Cassie Betts is the founder of District2.Co, a technology company that connects brands/designers with factories to streamline the manufacturing process, and Made In South LA (MISLA), a DevShop Academy. Hear how Cassie went from being homeless to being called “The Woman Turning South LA into Startup Land” by Forbes. You'll hear How she went from coding her first computer game at 9 to being homeless at 19, and how she turned that all around. How do you help protect the poor from being displaced through gentrification? Why more money should be spent on technology bootcamps instead of other diversity initiatives.Note: This episode uses includes explicit language and includes some difficult topics about Cassie’s past that may be uncomfortable for some listeners. Please use your discretion.Do you enjoy Innovation For All? Help others find us easily by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcasting platform. Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

Paul Tasner, Co-founder and CEO of PulpWorks and more recently, Co-founder of Sort, has more than 40 years of operations experience. He has held leadership positions in ventures ranging from start-up to Fortune 100. For the past decade, his focus has been on sustainability. Paul’s corporate affiliations include The Clorox Company, Clif Bar, Method Products, and Hepagen Vaccines. He has authored numerous papers and presentations on supply chain sustainability and currently lectures on this subject in the MBA Programs at San Francisco State University and Golden Gate University as well as the Packaging Engineering Department at San Jose State University. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Boston University.In this episode you will learn:How PulpWorks manufactures packaging for consumer goods using fiber wasteThe story of Paul Tasner starting his first business at age 66The perks of being your own boss as an entrepreneurThe specific challenges PulpWorks faces in securing new customersHow to pursue investors in the competitive city of San FranciscoCritical questions to consider for people nearing retirement that want to start a businessHow recycling is an answer but not the answerWhy Paul is envious of the millennial mindsetHow rejecting plastic can make a differenceWhat Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is and how EPR regulations could impact societyPaul’s new tech-based recycling businessGet shownotes for this an every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

Jimmy Chen is the Founder and CEO of Propel, a software company that aims to fight poverty through technology. They are the creators of the Fresh EBT mobile app, which enables EBT cardholders to manage their benefits, save money through grocery coupons, and find jobs. Fresh EBT is used by over 2 million low-income Americans across the country. In this episode of Innovation For All Podcast, Sheana learns why Jimmy decided to start Propel and use the tools of Silicon Valley to address social issues around poverty.In this episode you will learn:Why Jimmy Chen decided to focus on building tech for low income familiesWhat is Propel and Fresh EBTWhy start with the food stamp program to battle povertyHow does Propel get the experience and empathy to solve problems they might not understandWhat is the process for getting usable information from usersWhat are the logistical and general obstacles faced by Propel and how are they overcomeWhat are some misconceptions about the food stamp programWhere else can the private sector make a difference and what are the challengesGet show notes for this an every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.Original air date: 8/21/19Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

In this episode you will learn:How the civil rights movement impacted the growth of McDonald’s in black AmericaHow McDonald’s utilized black-centered marketing strategies to fuel advertisementsThe pros and cons to working in a franchiseHow the fast food industry was seen as a win for low-income communities initiallyHow black-run McDonald’s franchises pooled resources to benefit the communityThe differences of how white and black America viewed McDonald’s and its impact on advertisingHow racist systems use black entrepreneurship as a way to avoid addressing racismCOVID-19: Challenges to the food justice movement and what environmental racism isCorona virus: What are the limits of the private sector?Experience and complexities of black franchise ownersHow to reframe historical storytelling to highlight the community rather than the businessFranchise is available now wherever books are sold.Get shownotes for this and every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.

In this episode you will learn:How the CEO started Amplio Recruiting and why?What were some of the challenges in starting the business?How are companies vetted to ensure that the refugees are protected?What are the assumptions about the refugee community and are they true?What are the challenges with finding opportunities for women refugees?What is Amplio Ventures?What are some of the success stories?How has this work in diversity and inclusion influenced his personal views?Learn more about Amplio Recruiting at https://ampliorecruiting.com/. Get shownotes for this and every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.

