Kiara Butler, then an educator, and two students Taliq Tillman and Taiwo Demola, entered Startup Weekend EDU with ideas from different focal points. However, they found common interest in tackling the same issue: the silencing of youth voice through the misrepresentation of their identities.
The team spent 54 hours brainstorming solutions that would bring the voices of marginalized populations to the forefront, completely dismantling traditional education.
Diversity Talks evolved into a limited liability company serving as a platform for youth voice with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Diversity Talks received its first financial investment from NewSchools Venture Fund, which supported the hiring of two full-time employees: Kiara Butler, CEO and Jenneya Bennett, Program Coordinator.
Diversity Talks expanded its services to 14 organizations across 6 states.
Diversity Talks raised $1.1M and expanded the team to 11 full-time employees.
Diversity Talks PD, Inc is a 501c3 organization continuing the work of the founding team.
Diversity Talks PD, Inc launched the first pilot of the Liberation & Activism Course - a credit bearing, semester-long course co-taught five days a week by a Diversity Talks Program Manager and licensed high school teacher.
