In this powerful episode of Be the Glitter, I sit down with Laveréna "Réna" Wienclaw, co-founder of New Valley Labs, a startup studio dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ founders. Réna shares her incredible journey from trying to fit into corporate expectations to embracing authentic entrepreneurship - and how that transformation led to both personal fulfillment and business success.

What You'll Learn:

• How authenticity in business can actually drive better results (backed by data!)
• The real stats on why diverse teams outperform: 19% higher revenues and 21% better profitability
• Practical ways allies can show up and support LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and community members
• How to find your authentic voice in professional spaces that pressure conformity
• The power of volunteer work in building community and creating change

Key Topics Covered:

• Startup studio model and supporting early-stage founders
• Coming out as a queer entrepreneur and the business transformation that followed
• Community gardening and Food Strong's amazing work in Cleveland
• Out in Tech Cleveland chapter relaunch and creating inclusive tech spaces
• Why visibility matters for both LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies

Connect with Réna: Email: laverna@newvalleylabs.com New Valley Labs: [website] Out in Tech Cleveland events and updates

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that when we show up as our authentic selves, we not only find our people - we create space for others to do the same.

Music provided by Chillhop Music

DESH, delaney. - Fairy Tales

https://chll.to/41c90fe7

#LGBTQIA #Entrepreneurship #StartupStudio #Diversity #Inclusion #Authenticity #Cleveland #TechCommunity #Allyship #CommunityBuilding #QueerFounders #BeTheGlitter #VolunteerWork #SocialImpact