Los Angeles, CA—A new industry group is looking to promote representation of black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space, according to a press release.

Ibraheem Basir, Founder and CEO of A Dozen Cousins, has created Project Potluck as an organization to help BIPOC thrive in the CPG industry by tackling inherent bias in hiring, networking gaps, lack of access to capital, and more, the press release explains. Other founding board members include Ayeshah Abuelhiga, Founder and CEO of Mason Dixie Foods, and Arnulfo Ventura, CEO of Beanfields.

Project Potluck will launch with three key pillars:
  • Year-Long Mentorship Program: Project Potluck members will have the opportunity to match with industry veterans who will provide guidance, motivation, and support while sharing intel about the CPG industry. Mentors will include individuals from verticals ranging from sales to marketing, operations to finance, investors, and CEOs, and will provide a specialized experience for mentees based on their interests.
  • Monthly Community Building Events: Members will have the opportunity to network with industry insiders during monthly digital events. Established CPG leaders will share their knowledge and experience, creating a space for dialogue and learning.
  • Digital Community: This platform will allow members to share news and make themselves visible to hiring managers, recruiters, and event organizers looking to identify and connect with a diverse pool of candidates.
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"Throughout my career I have done my best to make whatever space I am in more welcoming and equitable for other people of color, and Project Potluck is a natural continuation of that work," Basir said in the press release. "The beautiful thing about the CPG industry is that almost everyone in America uses these products on a daily basis. Project Potluck is not just going to help people of color build more successful companies and careers, but over time it's going to improve the quality of the products and brands that we all use. Ayeshah and Arnulfo have been instrumental in bringing this organization to life, and I am excited to have them as partners on the journey."

The project will kickoff with a virtual meeting and community mixer on October 8 at 2:00pm Pacific. For tickets and for more information on the project,visit their website.