Identity & Ideation: The many faces of entrepreneurship in Scotland (Part 2) - Black History Month

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global narrative shifted with a sense of outrage and urgency following the murder of George Floyd on 25 May 2020. This event sparked protests around the world and brought issues of racism, equality and civil rights into the public arena in a way that hadn’t been seen in decades.

People from all walks of life were challenged to listen, learn and examine their own privilege, position and responsibilities in regard to diversity and inclusion in modern society.

Startup Grind Scotland is excited to announce the second in our series of events looking at diversity in business through the lens of different lived experiences, cultures, challenges, barriers and sensitivities. We want to examine how ‘identity’ shapes the motivation and professional journey of startup founders in Scotland.

How do personal circumstances, culture, race, gender, disability, family life, socio-economic background and external factors shape how people approach starting and growing a business within the Scottish entrepreneurial ecosystem?

In our second event, we will be joined by an incredible panel to discuss issues of race as we enter into Black History Month and celebrate the black leaders in our community who are inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

Briana Pegado FRSA is the Executive Director of Creative Edinburgh, a network for 4,800 creative businesses in Edinburgh and a Co-Director of Creative Informatics, a programme supporting data driven innovation in the Creative Industries.

In 2015 she was named one of Scotland's Top Ten Social Innovators by Third Force News and in 2016 ESAF was named an Inspiring Youth Enterprise by Social Enterprise Scotland. In 2017, Briana was named one of Scotland's 30 Under 30 Inspiring Young Women by YWCA Scotland - the Young Women's Movement.

In 2010, she helped set up the University of Edinburgh's first ever Black History Month and in 2014 became Edinburgh University Students' Association's (EUSA) first ever black woman President. 

Viana Maya is the Founder and CEO of pRESPECT, a career coaching startup focussed on mindset and employability support for marginalised jobseekers. Viana past experiences include a career as an entrepreneur in London, a web developer, a women returner getting back into work after the birth of her daughter as well as surviving homlessness. 

She also works with AAI EmployAbility as a Diversity & Inclusion consultant, helping businesses to navigate those waters through COVID & BLM. Viana is also part of the New Voices initiative from Napier University showcasing Black Asian and Minority Ethnic creative talent. 

Tynah Matembe & Helene Rodger are the founders of MoneyMatiX, a family-oriented company dedicated to delivering financial wellness and education. 

Tynah is a seasoned entrepreneur participating in running a 39-year-old family business. She’s a Saltire fellow, a chartered banker & a lawyer by training with extensive corporate experience in financial services & working internationally for United Nations.

Helene is a Saltire fellow with a background in Project Management and Mental Health. She has worked with young people most of her working life and her passion to see them succeed drives her to always come up with innovative ideas on how to support the next generation.

Who: Briana Pegado (Creative Edinburgh), Viana Maya (pRESPECT) & Tynah Matembe; Helene Rodger (MoneyMatiX)

When: Wed 21 October 2020

Time: 6.30-8.30pm

Where: Zoom!

Bonus extras: Community shout-outs, Slido Q&A and Twitter competition!