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In pursuit of a more diverse Portland startup scene: Include. Innovate. Invest. PORTLAND.

I’m a firm believer that, if the Portland startup scene is to truly take its place among other leading startup epicenters, it will only come with increased diversity in our companies. We’re making slight inroads here and there. But there’s much more to be done. That’s why the Portland Development Commission is looking to gather folks to get more going. Introducing Include. Innovate. Invest. PORTLAND.

PDC is dedicated to growing the next generation of leaders in our innovation economy. Portland’s future workforce will look very different from today’s workforce. We can expect our future disrupters to come from diverse backgrounds. Supporting and encouraging leaders from underrepresented populations will create mentors for the next generation workforce and ensure a robust and sustainable economic future for Portland.

Speakers include D’Wayne Edwards of Pensole, Marcelino Alvarez of Uncorked Studios, Michael Gray of GlobeSherpa, and Paola Moretto of Nouvola.

The even will be held at Puppet Labs on February 27, 2014. Doors at 5:30PM. Speakers begin at 6:00PM.

For more information or to register, visit Include. Innovate. Invest. PORTLAND.