At Cortex, we’re committed to inclusive growth

As the President and CEO of Cortex, I often reflect on what truly drives our success as a thriving innovation community.

It is not just the buildings we develop, the companies we attract, or the technologies we help bring to market – it is the people. I believe that an inclusive economy, one that embraces the full diversity of our region’s talent, is both just and essential for long-term economic success.

Our commitment to inclusive economic growth isn’t rhetoric; it’s a strategic imperative guiding everything we do. It means we actively cultivate an environment where all innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders – regardless of background – can access opportunities. This commitment is not new. It was true five years ago, last year, last month, and still is today. And it will remain true. Here’s why:

Diversity as a catalyst for innovation and economic success

St. Louis has a rich history of resilience, reinvention and innovation. Our strength has always been our people, who bring different perspectives, ideas and lived experiences. Research consistently affirms that diverse teams outperform their peers. Companies with diverse management teams generate 19% higher revenue from innovation, and diverse teams are 87% better at decision-making. The message is clear: Diversity fuels better business outcomes.

We see this in action every day at Cortex. Our district's companies – from cutting-edge startups to global corporations – recognize that varied perspectives lead to groundbreaking ideas. In fact, 40% of employees in the district are races other than white. Fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem is critical. If we only tap into a fraction of our region’s talent, we leave an abundance of innovation, economic growth and prosperity on the table.

A commitment to equitable business growth

Inclusive growth is more than simply who gets hired; it is about getting the opportunity to build wealth and create jobs. Minority-owned businesses are essential drivers of economic vitality. Nationally, these enterprises generate billions in revenue, create millions of jobs and contribute significantly to tax revenues.

At Cortex, we are not just observers of this movement; we are active participants. Our inclusive growth strategy ensures that the resources, connections and opportunities that flow through Cortex are accessible to all, regardless of race, gender or economic background. That means forging meaningful partnerships, creating pathways to quality jobs in the district, and ensuring that our own hiring and leadership structures reflect the values we champion.

This is who we are

Our work is not driven by shifting political winds or fleeting trends. It is rooted in an unwavering belief in the power of inclusive economic growth. Embracing diversity is the right choice because it gives companies a strategic advantage. This philosophy guides our engagement with board members, partners, tenants and the broader community.

As we move forward, I challenge all of us to ask: How can we create space for new enterprises coming from all corners of our region? How can we ensure that our growth benefits the full spectrum of talent in our region? And, how can we hold ourselves accountable to the values we profess even if we do not hold positions of power or find ourselves with our funding cut?

Saint Louis’ future is not predetermined. We are shaping it right now. Let’s choose to build an economy that works for everyone. That is who we are. That is why we do this work.

This article was originally published in St. Louis Business Journal on April 3, 2025.