Following is the interview with Lestat Monroe, Founder and Board Member of the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce (RDCC) in the framework of TechDiversity project, where he discusses the efforts of the organization in the framework of diversity and inclusion within the tech sector.
1. Can you describe your role and the work your organization does in the Tech Entrepreneurship ecosystem?
As the Founder and a Board Member of the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce (RDCC), I’m deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the tech entrepreneurship landscape. At RDCC, we champion a vision where businesses, regardless of their size or industry, recognize the immense value of diversity and seamlessly integrate inclusive practices into their operations. Our work with tech startups and established companies focuses on providing essential resources, comprehensive training, and invaluable networking opportunities. By fostering a culture of inclusion, we help these organizations innovate more effectively, ensuring their growth and sustainability in an increasingly globalized economy.
Has your organization integrated diversity and inclusion into your organization practices and strategies?
Without question, diversity and inclusion are at the very core of RDCC's identity and strategic direction. These principles are woven into every initiative we undertake. For example, we organized Romania’s first Inclusive Recruitment Conference, aimed at fostering transparent and inclusive hiring practices across the board. Additionally, our partnerships with major companies like Accenture, IKEA, and Vodafone underscore our commitment to diversity, as we work together to implement robust DEI programs. Our regular webinars and workshops consistently highlight how diversity acts as a catalyst for business growth. These efforts reflect our unwavering dedication to embedding inclusion into the fabric of the Romanian business community.
Have you implemented initiatives or programs support underrepresented groups in the tech industry?
Indeed, RDCC has been at the forefront of initiatives designed to uplift underrepresented groups, particularly within the tech industry. A cornerstone of our efforts is the Supplier Diversity Program, which amplifies the participation of women-owned and minority-owned businesses in procurement processes. This initiative provides these groups with greater visibility and access to opportunities within the supply chains of Romania’s leading companies. By certifying and promoting diverse suppliers, we enable them to secure the resources and contracts they need to thrive.
Moreover, we’ve placed significant emphasis on supporting the Roma community, one of Romania’s most marginalized populations. Collaborating with the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI) and global organizations like the World Bank and UNICEF, we’ve launched programs that promote employment and entrepreneurship within the Roma community. This includes education and training, helping Roma entrepreneurs adapt to the digital marketplace, especially amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives are part of our broader mission to create a tech industry that is truly representative of the diverse society it serves.
Can you share some success stories or outcomes from your diversity and inclusion initiatives?
Certainly. A highlight of RDCC’s success is our impactful work with the Roma community, which remains one of Romania’s most marginalized groups. Through our partnership with REDI, we’ve initiated programs that significantly boost employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Roma individuals. By providing education, particularly in digital skills, we’ve empowered Roma craftspeople to navigate and succeed in the evolving market landscape. This initiative marks a vital step in addressing the economic exclusion of the Roma population, which constitutes a substantial portion of Romania’s workforce.
Additionally, RDCC has been instrumental in organizing landmark conferences like Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) in Eastern Europe, Gender Equal, and LGBT+ at Work. These events have brought together industry leaders to drive the inclusivity conversation, leading to a broader adoption of inclusive practices across Romanian businesses. The inspiring success stories shared at these conferences have sparked tangible changes within the business community, highlighting the resilience and achievements of minority groups.
Moreover, our advocacy efforts have notably increased the participation of minority-owned businesses within the RDCC network. This inclusion has opened doors to a wealth of opportunities and resources, contributing to a more inclusive and innovative business environment across Romania.
How do you see the future of diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, and what role do you believe your organization will play in it?
The future of diversity and inclusion in the tech sector is bright, yet it demands ongoing dedication, especially regarding gender equality. Historically, Romania’s tech industry has been male-dominated, with women facing persistent barriers, such as the glass ceiling that limits their rise to leadership positions. By enhancing the sector’s appeal to women from an early age, we can cultivate a more diverse talent pool, driving innovation and growth.
Gender equality in tech offers numerous advantages, including:
Enhanced creativity and innovation: Diverse teams introduce varied perspectives, resulting in more innovative solutions.
Improved decision-making: Gender-diverse leadership teams are proven to make better decisions, leading to stronger business outcomes.
Greater financial performance: Companies embracing gender diversity often achieve superior financial results.
Attraction and retention of top talent: A commitment to gender equality makes the tech industry more attractive to young women, ensuring a steady influx of skilled professionals.
A prime example of shattering the glass ceiling is Elisabeta Moraru, Country Director at Google Romania, who has emerged as a trailblazer in the industry. Her accomplishments underscore the potential when women are empowered to excel in tech. Google Romania, a corporate member of RDCC, exemplifies how fostering gender equality can yield remarkable outcomes and set a benchmark for others in the sector.
RDCC will continue to be a driving force in advocating for gender equality and dismantling barriers for women in tech. Our mission is to ensure that diversity and inclusion become integral to the tech sector’s DNA, paving the way for more innovative, equitable, and sustainable growth.
About the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce
The Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce (RDCC) is an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the Romanian business community. By bringing together local and multinational companies, the RDCC collaborates on initiatives that encompass awareness and education projects, development of organizational culture, ED&I training, certification and networking activities for the public and private sector, and their employees. As we engage with a diverse group of stakeholders, including women, LGBTQ+, Roma, disabled individuals, and other minority groups, alongside business leaders, the RDCC vision is to advocate for an equal, diverse and inclusive society for all.
Learn more here: www.rdcc.ro
Contact Press
The RDCC communication team | pr@rdcc.ro