Pioneering Diversity In Tech: Tamara Gilmer, Visionary Entrepreneur

Tamara Gilmer is a social entrepreneur and the founder of the digitalundivided, a venture capital firm that invests in companies led by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs.

Gilmer's work is important because it helps to address the lack of diversity in the tech industry. Black and Latinx entrepreneurs face a number of barriers to success, including lack of access to capital, mentorship, and networks. Gilmer's firm provides these entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed, and her work is helping to create a more inclusive tech industry.

In addition to her work with digitalundivided, Gilmer is also a frequent speaker and writer on the topics of diversity and inclusion in tech. She has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and The New York Times, and she has spoken at events such as SXSW and TEDx.

tamara gilmer

Tamara Gilmer is a social entrepreneur and the founder of digitalundivided, a venture capital firm that invests in companies led by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. Gilmer's work is important because it helps to address the lack of diversity in the tech industry. Black and Latinx entrepreneurs face a number of barriers to success, including lack of access to capital, mentorship, and networks. Gilmer's firm provides these entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed, and her work is helping to create a more inclusive tech industry.

• Founder: Gilmer is the founder of digitalundivided, a venture capital firm that invests in companies led by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs.
• Investor: Gilmer is an investor in over 100 companies, including Allbirds, Blavity, and Codecademy.
• Advocate: Gilmer is a frequent speaker and writer on the topics of diversity and inclusion in tech. She has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and The New York Times, and she has spoken at events such as SXSW and TEDx.
• Philanthropist: Gilmer is the founder of the digitalundivided Foundation, which provides grants to organizations that are working to increase diversity in the tech industry.
• Mentor: Gilmer is a mentor to many Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. She provides them with advice and support on everything from fundraising to product development.
• Leader: Gilmer is a leader in the tech industry. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Venture Capital Association and the Kauffman Fellows Program.

Gilmer's work is important because it is helping to create a more inclusive tech industry. She is a role model for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, and she is working to change the face of the tech industry.

Name:	Tamara Gilmer
Occupation:	Social entrepreneur and investor
Company:	digitalundivided
Website:	https://digitalundivided.com/

Founder

Tamara Gilmer has a deep understanding of the challenges that Black and Latinx entrepreneurs face when trying to raise capital. As the founder of digitalundivided, she is using her knowledge and experience to help level the playing field for these entrepreneurs.

• The importance of representation: Gilmer is one of the few Black women venture capitalists in the United States. Her success is an inspiration to other Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, and her work is helping to change the face of the tech industry.
• The power of investing in underrepresented founders: Studies have shown that companies founded by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs are more likely to be successful than companies founded by white entrepreneurs. Gilmer's investments are helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry, which will benefit everyone.
• The need for more venture capital investment in companies led by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs: Black and Latinx entrepreneurs receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. Gilmer's work is helping to address this disparity, and she is encouraging other venture capitalists to invest in these entrepreneurs.

Gilmer's work is important because it is helping to create a more inclusive tech industry. She is a role model for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, and she is working to change the face of the tech industry.

Investor

As an investor, Tamara Gilmer has a unique perspective on the tech industry. She has seen firsthand the challenges that Black and Latinx entrepreneurs face when trying to raise capital. She has also seen the potential of these entrepreneurs to create successful businesses. Gilmer's investments are helping to level the playing field for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, and she is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.

One of the most important things that Gilmer looks for in an investment is the founder's passion and commitment. She believes that the best entrepreneurs are those who are driven by a mission to make a difference in the world. Gilmer also looks for entrepreneurs who have a strong understanding of their market and a clear plan for how they will grow their business.

Gilmer's investments have had a significant impact on the tech industry. Allbirds, Blavity, and Codecademy are all successful companies that are led by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. These companies are creating jobs, generating revenue, and making a positive impact on the world.

Gilmer's work is important because it is helping to create a more inclusive tech industry. She is an inspiration to Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, and she is working to change the face of the tech industry.

