Why I collaborated with Rainbow Push Coalition and BuildUp
I really didn’t want to write this, I started and stopped more times than I can count. I have had several different individuals repeatedly ask me: Why are you collaborating with the Rainbow Push Coalition and BuildUp? To enable me and my work to continue with integrity, I felt I needed to be public with my answer.
I have spent the past three years advocating for Latino/a tech entrepreneurs. We are great consumers of tech. In a Latinos family of four, we own six devices. We are on devices for longer, interacting with a variety of products and over index in usage of social media.
I believe that Latino/as in tech need to reflect the changing demographics in this country. We need to solve our own problems, with our know-how and expertise. Simply put we need to go from being passive consumers to proactive creators.
As the past President of the Latino Startup Alliance, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with lots of organizations and individuals of every sort of background. Folks who understand the opportunity that Latino/a tech entrepreneurs bring to the eco-system. Folks who understand that we are smart, dedicated tech makers who are making excellent products with a demand in the market. Our last names, hues of our skin and our accents do not matter. Our strength and savviness do. Rainbow Push Coalition and BuildUp are two organizations that understand this.
So when I suddenly started getting questioned around my involvement with Rainbow Push Coalition and BuildUp on behalf of Latino Startup Alliance, I was surprised. Under the guise of concern for my well-being, I ended up with conversations that were full of ill intent.
My colleagues are innovators creating impact and have market acceptance.
Some basic facts:
Just cause we have a common background as Latino/as I will not agree with you on your biased assumptions. I do not believe in zero-sum strategies.
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I do not believe that because I am working with two primarily African-American organizations that I am going to be used, abused, or have my work dismissed. When I have collaborated with primarily white-founded organizations, I have yet to be asked if they have treated me fairly.
I regard Rainbow Push Coalition and BuildUp to be colleagues who have common interests and goals.
Do not assume you can make racial commentary about how we (Latino/as) are different from them (African-Americans) without consequence. I like many Latino/as have a family that has a spectrum of skin colors. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, for example, reassembles my paternal grandmother and her siblings. And yes I know I have light skin privilege, but I also know I am of mixed heritage.
Here are the reasons why I choose to collaborate with Rainbow Push Coalition and BuildUp in the Push Tech 2020 Pitch Competition:
Rainbow Push Coalition asked me to participate. Rainbow Push Coalition respected my work and contributions.
Rainbow Push Coalition and BuildUp understand the importance of Latino/a tech entrepreneurs.
I enjoy working with people who walk their talk.
If you want to work with me to make opportunities for tech entrepreneurs who, regardless of background, want to solve our biggest issues, then contact me. I only ask that if you want my collaboration, please ask clearly. I cannot respond to unclear or muddled messages.
BUT if you want to create divisions or recycle racist tropes, please delete my contact information. The future I see is one where collaboration gets us all ahead by solving our most pressing problems. A future where the competition is fair.
I am thankful to Rainbow Push Coalition, BuildUp, Lesbians Who Tech, Code2040, L@tinos in Tech and many others for being great colleagues.
Deldelp Medina is the founder and CEO of Avión Ventures. Avion is a Latina focused pre-accelerator. This unique program is for U.S. born Latinas and Latin-Americanas. The eight week program is a combination of in person & virtual curriculum designed to grow the opportunities of Latinas in tech. We are based in San Francisco Bay Area with resources and mentors available to realize your objectives. ***Photo Credit: Butch Wing
