“Hank was a visionary in creating networks for underrepresented entrepreneurs and exploring how to diversify the innovation economy,” said Archie Ervin, vice president of Institute Diversity. “It was an honor to be part of this year’s Platform Summit, and Hank will be greatly missed.”

As Williams stated last month, “The current ecosystem seems to be based largely on meritocracy. But, the fact is that people from underrepresented backgrounds almost never have access to the networks, resources, and support necessary to create homerun success. That’s why creation of indispensable social capital for and within our community has always been core to our mission at Platform and why we created the Platform Summit three years ago.”

To learn more about Platform and Williams’ vision, visit www.platform.org.