We all succeed when there’s a level playing field for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Voatz is proud to join a group of 113 minority-led startups and business organizations to urge the United States Patent and Trademark Office and National Council for Expanding American Innovation to build a better innovation ecosystem that is inclusive and supports all Americans equally.
The ability for immigrants to innovate and lead in this country are integral to the fabric of American excellence. This moment is a real opportunity to build a brighter future for innovation, one that welcomes more communities and underrepresented groups. Voatz is intimately aware of the challenges underserved populations face through our advocacy for voter access. For these groups, the structural reality is that they face more barriers, opportunities remain out of reach, and we must recognize that their obstacles deny them a seat at the table.
When underserved communities are prevented from thriving and building solutions, it’s the nation’s loss. Society’s most urgent problems remain unrecognized and unresolved. The lived experience that many of our peers bring to our organizations is invaluable. Voatz was born because its founders, as children, saw voter coercion first-hand, and intimately know the barriers voters face in casting their ballots. Experiences like these fuel our desire to build a better world that is representative of marginalized communities.
The time to build towards a more equitable world is now. We applaud USPTO and NCEAI for their initiative and look forward to working with you.
To read the letter calling on the government to advance diversity in innovation at this link.