Our Work
Our Work
Our approach to driving equitable change
What does it take to build workforce systems where every worker can thrive, and every job is a good job?
We believe it starts with helping local partners understand what holds inequity in place and develop the skills to create real, lasting change. Our approach is built on interconnected strategies that are key to advancing equity, whether we’re focused on workplaces, career navigation and training institutions, or other systems that impact workforce outcomes:
Sustaining collaboration
Sustained local collaboration is a powerful mechanism to change the status quo of inequitable workforce ecosystems that too often reproduce disparities in outcomes. We help communities formalize and sustain collaboration that aligns power, resources, and influence. Together, we move organizations from working in parallel to working in partnership, transforming how equity is built into the regional economy over time.
Adopting a systems change mindset
We look at the whole picture — how people, organizations, and policies interact — so we can uncover root causes to workforce issues and design solutions that make a real difference. We use disaggregated quantitative and qualitative data to understand the problem. We form strategic partnerships to shift local conditions, being mindful of power dynamics and including those most affected by the problem.
Centering workers
Centering workers means listening to their experiences, valuing their expertise, and making sure they can shape the practices, programs and policies that impact their lives. When workers thrive, families, businesses, and communities thrive. That’s why we put workers and job seekers at the heart of the process, especially those who have been historically overlooked. They help us define problems and co-create solutions.
Partnering with employers
Employers are more than “customers” of workforce development systems. They shape the conditions of work itself, and they can help remove systemic barriers and strengthen career pathways so more workers can succeed. We help employers understand their influence, identify the practices that strengthen or limit equity, and take practical steps that benefit both their workforce and their bottom line.
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We collaborate with Network Partners who have deep knowledge of workforce issues in their local regions, and understand how racial inequity affects the people and communities they serve. Their local lens and expertise drive the critical work needed to help realize our shared vision in three focus areas:
We Convene & Inspire
We bring people together to build long-term relationships, share knowledge, and celebrate wins. Reshaping the future of work starts with collaboration, trust, and a shared vision.
We Coach & Facilitate
We equip local leaders with the tools, resources, and support they need to spark real, lasting change in how people prepare for and grow in their careers.
Amplify & Accelerate
We use our national platform to lift up local innovation and expertise to accelerate what works. Bold ideas can travel farther and reach more people when we share what’s working.
Our Focus Areas
We collaborate with Network Partners who have deep knowledge of workforce issues in their local regions, and understand how racial inequity affects the people and communities they serve. Their local lens and expertise drive the critical work needed to help realize our shared vision in three focus areas:
Address systemic barriers to success in the workforce to ensure people have access to opportunities.
We look beyond workforce development and the workplace to find multifaceted solutions to broader issues holding back workers and our economy.
Initiatives
Transform career navigation and training systems to forge equitable pathways to good jobs.
We’re striving to ensure everyone has the ability to choose their career path and their success isn’t determined by race or background.
Activate industry leaders to improve job quality in order to create more equitable workplaces.
Developing practical solutions and supporting businesses in building more equitable workplaces where all workers have a chance to succeed.
Initiatives
