Mandi Ford Argo is the Director of Tulsa at Venture For America, an initiative creating economic opportunity in American cities by mobilizing the next generation of entrepreneurs and equipping them with the skills and resources they need to create jobs. She focuses on driving economic development through entrepreneurship and is committed to collaboration, creative problem-solving, and influencing positive social change.
Before joining VFA, Mandi was the Events and Engagement Manager at The University of Texas at Austin's Department of Computer Science, where she supported fundraising efforts by overseeing relationships with companies and foundations that support research and development and student programs.
As business and entrepreneurship continue to evolve, studies have shown that DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) is crucial to organizational profitability and success. So, what are the benefits of DEI, and how can you incorporate diverse practices in your business?
According to Mandi Ford Argo, DEI promotes greater economic development by creating job opportunities for underrepresented people and providing them with the resources to launch a successful business. When fostering DEI in your hiring and operational processes, Mandi recommends pursuing mission-aligned organizations to recruit diverse candidates. It's also critical to develop a strategic onboarding process that encourages inclusion and psychological safety for employee retention. Venture For America recruits entrepreneurial fellows to build professional development and help them achieve their goals.
Join Mat Zalk in today's episode of The Same Day Podcast as he talks with Mandi Ford Argo, the Director of Tulsa at Venture For America, about implementing DEI strategies to recruit and retain diverse talent. Mandi explains the value of DEI in organizational development, how businesses can implement DEI in their hiring processes, and the characteristics of entrepreneurial success.