Advocate

Tamara Gilmer is a leading voice on the topics of diversity and inclusion in tech. She uses her platform to speak out about the challenges that Black and Latinx entrepreneurs face, and she advocates for policies that will create a more inclusive tech industry.

Gilmer's advocacy work is important because it is helping to raise awareness of the lack of diversity in the tech industry. She is also helping to change the narrative around diversity and inclusion. Gilmer is not just talking about the problem; she is also offering solutions. She is working with other organizations to create programs that will help to increase the number of Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in the tech industry.

Gilmer's work is having a real impact. She is helping to create a more inclusive tech industry, and she is inspiring other Black and Latinx entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.

Here are some examples of Gilmer's advocacy work:

• In 2015, Gilmer testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business on the challenges that Black and Latinx entrepreneurs face.
• In 2016, Gilmer was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
• In 2017, Gilmer launched the digitalundivided Fund, which provides grants to organizations that are working to increase diversity in the tech industry.

Gilmer's advocacy work is making a difference. She is helping to create a more inclusive tech industry, and she is inspiring other Black and Latinx entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.

Philanthropist

Tamara Gilmer is a philanthropist who is passionate about increasing diversity in the tech industry. In 2012, she founded the digitalundivided Foundation, which provides grants to organizations that are working to increase the number of Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in the tech industry.

The digitalundivided Foundation has awarded over $1 million in grants to organizations such as Black Girls CODE, Code2040, and the National Center for Women & Information Technology. These organizations are working to provide Black and Latinx entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to succeed in the tech industry.

Gilmer's philanthropy is making a difference in the tech industry. The organizations that she supports are helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry, which will benefit everyone.

Here are some examples of the impact that the digitalundivided Foundation is having:

• Black Girls CODE has used digitalundivided Foundation grants to provide coding classes to over 1,000 Black girls.
• Code2040 has used digitalundivided Foundation grants to provide mentorship and training to over 1,000 Black and Latinx tech professionals.
• The National Center for Women & Information Technology has used digitalundivided Foundation grants to research the barriers that women face in the tech industry and to develop programs to address these barriers.

Gilmer's philanthropy is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. She is an inspiration to other philanthropists and to everyone who is working to create a more just and equitable world.

Mentor

Tamara Gilmer is a role model and mentor for many Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. She provides them with the advice and support they need to succeed in the tech industry.

• Providing access to networks and resources: Gilmer's mentorship provides Black and Latinx entrepreneurs with access to her network of investors, mentors, and other resources. This can be invaluable for entrepreneurs who are just starting out and need help getting their businesses off the ground.
• Offering guidance and support: Gilmer provides her mentees with guidance and support on everything from fundraising to product development. She helps them to develop their business plans, pitch their ideas to investors, and overcome the challenges that they face.
• Encouraging innovation and creativity: Gilmer encourages her mentees to be innovative and creative. She challenges them to think outside the box and come up with new ideas that can change the world.
• Fostering a sense of community: Gilmer creates a sense of community among her mentees. She hosts regular events and workshops where they can connect with each other and share their experiences.

Gilmer's mentorship is making a difference in the lives of Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. She is helping them to start and grow successful businesses, and she is inspiring them to make a positive impact on the world.

Leader

Tamara Gilmer is a leader in the tech industry. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Venture Capital Association and the Kauffman Fellows Program. These positions give her a unique perspective on the tech industry and allow her to influence the direction of the industry.

Gilmer's leadership is important because she is a role model for other Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. She shows them that it is possible to be successful in the tech industry, and she inspires them to pursue their dreams. Gilmer is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She works to create opportunities for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, and she speaks out against racism and sexism in the industry.

Gilmer's leadership is making a difference in the tech industry. She is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive industry, and she is inspiring the next generation of tech leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tamara Gilmer

Tamara Gilmer is a social entrepreneur and investor who is passionate about increasing diversity in the tech industry. She is the founder of digitalundivided, a venture capital firm that invests in companies led by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. Gilmer is also a philanthropist, advocate, mentor, and leader in the tech industry.