Two years after her revenge porn nightmare began, Darieth Chisolm won the case against her ex-boyfriend. Should tech companies make it harder to weaponize their platforms against women?In this episode you will learn:About Darieth's personal experience with revenge pornHer challenge of taking legal action outside of the U.S.The impact of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)Examples of first steps on how victims can take legal actionObstacles to taking down nude content that is published onlineA brief history of policies like the SHIELD Act and Enough ActHow Freedom of Speech should not apply when it is enacted with the intent to do harmThe pervasiveness of victim shaming and victim blamingThe importance of parents having conversations about nude photos with their childrenResources for victims of revenge porn (linked below)How Darieth is supporting victims todayLinks and mentions:50 Shades of Silence DocumentarySHIELD ActEnough ActSpeakServeSoar.com membershipCyber Crimes Act of 2015 in Jamaicawww.50shadesofsilence.com/Candi CastleberryDMCA.comChe Pinkerton Connect with Darieth:TwitterLinkedInWebsiteYouTubeDid you enjoy this episode? Text it to a friend or tag us on Twitter at @inforallpodcast.Please note: this episode was recorded before the COVID-19 Pandemic and the George Floyd protests.

Can AI really change the world? Or are its developing algorithms formalizing social injustice? When these highly-technical systems derive patterns from existing datasets, their models can perpetuate past mistakes.In this episode of the Innovation For All Podcast, Sheana Ahlqvist discusses with David Robinson the threats of social bias and discrimination becoming embedded in Artificial Intelligence.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:What is the role of technological advances in shaping society?What is the difference between Machine Learning vs. Artificial Intelligence?Social Justice Implications of TechnologyWhat are the limitations of finding patterns in previous data?How does should government regulate new, highly technical systems?The need for more resources and more thoughtfulness in regulating dataExamples of data-driven issues in the private sector.Removing skepticism of regulatory agencies in examining data models.Authorities should remember that there are limits to what AI models can do.David is the co-founder of Upturn and currently a Visiting Scientist at the AI Policy and Practice Initiative in Cornell’s College of Computing and Information Science. David touches on how government regulatory agencies should examine new AI models and systems, especially as the technology continues to creep its way into our day-to-day lives. David discusses the importance of “ground truthing.” David emphasizes looking at a technology’s capabilities and limits before deciding on whether decision makers should implement it.Get shownotes for this an every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.Original air date: 12/26/18Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

"Set the market and work when and how you like. You have complete control." At least that is what gig economy companies like Uber would have you believe. In this episode of the Innovation For All podcast, Sheana speaks with Marshall Steinbaum, Assistant Professor of Economics at University of Utah, to talk about the pitfalls of the gig economy. Find out how employers can have control over the workforce without being a monopoly and how gig workers may be getting the short end of the stick.You’ll learn:Why did Uber driver’s strike?What makes the gig economy examples more complex?What is the difference between the gig economy labor and employment relationships?What should an independent contractor relationship look like?What are the markers of employer and employee relationships as opposed to independent contractor relationship?How does antitrust factor in to these issues?Proposed solutions to the gig economy and labor lawsHow these companies exercise control over their underrepresented workersDo you know someone who is concerned about the rise of the gig economy? Text them a link to this episode. You are the reason our movement is growing.Get shownotes for this an every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

You'll learnHow contract workers are essential in aiding AIs and search enginesExamples of a ghost work in everyday technologyHow the tech industry often devalues contract employeesWhat data labeling isWhat a ghost worker's daily schedule looks likeHow the growing telehealth industry is a prime example of under-appreciated, yet essential contract workThe three elements that undermine job happinessHow business are benefiting from contract workersThe growing challenges of moving towards more contract-driven businessWhy we should mind the gap rather than close the gapHow the pandemic is demonstrating the value of contract and ghost workWhat are the limits of tech and where does human creativity and spontaneity become irreplaceableLinks and MentionsLead GeniusAmaraBarbara GroszMark SendakGhostwork.infoConnect with Mary:TwitterWebsite

