Introduction
Black Innovation Leaders of Florida (“BILF”) is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, ethical, and mission-aligned environment for all members, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and participants across our community.
This Code of Conduct & Code of Ethics (“Code”) applies to:
The BILF website and all membership areas
Online platforms, directories, and community spaces
BILF-hosted or BILF-affiliated events (virtual and in-person)
Member communications, collaborations, and engagements occurring through BILF services
Participation in the BILF community is a privilege. By engaging with BILF, you agree to follow this Code.
1) Respect and Inclusion
We are dedicated to creating a space where diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences are valued.
All individuals—regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, socioeconomic background, or age—deserve dignity and respect.
We commit to:
Fostering an environment of mutual cooperation and trust
Encouraging open, respectful dialogue
Ensuring all voices can participate safely and meaningfully
2) Responsibility and Integrity
BILF members and participants are expected to act with honesty, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions.
We expect participants to:
Take responsibility for their words and actions
Conduct themselves with integrity in business and community interactions
Communicate transparently and constructively
Address conflicts with maturity and respect, without hostility or retaliation
3) Harassment- and Discrimination-Free Environment
Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and misconduct have no place within BILF.
Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:
Unwanted physical contact or personal boundary violations
Unwanted sexual attention or inappropriate remarks
Offensive jokes, slurs, demeaning language, or targeted hostility
Bullying, intimidation, threats, stalking, or retaliation
Disruption of events or community spaces through aggressive behavior
Anyone engaging in such behavior may be subject to disciplinary action, including immediate removal from events, membership suspension, and termination.
4) Ethical Networking and Professional Conduct (No Exploitation)
BILF is a community built on collaboration, trust, and shared advancement.
Members and participants must not:
Misrepresent credentials, identity, affiliations, or intentions
Exploit community relationships for unethical personal gain
Use BILF spaces to pressure members into unwanted business arrangements
Use manipulative or deceptive tactics to secure access to funding, contracts, or opportunities
We encourage partnership-building, but it must be done ethically and respectfully.
5) Directory and Member Information Protection (No Marketing Lists)
If BILF provides a member directory or contact tools, members agree that:
Member information is shared for community collaboration and mission-aligned relationship-building
Directory information must not be scraped, harvested, copied, sold, shared, or used to create marketing lists
Mass solicitation or unsolicited promotional outreach is prohibited
Violations may result in immediate restriction or removal of membership access.
6) Inclusive Commitment
BILF actively promotes inclusion by:
Creating opportunities for overlooked voices
Recognizing and addressing barriers to participation
Supporting programs that uplift communities in innovation and leadership
7) Compliance with Laws and Policies
All members, partners, attendees, and participants must comply with:
Anti-discrimination and equal opportunity laws
Applicable privacy and data protection obligations
Event safety requirements, venue policies, and community standards
BILF Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Membership Terms
8) Reporting Violations
Anyone who experiences or witnesses a violation of this Code is encouraged to report it promptly.
BILF will take reports seriously and may take action to protect the community. Reports will be handled as confidentially as reasonably possible.
To report concerns, contact:
Email: contact@blackinnovationfl.org
Address: 26246 Wesley Chapel Blvd, #1008, Lutz, FL 33559
9) Enforcement and Accountability
Failure to comply with this Code may result in one or more of the following actions, at BILF’s sole discretion:
Verbal or written warnings
Removal from an event or online space
Content removal (posts/messages)
Temporary suspension of membership access
Revocation or termination of membership
Permanent ban from participation
BILF reserves the right to take any action necessary to uphold community safety and standards.
10) No Retaliation
Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate membership termination.