The campaign is aimed at companies and makes it clear that they miss opportunities if they ignore people because they are different and do not recognize diversity as a success factor. Because black numbers are colorful! In addition, it also addresses each and every one of us to understand our own uniqueness as a success factor. Because success is diverse.

We need to break down encrusted structures, and also sometimes ask ‘Why is there still no one visibly with a disability in the management level of a DAX company?

For me, diverse teams consist of people who have different opinions. Opinions are often shaped by experiences, environment, and background. In management teams and companies, there is no longer one person who knows everything - the world is no longer so easy to understand. You also must debate, but in a safe environment. Everyone must be allowed to express their opinion, and you also have to be allowed to argue in order to find a good consensus on the matter. It is about everyone contributing their opinion and not just one person.

Diversity is not just a migrant issue. It is about a shared national identity in this country. It is about who we want to be and who we do not want to be. It is about what kind of Germany we want to build together. It is about a Germany of the many, it is about the German Dream. And I founded this education initiative because I am deeply convinced that this country is a land of opportunities and a community of solidarity, from which I was also able to benefit.

Each of us comes to the point in life where you are no longer the norm, where you are no longer the center of society. For example, when you get older, become less visible and disappear from the center of society, you are grateful when a society has developed that welcomes you, where you still have a place, where you are still seen as valuable. But to achieve such a society, you must act now so that in the end everyone feels welcome and gets their place at the table. We deserve that.

In New York, you are a New Yorker. Nobody asks you where you come from. There you are a part of society. In Germany it is different, here you need a few minutes to explain yourself.

To think that just because I do not experience something, it does not exist - that is a fallacy. We need to listen to people who experience discrimination. Just listen and then try to recognize our own privileges, too. It affects all of us.

It is not a problem of background, but a social problem when, for example, young people graduate with poorer grades. The reason is not ethnicity, but social background and the lack of support that comes with it. We must work on that. That is why social issues are always a priority for me.