The New American Dream

We need to understand that a successful minority-owned business is the exception, not the norm. We need to understand that not all founders are created equal, and minorities — especially women — face more scrutiny as entrepreneurs than others. We need to encourage minorities to start their own businesses while we support their efforts through investment, mentorship and networks. We need to change the actual system.



There are grave imbalances that dictate failure for minority-owned businesses. Finding solutions is a formidable call to action, I know, but it’s one that is critical to the new Americandream.

Every statistic on the subject of entrepreneurship says that I am likely to fail on the secondAmerican dream. This is because as a woman of color, my ability to secure funding is severely hindered by the startup system.

While I was working in finance and IT, I lived in Harlem for a few years and engaged in the community as a volunteer teacher. My time there contrasted with my childhood, during which I was fortunate to always have access to good food. I saw that a household lack of quality food has far-reaching effects, and I wanted to do something to make the situation better formy neighbors. I started with small solutions, like petitioning for a community garden.

When my efforts failed to make any meaningful change, I thought about another approach. I knew I had the potential to head a successful company. So, I took a huge risk and quit my job to start Re-Nuble, which is a startup aiming to disrupt the food system and bring more affordable organic produce to everyone. Thus I started on the second American dream — start your own business.