Advocating for human rights, gender equity, and preventing stigma and discrimination against the under-served communities

About Us

Brief history of Start Diversity for Gender Equality (STAD4)

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Start Diversity for Gender Equality began in 2022 as an advocacy group called "Until Justice" in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park in Minnesota USA. Every other weekend (Friday & Saturday), the group's volunteers provided free consultative support services to women and girls including boys who are mostly victims of gender-based violence, discrimination, and abandonment and also to any victim who walks in from underserved black communities.

The support service centers varied as the volunteers were able to secure space - living rooms and basements but they were always full and volunteers had to turn people away. It soon became clear that Until Justice, well-meaning as it was, missed the mark in some important ways.

The rotating locations made it hard to find; the people providing the service had little input because the victims were scared to come out due to confidentiality concerns; service providers had insufficient information regarding how they could make the program more effective and accessible; and Until Justice only function during the summer.

Despite this, the fact that living rooms and basements were always bursting each time revealed just how much gender-based violence or discrimination there was in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park - and the cities needed a larger and more comprehensive programs.
In 2024, Start Diversity for Gender Equality was established as a 501 (C)(3) organization, with the help of the black community. The organization has grown from a staff to seven full-time, Part-time staff and our 25 volunteers, with the ability to help ease gender inequalities in numerous ways for thousands of Minnesota residents each year.

Our board of directors, once composed of volunteers from the south side plus a few north side members, now has a majority of member from the north who have personally been affected by discrimination. Our members 5-person board represent our corporate and institutional partners and/ or bring specific expertise or resources to the organization.

The board is made up of 95 percent people of color.

Inclusion

Creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

Gender Equality

We advocate for equality and to create access to resources and opportunities for all regardless of gender.

Equity

We focus on fair treatment for all individuals. We ensure that norms, practices, and policies do not predict opportunities based on identity.

Start Diversity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering underserved communities. Through education, workforce training, advocacy, and community initiatives, we create safe spaces, build skills, and drive lasting social change.

Get In Touch

5701 Shingle Creek PKWY STE 600C Minneapolis, Minnesota, Zip Code 55430

© 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Timothy Robinson
Executive Director
AA, BA, MPM
Timothy Robinson brings over 10+ years of experience in organizational management, human rights advocacy, backed by a solid academic foundation in leadership and strategic execution. A recipient of the 2018 YALI-RLC Civic Leadership Award, 2022 Mandela Washington Followship Award, & Declared an Honorary Citizen of Boone, North Caroline.

Timothy is known for championing equity, diversity, and inclusion with integrity and purpose. His work reflects a deep commitment to building authentic relationships with the communities he serves, while navigating complex challenges with empathy and innovation. As Executive Director, Timothy continues to lead transformative initiatives that foster collaboration, amplify community voice, and drive measurable impact.
Email: timothy@startdiversity.com