Host Sheana Ahlqvist speaks with Hans Jørgen Wiberg, founder of Be My Eyes, a free mobile app that connects blind and visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers through live video calls. Wiberg explains how Be My Eyes works, how he monetized an app while keeping it free for both sides of the marketplace, and how important it is to consider how blind people interact with the world around them when designing products and services. You’ll learn: What is microvolunteering? What is Be My Eyes and how does it work? How can we design products so that they are more accessible to the blind? How can one monetize and keep sustainable a product or service, especially one that is designed for a low-income population, without charging users? What are some challenges facing Be My Eyes and similar apps in their efforts to support specific populations worldwide? Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know on Twitter @inforallpodcast.

Sally Hubbard is Director of Enforcement Strategy at Open Markets Institute. Learn whether giant tech companies are building monopolies (spoiler alert: they are) and why that unfair advantage matters. In this episode, you’ll learn:What is Antitrust law?Is fake news an antitrust problem?How monopolies amplify inequalityWhat would it look like to unmonopolize big tech companies?Get shownotes for this and every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

In this episode you will learn:How the CEO started Amplio Recruiting and why?What were some of the challenges in starting the business?How are companies vetted to ensure that the refugees are protected?What are the assumptions about the refugee community and are they true?What are the challenges with finding opportunities for women refugees?What is Amplio Ventures?What are some of the success stories?How has this work in diversity and inclusion influenced his personal views?Learn more about Amplio Recruiting at https://ampliorecruiting.com/. Get shownotes for this and every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.

In this episode you will learn:About the immense diversity of need within the disability communityHow ride share services can either be beneficial or challenging depending on different disabilitiesExamples of both simple and highly extensive modifications to vehicles that accommodate physical disabilitiesHow certain populations with disabilities could benefit from autonomous vehiclesWhat types of mechanical challenges for people with disabilities could be the same even in an autonomous vehicleHow disability advocates are working with automotive manufactures to be more inclusive in the early stages of vehicle developmentHow echolocation could be a model for the blind community to locate their carHow ride sharing will fundamentally shift the automotive market to accommodate disabilitiesHow we can build better data sets around people with disabilitiesLinks and mentions:Hans Wiberg, Founder of Be My EyesOriginal Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)Haben GirmaConnect with Henry:LinkedIn

Did you enjoy this episode? Text it to a friend or tag us on Twitter at @inforallpodcast.Please note: this episode was recorded before the COVID-19 Pandemic and the George Floyd protests.

Two years after her revenge porn nightmare began, Darieth Chisolm won the case against her ex-boyfriend. Should tech companies make it harder to weaponize their platforms against women?In this episode you will learn:About Darieth's personal experience with revenge pornHer challenge of taking legal action outside of the U.S.The impact of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)Examples of first steps on how victims can take legal actionObstacles to taking down nude content that is published onlineA brief history of policies like the SHIELD Act and Enough ActHow Freedom of Speech should not apply when it is enacted with the intent to do harmThe pervasiveness of victim shaming and victim blamingThe importance of parents having conversations about nude photos with their childrenResources for victims of revenge porn (linked below)How Darieth is supporting victims todayLinks and mentions:50 Shades of Silence DocumentarySHIELD ActEnough ActSpeakServeSoar.com membershipCyber Crimes Act of 2015 in Jamaicawww.50shadesofsilence.com/Candi CastleberryDMCA.comChe Pinkerton Connect with Darieth:TwitterLinkedInWebsiteYouTubeDid you enjoy this episode? Text it to a friend or tag us on Twitter at @inforallpodcast.Please note: this episode was recorded before the COVID-19 Pandemic and the George Floyd protests.

