Real change-makers do more than identify problems, they design impactful solutions that challenge the status quo. In our exploration of influential voices shaping the future of business, Leaders Vision Magazine had the privilege of speaking with Netta Jenkins, Co-founder of Dipper, a pioneering platform at the forefront of diversity and inclusion in today’s workplaces.

In this candid discussion, Netta reflects on her professional journey, personal challenges, and the mission behind building a safe space for professionals of color in corporate environments.

From Shared Vision to Collective Impact

Netta’s entry into the world of entrepreneurship began with a meaningful conversation over coffee. While working at the same company, she and her future co-founder, Jacinta Mathis, recognized the need for a platform that could authentically reflect the experiences of professionals of color in corporate settings.

Jacinta’s early exposure to diversity work her father, Sam Mathis, held a leadership role in DEI at a Fortune 500 company was a foundational influence. Netta’s drive, on the other hand, stemmed from her personal experiences growing up in an unwelcoming neighborhood in Rhode Island. Being part of one of the only Black families in the area, she faced discrimination from a young age. One memory stands out: at just seven years old, a woman assaulted her and screamed that Black families had no place in that neighborhood. It was in that moment that Netta decided she would dedicate her life to protecting and amplifying marginalized voices.

What Dipper Represents

Dipper was born out of a need to shift workplace culture and make inclusion actionable. The platform allows professionals of color to share honest reviews about their workplace experiences, helping others navigate their careers with more clarity and support. It also enables organizations to better understand how inclusive their environments really are based on the lived experiences of their employees.

This technology-driven solution bridges the gap between intention and impact by offering organizations actionable data and insights into how their practices affect employees from underrepresented groups. Dipper doesn’t just highlight problem areas, it empowers companies to fix them.

Moving the Needle on Inclusion

Despite growing investments in DEI, Netta notes that real progress often falls short. Many companies allocate significant resources to diversity initiatives, but without measurable change. Dipper seeks to change that by offering a framework based on transparency and accountability. The platform offers insights not only for job seekers but also for employers who are serious about building inclusive cultures.

Dipper provides professionals with the ability to evaluate companies without fear of professional repercussions. For years, employees who experienced microaggressions or bias had nowhere to turn. Today, Dipper gives them a secure place to speak up and access information that can inform their career choices.

Leadership in a Time of Crisis

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Netta, like many working mothers, faced personal and professional challenges. She welcomed a baby girl into the world during the height of the pandemic, underwent a cesarean section, and left the hospital early due to health precautions. Upon returning home, her one-year-old son became seriously ill with COVID and was hospitalized. These intense experiences deepened her empathy and resilience, both as a mother and a leader.

Despite the difficulties, she remained focused on building Dipper. Her ability to balance motherhood and mission-driven leadership became a powerful example of perseverance in the face of uncertainty.

Gender Equity Starts with Leadership

Netta believes that inclusive leadership must start at the top. Executives have the responsibility to create equitable opportunities, particularly for women and underrepresented professionals. That means championing diverse talent, evaluating whether leadership teams reflect the diversity of the workforce and customer base, and embedding equity into everyday business operations.

She advocates for executive sponsorship of emerging women leaders, as well as continuous self-assessment within leadership teams to ensure alignment between internal practices and public commitments.

Words of Wisdom for Emerging Leaders

Netta’s advice to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is clear: surround yourself with people who share your values, and don’t hesitate to ask for support. No one succeeds in isolation. Building a mission-driven business requires partnerships, community, and the courage to reach out.

Scaling for the Future

Dipper has evolved rapidly. What began as a consumer-focused platform is now expanding into enterprise solutions. After seeing demand from users who wanted Dipper inside their companies, Netta and her team made a strategic decision to build out their B2B services. This expansion is being led by Rahdiah Barnes, a seasoned executive and President of the NAMIC organization, who now oversees Dipper’s business development strategy.

With this new direction, Dipper is positioned not just as a review platform but as a comprehensive workplace inclusion solution, one that equips companies with the insights needed to transform their culture from the inside out.