As media debates continue nationwide about diversity in our workplaces, we should all be grateful many forward-thinking people work hard to find solutions to this issue. One recent startup has some lofty goals in place to make this possible for everyone. Toronto startup Ziversity aims to promote diversity in the workplace through a unique system that could truly make for a better world in every workplace.
It's no easy task by any means, though Ziversity founder Stefan Palios has some brilliant ideas behind his platform. In a recent interview on OutVisions.com, he says the best way to change a company's workforce is from within rather than the other way around.
This insight alone tells you a lot about how wrong other companies have seemingly gone about workforce diversity. Ziversity's approach would work through employee demands to make it more empowering for potential new hires.
Palios also addresses another problem so many companies have in finding diverse workers: They simply can't find them.
Let's take a closer look at how Ziversity plans to tackle this, background on the company, and the startup's future.
The Company's Backstory
Stefan Polios has two other founders with him at Ziversity, and they all have histories in Toronto, Canada. For Polios, he grew up in Southern Ontario, though eventually attended Yale where he studied Sociology, namely women, gender, and sexuality studies.
Later, he worked in management consulting, which brought him into dealing with people and cultures. Obviously, Polios's education and work background already qualified him to start Ziversity with an intelligent frame of mind.
His co-founders have similar resumes. Sibi Nathaniel SR studied at the University of Toronto and has considerable experience working in access-ability initiatives, plus a background working with disability issues.
Camilla Tabis also has a history at the University of Toronto where she studied computer and electrical engineering. She's a noted feminist who works hard to create more opportunities in tech for women.
Having these three at the helm of Ziversity helps make for a huge knowledge base that gives them considerable credibility in their field. So how does their platform work, and how will they grow the company?
How Ziversity Works
The site has a two-sided approach where they work with candidates to find them jobs, then work with companies to help them find the best employees. When candidates sign up at Ziversity, they get immediate access to companies embracing diversity in their work environments. Job-seekers then get job postings that pertain more closely to one's interests and skills.
Through Ziversity profiles, candidates can show proof to employers of their practical skills rather than having to send lengthy resumes.
Non-profit companies have many benefits here, including a wider network reach, corporate relationships, and enhanced branding opportunities.
In the above interview with Polios, he notes they've already succeeded at two things: Intersectionality and recruiting focus. Their platform allows each candidate to stay unique and play up being human rather than just being a category.
The Future of Ziversity
Through the earlier Polios interview, the founder notes one thing assuring Ziversity can succeed long-term. They're catering to millennials who prefer to see more diversity in the workforce. Plus, with a new emphasis on many companies wanting to do diversity as a strategy rather than a compliance initiative, it brings more legitimacy to diverse hiring.
Thanks to Stefan Polios's ubiquitous presence online, especially writing pieces about workplace diversity on places like LinkedIn, Ziversity has a strong foot in the door.
Now reaching 200 employers, they plan to reveal new features where educational information on candidates gets easier noticed by companies for a stronger incentive to hire.
As a Graduate of Founder Institute, we're proud to see Ziversity become yet another successful startup.
