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Bootstrap Obsession

Let each of us own our success, exhibit the risk-taking, grit, and determination it takes to forge our own paths to define and achieve it, but with the recognition that we don’t get there alone.

A letter from the editors: Our Bootstrap Obsession

Written by KEITH MAYS & JULIE SCHEIDEGGER

March 12, 2020
A letter from the editors: Our Bootstrap Obsession

The entrepreneurial energy of immigrant business owners – and the hidden barriers they face

Opportunity America conducted a series of roundtables and a survey of immigrant entrepreneurs, seeking to understand the extraordinary entrepreneurial energy many newcomers bring to the U.S. and how the barriers they face are different from those confronting native-born founders.


Written by TAMAR JACOBY
March 19, 2020
The entrepreneurial energy of immigrant business owners – and the hidden barriers they face

The hustle of social capital

Founder Simion Collins shares first-hand how having a black, male mentor take a chance on him has been life-changing for his business and as a young, black filmmaker.


Written by JULIE SCHEIDEGGER | Video by SIMION COLLINS
March 12, 2020
The hustle of social capital

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Fighting Goliath

Dr. Christopher Emdin calls on educators of color to examine their essential role to impact the lives of students of color who are challenged to succeed in an education system not meant for them.


Written by JULIE SCHEIDEGGER
March 25, 2020
Fighting Goliath

The urgent, messy, imperfect work none of us should hide from

Doing the work to build self-awareness and deep relationships in order to sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion not as an “initiative” but as the fundamental “how” of our work.


Written by KATHLEEN BOYLE DALEN
March 26, 2020
The urgent, messy, imperfect work none of us should hide from

Is hard work alone enough?

We asked our readers to respond to the American ideal that anyone can pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. Here’s what they had to say.

March 26, 2020
Is hard work alone enough?

We need to clean the pond, not fix the fish

Data and fact-based training is helping Kansas City residents understand the systemic issues behind racial inequities.


Written by ANNE KNIGGENDORF
March 12, 2020
We need to clean the pond, not fix the fish

Reader’s Response: Who has helped you along the way?

More than 300 readers shared details about their personal journey, and who (if anyone) has helped them along the way.

March 26, 2020
Reader’s Response: Who has helped you along the way?