What if the labels of the past didn’t limit what’s possible ahead? This talk explores the transformative power of giving opportunities to people who don’t fit into the box. April Hicke is the Founder and CEO at Toast, a talent partner dedicated to increasing gender diversity in tech. April is deeply passionate about removing bias from systems and challenging the status quo. Her work is grounded in the belief that when we stop putting people in boxes, we create space for innovation, belonging, and untapped potential to thrive. With over 15 years of experience in leadership, workforce transformation, and inclusive talent strategy, spanning roles at some of North America's biggest companies, April brings a bold, people-first lens to everything she does. Beyond her professional work, April is a proud mom of two young boys and is raising them to be thoughtful, inclusive humans. Her journey from early adversity to co-founding a company that reimagines equity in hiring is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and believing in what’s possible beyond the labels. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx