How Identity Has Influenced A Talent Principal At Deep Tech Venture Company's Career
Erica, a Talent Principal at a Deep Tech Venture Company, highlights how her identity as a woman significantly shaped their career, stating, "I've always been this sort of very outspoken feminist," and this has driven a commitment to diversifying the tech and venture space by actively recruiting individuals from different backgrounds, believing "it all starts at the ground level."
Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership, Recruitment, Tech Industry, Women in Tech
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Erica Kane
Talent Principal
Deep Tech Venture Company
UCSB
N/A
Anthropology, Sociology
Electronics & Semiconductors, Technology
Human Resources (HR)
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Erica's early experiences playing sports with boys and facing gendered comments highlight the importance of perseverance and confidence in overcoming challenges. This resonates with students aiming for leadership positions in male-dominated fields.
2. Her emphasis on bringing diverse voices and perspectives into tech and venture capital underscores the value of inclusivity and its impact on workplace culture and innovation; a key topic for students interested in DEI initiatives.
3. Erica's commitment to creating a more equitable workplace, symbolized by her desire to ensure everyone has access to a work lunch, demonstrates the importance of creating supportive and inclusive environments. This shows students the impact a single person can have in a workplace.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career significantly?
I played sports growing up. One of my earliest memories is in elementary school, playing basketball with the boys. A teacher came up to me and said, "I'm really proud of you that you play with boys." I didn't really think that was a big deal at the time.
Later, these boys, who are still my friends, would make "girl comments," like "make me a sandwich." I would get so mad and make jokes about it. It's funny because I've always been a very outspoken feminist. My friends have told me I've literally been like that since third grade.
Now, with an election featuring a female candidate who seems to be gaining traction, I'm glad my mindset has not been for naught. I've really brought that mindset to work. My boss did a good job of finding people who might come from different backgrounds, similar to myself.
My primary role has been recruitment. A lot of people in tech and venture, and other spaces, are men, white men with different backgrounds. I really try to bring different types of people into my space. That's a very big goal of mine.
I mentioned that if everyone could get lunch at work, it would make a difference. Imagine anyone who can't afford it at home or doesn't have the time. Think of how much more of their authentic self they could bring to work.
Some people might not think it's a big deal to be a woman in this space, but I don't see a lot of people like me. I want to see more of them. I think it will generally bring a different type of mentality here.
It all starts at the ground level. As soon as you see it there, it starts to get bigger. No shade on other types of people or how people identify, but I've been driven to believe I am just as good and just as equal. I can bring as many people as I want. It doesn't matter your background if you can do the job.
It's extremely important to me to identify how I identify. I'm very thankful for the focus on trying to diversify the room I'm in or have a seat at the table.
Advizer Personal Links