From Theory to Action: A Professor's Lessons Learned from Founding a Nonprofit Social Justice Startup
Chad Topaz
Data Scientist | Social Justice Activist | Professor | Author | Speaker | Nonprofit Leader
They say life begins at the end of your comfort zone. My assessment: true. I have spent the better part of my career nestled within the halls of academia, surrounded by theories, research papers, and intellectual dialogues. It's great, and I still love it there. But a desire to put theories into action has led me on an unexpected journey: while remaining a professor, I have co-founded, Institute for the Quantitative Study of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity , a startup nonprofit at the intersection of #datascience and #socialjustice.
The transition has been as challenging as it is rewarding, and it's a journey I want to share with all of you - academics, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and dreamers. The lessons I've learned might give you the nudge you need to embark on your own journey.
Lesson 1: Collaboration is Gold
My academic world is in many ways a bubble. Especially in my original field of mathematics, research is often done in isolation. In the starkly different world of a social justice nonprofit, the game-changer has been collaboration. I work with community activists, lawyers, museum curators, business professionals, academic researchers, and folks from many other walks of life.
Do you have a collaboration story? Drop it in the comments!
Lesson 2: The Art of the Pivot
From meticulous research in academia, I have found myself in the whirlwind of a startup, where adapting and pivoting is key. When we have a carefully planned event or program, if it's not working out, we don't stick to the plan. We rewrite it, shifting our goals and messaging. Voila: success.
Has a pivot made all the difference for you? Share your story!
Lesson 3: Good Enough can be Great
As academics, we seek perfection. But in the startup world, I've learned to embrace the idea of the minimum viable product. When justice is the goal, doing useful, good work for a lot of people is better than doing perfect work for a very small number of people.
Do you have a "good enough" success story? I'd love to hear it!
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Lesson 4: The Power of Persistence
Academics know that research is a marathon, but I have found this to be even more true in advocacy work. Getting policymakers and other stakeholders to accept the results of action-based research and put them into practice is not easy. It requires op-eds, policy briefs, political leverage, cajoling, begging, and most of all, being resilient and persistent. These qualities can move mountains.
Have you faced a work challenge that required resilience? How did you overcome it? Share your triumphs!
Lesson 5: Be a Jack of All Trades
Academia has given me deep expertise in my research field. Running a nonprofit demanded a different level of knowledge. I have had to develop a wide array of skills: strategic planning, marketing, business communications, fundraising, technology, and a lot more.
What's the most unexpected skill you've picked up in your career? Let's inspire others to learn!
Parting Thoughts
I am now both an academic and a nonprofit leader. I hope my journey might help you chart your own path. Remember, collaboration can open doors, pivoting is crucial, practicality often beats perfection, resilience and persistence are your friends, and expanding your skills can only make you stronger.
If my journey resonates with you, don't forget to hit the like button and share this with your network! Let's continue the conversation in the comments below.