# #104 How Project Potluck is Creating a More Inclusive, Equitable, and Colorful CPG Industry with Kathleen Casanova

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2023-08-22
- Length: 34m
- Episode: 81
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-08-22-104-how-project-potluck-is-creating-a-more-inclusive-equitable-and-colorful-cpg
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/90b5d1a6

## Summary

Kathleen Casanova, Founding Executive Director of Project Potluck, discusses the nonprofit's mission to support People of Color in the CPG industry, highlighting the disparity between the 40% POC US population and the 16% POC leadership in natural products. She explains how the organization grew from grassroots origins in 2020 to over 900 members through virtual and in-person events, a mentorship program, and a free community portal. Casanova details specific resources like the 'Real Talk' series on retail and fundraising, and outlines how allies and investors can support the community through donations and participation.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Kathleen Casanova and Project Potluck's Mission
2. Origins: Grassroots Beginnings and Pandemic Launch
3. Community Structure: Free Membership and Portal Access
4. Programming: Real Talk Series, Mentorship, and Events
5. Inclusivity: Supporting Founders, Professionals, and Service Providers
6. Allyship: How Investors and Companies Can Support
7. Impact: Member Stories and Future Growth Goals

## Topics

- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Fundraising & investors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fundraising)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Project Potluck (other)
- Startup CPG (other)
- New Hope Network (company)
- Expo West (other)
- Expo East (other)

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- [How I Built Resilience: Cheryl Contee of Do Big Things](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-10-29-how-i-built-resilience-cheryl-contee-of-do-big-things) (How I Built This)
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- [How Large Organizations Can Help Close the Skills Gap with PPG's Divya Thadani](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-05-03-how-large-organizations-can-help-close-the-skills-gap-with-ppgs-divya-thadani) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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