You'll learnHow contract workers are essential in aiding AIs and search enginesExamples of a ghost work in everyday technologyHow the tech industry often devalues contract employeesWhat data labeling isWhat a ghost worker's daily schedule looks likeHow the growing telehealth industry is a prime example of under-appreciated, yet essential contract workThe three elements that undermine job happinessHow business are benefiting from contract workersThe growing challenges of moving towards more contract-driven businessWhy we should mind the gap rather than close the gapHow the pandemic is demonstrating the value of contract and ghost workWhat are the limits of tech and where does human creativity and spontaneity become irreplaceableLinks and MentionsLead GeniusAmaraBarbara GroszMark SendakGhostwork.infoConnect with Mary:TwitterWebsite

In this episode you will learn:How the civil rights movement impacted the growth of McDonald’s in black AmericaHow McDonald’s utilized black-centered marketing strategies to fuel advertisementsThe pros and cons to working in a franchiseHow the fast food industry was seen as a win for low-income communities initiallyHow black-run McDonald’s franchises pooled resources to benefit the communityThe differences of how white and black America viewed McDonald’s and its impact on advertisingHow racist systems use black entrepreneurship as a way to avoid addressing racismCOVID-19: Challenges to the food justice movement and what environmental racism isCorona virus: What are the limits of the private sector?Experience and complexities of black franchise ownersHow to reframe historical storytelling to highlight the community rather than the businessFranchise is available now wherever books are sold.Get shownotes for this and every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast.

Caroline Criado Perez is a writer, journalist and feminist campaigner. She has written two books: Do It Like A Woman and Invisible Women. In her most recent book Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men she describes how very old data bias can affect women today. In this episode, Sheana learns about the different ways data bias is affecting women today, from trivial things such as phone size to not so trivial things such as seat belt safety. Caroline tells all this and more in this episode of Innovation For All Podcast. In this episode you will learn: What is male default thinking? What are the consequences in tech? Why the market is so bad at providing for women? What is low hanging fruit for those of us who want to make money by providing solutions for women? A stove example of male default thinking. What can entrepreneurs and consumers do about these issues? Get shownotes for this and every episode at innovationforallcast.com. Did you enjoy this episode? Tag us on Twitter @inforallpodcast. Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

"Set the market and work when and how you like. You have complete control." At least that is what gig economy companies like Uber would have you believe. In this episode of the Innovation For All podcast, Sheana speaks with Marshall Steinbaum, Assistant Professor of Economics at University of Utah, to talk about the pitfalls of the gig economy. Find out how employers can have control over the workforce without being a monopoly and how gig workers may be getting the short end of the stick. You’ll learn: Why did Uber driver’s strike?What makes the gig economy examples more complex?What is the difference between the gig economy labor and employment relationships?What should an independent contractor relationship look like?What are the markers of employer and employee relationships as opposed to independent contractor relationship?How does antitrust factor in to these issues?Proposed solutions to the gig economy and labor lawsHow these companies exercise control over their underrepresented workers Do you know someone who is concerned about the rise of the gig economy? Text them a link to this episode. You are the reason our movement is growing. Get shownotes for this an every episode at innovationforallcast.com or find us on Twitter @inforallpodcast. Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support

Host Sheana Ahlqvist speaks with Hans Jørgen Wiberg, founder of Be My Eyes, a free mobile app that connects blind and visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers through live video calls. Wiberg explains how Be My Eyes works, how he monetized an app while keeping it free for both sides of the marketplace, and how important it is to consider how blind people interact with the world around them when designing products and services. You’ll learn: What is microvolunteering? What is Be My Eyes and how does it work?How can we design products so that they are more accessible to the blind?How can one monetize and keep sustainable a product or service, especially one that is designed for a low-income population, without charging users?What are some challenges facing Be My Eyes and similar apps in their efforts to support specific populations worldwide? Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know on Twitter @inforallpodcast. Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/support