Growing up, my dad taught me that the colour of my skin, my gender, and my tech skills were my superpowers. But when I entered the corporate world, I realised my superpowers often meant I wasn’t given a seat at the table. My opinions didn’t seem to matter as much as my male counterparts. My knowledge, skills, passion, and energy were not enough.
I saw this play out for many others, even more so in technology. Last year, working with remote communities, refugees, black founders and disability groups, I realised how big the gap was. There is a glaring lack of diverse representation on retail boards, in senior leadership, and in Ecommerce.
After speaking with Carmel Zein and seeing her face the same issues, we decided it was time to build a community focused on D&I in ecommerce. A community open to absolutely everyone, driving change by empowering underrepresented groups with access to opportunities as well as a network that celebrates the beauty of our differences, a safe place to learn from each other so that we can collectively shape a more equitable and inclusive future Ecommerce ecosystem for all.
I’m so excited to announce that this vision has finally come to life. 💫
Introducing DIP, Digital Inclusion Project, an initiative to empower underrepresented groups with access to digital resources, training and opportunities in ecommerce. We aim to bridge the digital divide, drive innovation through diversity, and build a more equitable and inclusive Ecommerce landscape.
When we first started sharing our idea, the amount of support we received was truly heartwarming, and as such, we have 15 amazing people as ambassadors who are supporting our work.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to these amazing leaders, Adele Peek, Felicia Coco, Rad Mitic, Tara Croker, MarcCharley, robgodwin, Kirsten Kore, Anaita Sarkar, Stacey Clarke, Priscilla Hajiantoni, Julie Mathers, Hannah Udina, Joshua Haines, Shane Lenton ❤️
I am so excited to be working with Carmel on this, a powerhouse, a woman with so many superpowers, who gets S&&t done.
How are we going to this?
We will be running events throughout the year as well as accelerator programs to support underrepresented communities looking to launch or grow an ecommerce business.
We know we can’t do this alone; if you are able to support us in any way through mentorship, sponsorship or tech support, please reach out; we’d love to chat.
You can find out more about DIP on our website.
BIO
Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.