Question 1: What is Tamara Gilmer's background?

Tamara Gilmer is a social entrepreneur and investor. She has a background in technology and finance. She founded digitalundivided in 2012 to address the lack of diversity in the tech industry.

Question 2: What is digitalundivided?

digitalundivided is a venture capital firm that invests in companies led by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. The firm provides these entrepreneurs with the capital, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed.

Question 3: What is Gilmer's role in the tech industry?

Gilmer is a leader in the tech industry. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Venture Capital Association and the Kauffman Fellows Program. She is also a frequent speaker and writer on the topics of diversity and inclusion in tech.

Question 4: What are Gilmer's goals?

Gilmer's goals are to increase diversity in the tech industry and to create a more inclusive tech industry. She wants to make it easier for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs to start and grow successful businesses.

Question 5: What are Gilmer's accomplishments?

Gilmer has accomplished a great deal in her career. She has founded digitalundivided, which has invested in over 100 companies led by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. She is also a leading voice on the topics of diversity and inclusion in tech. Her work has helped to raise awareness of the lack of diversity in the tech industry and has helped to create a more inclusive tech industry.

Question 6: What can we learn from Tamara Gilmer?

We can learn a lot from Tamara Gilmer. She is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and leader. She is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech. Her work is making a difference in the tech industry and is inspiring others to create a more just and equitable world.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought:

Tamara Gilmer is a remarkable woman who is making a significant impact on the tech industry. She is a role model for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and an inspiration to everyone who is working to create a more diverse and inclusive world.

Transition to the next article section:

Learn more about Tamara Gilmer's work at digitalundivided.

Tips from Tamara Gilmer for aspiring entrepreneurs

Tamara Gilmer, founder and CEO of digitalundivided, has dedicated her career to increasing diversity in the tech industry. She has provided valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those who are Black and Latinx, to help them succeed in their ventures.

Tip 1: Identify a problem you're passionate about solving.

Successful businesses often stem from identifying a problem that the founder is personally passionate about solving. This passion will fuel your motivation and drive you to overcome challenges.

Tip 2: Research your market and competition thoroughly.

Before launching your business, conduct thorough research to understand your target market and competitive landscape. This will help you develop a clear value proposition and differentiate your product or service.

Tip 3: Build a strong and diverse team.

Surround yourself with talented individuals who possess diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. A diverse team fosters innovation, creativity, and resilience.

Tip 4: Seek mentorship and support from experienced entrepreneurs.

Connect with experienced entrepreneurs who can provide guidance, support, and insights. Mentors can help you navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and accelerate your progress.

Tip 5: Be persistent and resilient.

Building a successful business requires perseverance and resilience. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or failures. Learn from your mistakes, adapt your strategies, and never give up on your vision.

Tip 6: Give back to your community.

As your business grows, consider ways to give back to your community. This could involve supporting organizations that align with your mission, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, or investing in initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

By following these tips from Tamara Gilmer, aspiring entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success. Her advice emphasizes the importance of passion, research, collaboration, mentorship, perseverance, and social responsibility.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

Tamara Gilmer's contributions to the tech industry and her dedication to promoting diversity serve as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. Her insights and guidance empower aspiring entrepreneurs to tackle challenges, create innovative solutions, and make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

Tamara Gilmer's contributions to the tech industry are profound and far-reaching. Her unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion has transformed the landscape of entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for underrepresented founders. Through her leadership at digitalundivided and her philanthropic endeavors, she has empowered countless Black and Latinx entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and bring innovative solutions to the world.

Gilmer's legacy extends beyond her individual accomplishments. She has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to embrace diversity and social impact as guiding principles. Her work has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of representation and equity in tech, paving the way for a more just and inclusive industry. As we look to the future, Gilmer's vision will continue to inspire and guide entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers alike, ensuring that the tech industry becomes a reflection of the diverse world we live in.