After 10 wonderful years hosting the Mozilla Festival in London, we’re thrilled about our new partnership with the city and people of Amsterdam. To celebrate this new chapter in our story, we’re showcasing the people and work that made the city an advocate for digital innovation - which is what ultimately brought us together.

Read Part 1 of the MozFest Local series here, where we spotlight Saskia H Herrmann, co-founder of The Empathy Game.

We’re thrilled to have been connected with Taraq Hok-Ahin, Entrepreneur and Knowledge Mile Board Member for the second part of our MozFest Local series. His commitment to raising up a new generation of professionals who care about diversity and inclusion is encouraging as we continue to lean into our diverse MozFest audience.

Taraq Hok-Ahin, Entrepreneur and Knowledge Mile Board Member

As owner of the Water & Brood, a busy breakfast through dinner spot in the heart of Amsterdam, Taraq is on the front lines of improving diversity in his beloved city. As an entrepreneur, Taraq sits on the board of the Knowledge Mile, actively gathering other restaurant owners to support one another, especially when it comes to diversity and inclusion.

Taraq also invests much of his time working with students from the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (in English: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences). As the next generation is raised up as business people and entrepreneurs, they are the key to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in many fields and communities.

Providing opportunities for everyone to step into entrepreneurship is also important to Taraq. For example, he is opening his kitchen for another up and coming Chef to cook at his restaurant during the dinner rush to provide her with 6 months of experience, giving her a boost in her career.