Building truly inclusive tech teams goes beyond traditional notions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) like gender, ethnic, racial, or religious diversity. The ultimate goal is to achieve diversity of thought, which drives innovation and problem-solving. This diversity of thought is often achieved by bringing together individuals with varied experiences, educational backgrounds, and perspectives. For instance, candidates from different schools, states, and academic rankings are more likely to offer a broader spectrum of ideas than those with similar backgrounds. Embracing non-traditional hiring practices, such as recruiting talent from diverse industries or training individuals from non-technical backgrounds, not only enhances team performance but also provides valuable opportunities to underrepresented communities. This approach creates a ripple effect, empowering individuals to earn livable wages, gain experience, and positively impact their socioeconomic future. The focus should be on the creative potential that diverse backgrounds bring, not just the categories they represent.