part of the majority, our distinct experiences and cultural background mean we often do not feel fully included. This, however, is precisely why we should leverage our strengths and unique perspectives to enrich teams and thrive. The journey starts with supporting each other as a community—standing united and showcasing the incredible potential within the Turkish-American community. ■
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Guclu Ozenci, a renowned technology entrepreneur, boasts a career marked by blending business needs with tech innovations. With roles at Cisco, HP, and Vodafone, he honed his adeptness in operations and relationship building. In 2013, he cofounded a B2B SaaS startup, leading it to a 2020 acquisition. Currently, as the managing director at the Founder Institute in Washington, DC, Ozenci focuses on aiding pre-seed startups. He is launching Axent Ventures, specifically supporting immigrant founders, by providing capital, networks, and expertise, reflecting his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. Learn more about Ozenci here.
