Organizations I Love, part 7

Hello and Welcome to the series Organizations I Love… in which I feature an organization whose values I align with and whose profile I’d like to elevate because of the good things they are doing in the world.

This is the seventh in the series so far. We’ll be talking about a network of people in Europe focused on creating an inclusive community for those with immigrant experiences or backgrounds. The goal is to support those with multicultural identities and to help advance their careers in tech and to evolve the tech industry generally to be more inclusive. Because cultural diversity in tech does not equal inclusion, but supportive communities like this one help us get there. Let's learn more!

2hearts

The community 2hearts is one that I stumbled across while wandering the internet in 2021. I shared it with those I had been meeting in Europe who might align with the stated values. I shared it with my students HETIC and ESCP Business School . I saw value for a client and shared it with them as part of a research presentation. & finally, I joined the community myself in late 2022.

But what is it?

Well, as stated on their website,

2hearts is a diverse community of people with immigration backgrounds in Europe’s tech industry. We provide mentorship for young talent and support each other to overcome cultural challenges and succeed in our professions.

It's not only a website and a Slack group (though it is that too). Each year, they accept applications to their mentorship program in which they curate and pair mentors and mentees, with the intention that the 1:1 pairs meet together for 6 months (in-person or online). 2hearts also organizes events in cities across Germany (Düsseldorf, Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin) and Europe (London, Paris, Zurich) for community members to get together. Occasionally, 2hearts establishes partnerships with VC funds and educationally-oriented institutions to create more pathways for diversifying tech.

It's a volunteer, member-run organization and there is definite energy online or off creating a welcoming atmosphere for anyone identifying with their core mission to share their story. That alone is of amazing value: A professionally-oriented network welcoming culturally-diverse voices to share their stories in community with others.

I hope to see 2hearts grow and grow.

My story with them:

As already stated, I discovered the network by chance. Immediately I resonated with their mantra and the way they described their mission. To make the perspective shift -- from feeling lost between 2 (or more) cultures to instead be embracing our 2 (or more) hearts as cultural gifts -- it's one that I have seen others struggle with. & honestly, I have struggled with it myself.

Born in the USA (outside Philadelphia), I grew up loving books, loving travel. My first time in France visiting some new friends that became like family to me, I learned to ski. My heart fell in love with the deep emphasis the French put on food and friendship, not necessarily in that order. I felt so at ease here. Later on, I met my wife (while in NYC), and she was born and raised in France. We feel the tension in perspectives every day raising our two daughters. Now, though, that we live in France and call it 'home' there are many times I realize not only the hardships but also the benefits of an American upbringing. I am learning to embrace my two hearts.

If you resonate with the values and mission of the 2hearts community and want to experience more what it's about, apply here via the typeform.

Take care!