Annie Parker: To design solutions for the world, you need to represent it.

“We like to see relatable heroes, and if I can’t see someone who looks a little bit like me, it’s hard to break barriers down,” says Annie Parker, Executive Director of The Greater Cities Commission’s Tech Central innovation hub.

As the former global head of Microsoft’s startup program, Annie understands the importance of feeling welcome in tech spaces, especially as a woman. Many who do end up dipping their toes into the water start to see things they were concerned about, to begin with.?

“It's difficult to try and kind of interrupt a conversation or to get your views heard,” says Annie, “It solidifies many reasons why we didn't want to get involved in the first place. As soon as we get in there, it reinforces that thinking.”

Tech Central has partnered with The Creative Co-Operative to celebrate the Sydney launch event celebrating Australia’s first start-up program for Bla(c)k Women and Women of Colour innovators and start-up founders (including non-binary and trans people): ‘Anyone Can’. Annie’s lived experience in the startup ecosystem drives her to pay it forward and elevate up-and-coming Australian startups and businesses.?

“I’ve been in the sector for about 15 to 20 years now, and I see such an enormous opportunity for technology to do good in the world,” says Annie. “If we get more women into this space, only good things will happen. If we get more traditionally underserved groups involved in technology, only good will happen.”

The sector must reflect diversity and inclusion to make good things happen in technology. It is often allyship that can start these conversations within the very structure it benefits from.?

“I may be a woman in tech, which puts me in the minority, but I come from the enormous privilege of being white,” Annie shares. “Growing up in a country where we got free access to health care and education, I want to pay that back so that others can get access to the things they should have had access to all along.”

The Creative Co-Operative’s ‘Anyone Can’ aims to create opportunities for Bla(c)k Women and Women of Colour start-up founders and ensure they have the guidance, tools and a safe space to grow and maintain their startups. Tech Central’s sponsorship of the Sydney Launch event means more diverse women from Sydney will see themselves in the tech spaces - not as outsiders - but as future leaders.?

“If I can sponsor any events, I always want to sponsor communities and groups that traditionally haven't had access to that funding,” says Annie adding, “I want my dollars to work as hard as they possibly can. And I know that by partnering with ‘Anyone Can’, I've got a much better chance of seeing the outcomes we need to see in the tech sector.”

Despite the different ideas innovators have churning in their minds for years, the beginning of the journey can look eerily similar for new founders.?

To ease the anxieties of being a newbie, Annie has three tips: 1) Just make a start, 2) Ask for help and 3) Pay it forward.?

“You'll be surprised how many people will help if you just ask them,” Annie shares. “The trick here is to make it specific. The more specific you make the request, the easier it is for that person to give you the help you need.”

But it's not just start-up founders that Annie has advice for. Often companies that are privileged to support underrepresented groups or communities are afraid of getting it wrong. And that fear results in complete inaction, and the wheel stops moving again.?

What should such companies that want to help, but are scared to, do??

“Start small” Annie is quick to say. “Try not to go in with “we're going to do millions of dollars, and we're going to invest in 20 companies” - that takes a lot of long-term commitment. Look at sponsoring or running an event of your own and invite underserved communities to come and speak. But the biggest advice here is: Always pay them”.

To find out more about apply for the July intake of Anyone Can, click here. To be the first to be notified when The CCO hosts our next event later on in the year, click here.