Our Takeaways from BlackWeek: Supporting Ebony Young’s Vision for Empowering Underrepresented Founders in Queens
As founders of WERULE, Camille Jalandoni and I, Justyna Kedra, are constantly on the lookout for initiatives that empower underrepresented entrepreneurs, particularly those in tech. We were excited to attend BlackWeek—an event that celebrates Black innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in New York City. Our attendance was particularly meaningful as we supported Ebony Young, the Deputy Borough President of Queens, NY, who was leading a powerful discussion about the launch of a global tech hub in Queens designed to support underrepresented founders.
At BlackWeek, we had the opportunity to hear from notable industry figures, including Chinedu Echeruo, Randolph F. Wiggins, and Allen T. Lamb, who joined Ebony in discussing the critical role that access to growth tools, resources, and mentorship plays in helping underserved founders scale their businesses. The event underscored the need for more inclusive ecosystems in the tech world and gave us fresh insights into how we, as founders, can contribute to this important movement.
Ebony Young’s Vision for a Global Tech Hub in Queens
One of the most significant takeaways from the panel was Ebony Young's vision for a global tech hub in Queens. As the borough of Queens continues to grow as a diverse community, it is poised to become a hub of innovation. However, the challenge remains: many talented underrepresented founders face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing the resources, mentorship, and funding they need to thrive.
Ebony’s plan to build a global tech hub in Queens aims to address these very challenges. The goal is to provide underrepresented tech entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to scale their businesses, from access to capital to mentorship programs that connect them with experienced leaders in the tech space. This initiative is a critical step in ensuring that the future of tech is diverse and inclusive, and it aligns perfectly with WERULE’s mission to amplify marginalized voices and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
The Need for Inclusive Tech Ecosystems
As entrepreneurs ourselves, we know firsthand the power of access. Whether it’s securing funding, finding the right mentors, or developing skills necessary for growth, the right resources can make or break a startup. Yet, many underrepresented founders continue to face barriers in accessing these crucial tools, particularly in the tech industry. Research consistently shows that Black and Latino founders receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital investment, despite the fact that they often lead some of the most innovative startups.
Ebony’s global tech hub proposal is addressing this gap by ensuring that entrepreneurs of color in Queens will have equal access to the resources they need to build successful tech companies. The initiative focuses not only on financial support but also on creating a sustainable ecosystem where founders can connect with each other, build networks, and collaborate on solutions that drive innovation.
Key Elements of the Global Tech Hub
The global tech hub in Queens will offer founders in underserved communities access to a variety of tools designed to help them succeed. These include:
Funding Opportunities: Many underrepresented founders struggle to secure funding for their businesses. This tech hub will connect entrepreneurs with investors who are focused on diversifying their portfolios and supporting businesses with high growth potential.
Mentorship Programs: The global tech hub will feature a robust mentorship program that pairs emerging founders with experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders. These relationships will provide valuable guidance, helping founders navigate common pitfalls and scale their businesses more effectively.
Skill-Building Resources: From coding bootcamps to leadership workshops, the tech hub will offer comprehensive skill-building programs tailored to the needs of tech entrepreneurs. These resources will help founders strengthen their technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership abilities.
Collaboration with Global Networks: The tech hub will foster collaboration between Queens-based entrepreneurs and international partners, opening the door to global markets. This exposure will be crucial for startups looking to scale beyond local markets and attract global customers.
Community Engagement: The hub will also place a strong emphasis on building a community-oriented ecosystem, where entrepreneurs can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and support one another through shared experiences.
The Role of BlackWeek in Shaping the Future of Tech
BlackWeek is a vital platform for discussing Black entrepreneurship and innovation, bringing together diverse voices and thought leaders who are driving change. The event provided an opportunity for founders like us to learn from and connect with people who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the tech world.
During the event, we were particularly inspired by how BlackWeek has become a space for highlighting and addressing issues that affect underrepresented entrepreneurs. The discussions at BlackWeek focus not only on the success stories but also on the challenges that many founders face—and most importantly, how to overcome them. As a platform, BlackWeek is instrumental in promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and diversity in tech, and it was an honor to be part of such a transformative event.
What We Took Away from the Panel Discussion
Attending Ebony Young’s panel was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating inclusive spaces for underrepresented founders in tech. Diversity in tech isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical component of building a stronger, more innovative industry. Here are our key takeaways from the panel:
The Tech Industry Must Be More Inclusive: To drive real innovation, we must ensure that all voices are heard. Founders from underrepresented communities bring unique perspectives that can shape the future of technology. The creation of tech hubs like the one proposed in Queens is an important step toward achieving this inclusivity.
Community-Led Innovation: It’s not enough to simply provide funding or mentorship; there needs to be a community-driven approach to helping entrepreneurs scale. Creating a collaborative ecosystem where founders can learn from one another is crucial for fostering long-term success.
Action is Key: While discussions are important, actionable steps are what lead to real change. Ebony Young’s commitment to creating a tech hub in Queens is a prime example of how taking action can drive lasting impact for underrepresented founders.
Our Commitment to Empowering Entrepreneurs
At WERULE, we are inspired by initiatives like the global tech hub in Queens, which work to bridge the gap for underrepresented founders in tech. Our platform is dedicated to amplifying voices that are often overlooked and providing access to the resources they need to succeed. We continue to build WERULE as a space where diverse entrepreneurscan connect, collaborate, and grow.
Ebony Young’s work in Queens aligns with our mission, and we are excited to continue supporting efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable tech industry. We believe that by empowering founders from diverse backgrounds, we can drive innovation, create economic opportunities, and build a stronger, more inclusive tech ecosystem for the future.
Final Thoughts
Our experience at BlackWeek was incredibly inspiring, and we left feeling motivated to continue our work in supporting underrepresented founders. We are excited about the potential of the global tech hub in Queens and look forward to seeing how it will transform the entrepreneurial landscape in the borough—and beyond.
As founders of WERULE, we are committed to building a platform that elevates underrepresented voices and fosters a more inclusive tech ecosystem. Together, we can create a future where all founders have the opportunity to thrive and drive meaningful change.
The future of tech is diverse, and we’re proud to be part of the movement.
Inspired & Ready to Level Up? Get A Mentor, Change Your Life.
After immersing yourself in the transformative stories of visionary female founders on WERULE, it’s time to elevate your journey to new heights. Imagine a world where ambition meets unparalleled guidance—our network of advisors is your gateway to that reality. Handpicked for their brilliance and success, these mentors are ready to empower you with strategic insights and bespoke support tailored to your aspirations. Don’t just dream big; take action and connect with the minds that are shaping the future. Your empire awaits—explore our advisors and unleash your potential!
Or click here to learn more about our work as we’re on a mission to make mentorship accessible to everyone around the world.
