At Indeed, our mission is to help people get jobs. But while talent is universal, opportunity is not. That means it’s a lot harder for some people than it is for others.

I have spent a lot of time thinking about opportunity. I recognize my privilege. I am a White, straight, cis-gendered, able-bodied man. I grew up with access to resources, education, and a safety net. I had so much opportunity that I could even squander a good bit of it and still come out ahead. But most people never get a first chance, let alone a second or third. As CEO of Indeed, my time is dedicated to creating economic opportunity for hundreds of millions of people all over the world. We are committed to breaking down bias and barriers in hiring—to ensure everyone gets a fair shot.

DivInc is also dedicated to creating economic opportunity. I am honored to serve as a board member at DivInc, where our mission is to generate social and economic equity through entrepreneurship. True economic equity requires more than jobs. In the US, the net worth of a typical White family ($171,000) is nearly ten times greater than that of a Black family ($17,150). Economic equity requires the opportunity to create generational wealth.

Ultimately our work together is about accessibility. And when things are more accessible, everyone benefits ... Success is not a zero-sum game. By breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship, the financial ecosystem is more open to everyone, and everyone wins. - Chris Hyams

At DivInc we support and guide underrepresented founders as they launch new startups—startups that unlock wealth, create jobs, and open up even more opportunity.  However, our impact at DivInc is far greater than the incredible founders we support, the employees they hire, and the customers they serve. Ultimately our work together is about accessibility. And when things are more accessible, everyone benefits.

Consider accessible ramps outside of buildings. These ramps are designed to help people using a wheelchair. But those same ramps also help a parent pushing a stroller, a kid on a bike, a delivery person carrying a heavy package, or someone with a bad knee. Success is not a zero-sum game. By breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship, the financial ecosystem is more open to everyone, and everyone wins. 

Indeed is a global company, but Austin is our home. To fulfill our mission of helping all people get jobs, we need to continue to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive team. That means we need Austin to continue to evolve into a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive city. I am proud of the work we do at DivInc to build the next ramps for a diverse set of founders and leaders that represent the future of Austin.

It is an honor for me to serve again as Honorary Chair of the DivInc Champions of Change Awards. By recognizing the people who are doing the hard work every day to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive city, we are realizing a vision for Austin in which we all belong.

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