Shopify Cuts Support for Diversity Programs, Laying Off Team Supporting BIPOC and Women Entrepreneurs
Shopify Cuts Support for Diversity Programs, Laying Off Team Supporting BIPOC and Women Entrepreneurs
Shopify has recently laid off a team that was supporting Black, Indigenous, and women entrepreneurs, according to a report by The Logic. The layoffs coincided with the closure of major diversity initiatives at Shopify, leaving major partners ghosted and Slack communities abandoned.
Additionally, Shopify has quietly shut down its Indigenous entrepreneurship program, Build Native, as reported by BetaKit. The program, which provided resources and financial incentives for Indigenous-led companies to grow their e-commerce presence, was established in June 2020. The program's lead, Kyle Brennan Shàwinipinesì, and the Head of Equitable Commerce, Brandon Davenport, are no longer with the company.
The closure of these programs and the layoffs reflect a broader shift in Shopify's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Several of these programs were launched in 2020 following the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. However, as the political climate has changed, many large corporations, including Shopify, have rolled back their DEI commitments.
Shopify has also faced internal and external controversies regarding its approach to workplace inclusion and the treatment of racialized employees. Former employees have reported issues with internal conversations and perceived racism within the company.
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