Tech Equity Miami founding executive director Imran Siddiqui is stepping down from his leadership position effective immediately.
The departure comes barely a year after the launch of the organization, a funding consortium dedicated to helping people of color succeed in the technology industry.
"I am leaving this role to embark upon a new adventure, pursuing exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth," Siddiqui wrote in a Nov. 17 email announcing the decision.
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He previously spent three years as associate vice president at Broward College, where Siddiqui helped launch the BCEx accelerator and entrepreneurship center.
Founded last year, Tech Equity Miami is granting $100 million in philanthropic funding over five years to organizations that remove entry barriers to careers in the technology industry. The long-term goal is to connect local talent with higher-paying jobs to help close the region's racial wealth gap.
JPMorgan Chase partnered with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Miami Foundation and Aire Ventures to form the collective.
Although more tech companies have expanded in South Florida in recent years, diverse talent report it is difficult for them to access job opportunities, according to a 2021 analysis from Aire Ventures. Women and Black ecosystem leaders also told the organization they did not feel adequately supported by tech organizations and investors in the region.
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Under Siddiqui's leadership Tech Equity Miami added $15 million in new consortium member funding commitments, Tech Equity Miami reports. Aire Ventures Board Chair Monique Hayes will serve as interim executive director until a permanent replacement is named.
"While we are saddened by Imran’s departure, we are grateful for his leadership, continued partnership, and commitment to the Miami tech ecosystem. We wish him the absolute best in his future plans and endeavors," Hayes wrote in an email announcing Siddiqui's departure.
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