DEI HAS
A NEW FACE

In 2018, U.S. companies raised a total of $130B in VC funding, yet only 2.2% of that went toward female-founded companies and less than 1% of total funding was allocated toward businesses founded by women of color.

In 2019, I co-founded the Fearless Fund to address the gap that exists in venture capital funding for WOC-led businesses and to finally push the needle on the abysmal statistics that drive the current narrative for WOC-led businesses today.

But this journey is not without challenges. In 2023, we faced accusations of discrimination, which we strongly refute. Our fight against this economic injustice includes rallies, marches, and a steadfast commitment to disrupting the venture capital industry.

This battle is not just about defending our mission; it's about ensuring that every woman of color has the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more

ARIAN SIMONE FEARLESS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Arian Simone Fearless Endowed Scholarship Fund is a permanently endowed fund aimed at empowering future generations of business leaders. This endowment will provide FAMU business students the opportunity to win one of the scholarships. They need to maintain full-time status and a GPA of not less than 3.0 to be eligible for the funding. Simultaneously, all of the applicants must not only be in good academic standing, but also be eager to complete a degree program in business at FAMU. The funding is meant to cover Students’ education throughout the duration of their studies at FAMU college which will enable them to pursue successful business careers in seeking employment.

I am so thankful that I can contribute to FAMU in this manner. As an alum of the School of Business and Industry, it warms my heart to see this plaque in the same corridors where I embarked on my own story. It is my wish that this scholarship will help and encourage future business leaders to chase after their goals, the way I have worked very hard to do throughout my life.

OUR FIGHT FOR A MORE equitable LANDSCAPE FOR WOC IN BUSINESS

In August 2023, the American Alliance for Equal Rights sued the Fearless Fund. The lawsuit claims our grant program — dedicated to providing financial resources to women of color-led businesses — violates a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was put in place to protect historically disadvantaged groups, allowing anyone to enter into contracts, regardless of race. Now, this lawsuit threatens to tear down these protections, potentially affecting the lives of millions.