First-ever Inclusive Workplaces Cohort
Ramsey County, in partnership with the Workforce Innovation Board (WIB), launched the first ever Inclusive Workplaces Cohort on October 14, 2021. This initiative, in alignment with the Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan, supported 17 local employers in becoming more inclusive workplaces to amplify the diversity of our community as a tool for economic growth. These selected Ramsey County employers participated in a 10-month peer learning cohort while advancing equity and inclusion in their organizations. Each of the employers made a commitment of executive leadership participation with an agreement to bring about tangible action or policy changes to their organizations.
The inaugural cohort included:
- Blue Plate Restaurant Company
- Como Park Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program
- Ehlers, Inc.
- Goodwill-Easter Seals MN
- Jewish Family Service of St. Paul
- Merrick Inc.
- Minnesota Credit Union Network
- Newtrax
- Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- Oak Tree Support Services
- Paul Davis Restoration
- Phoenix Alternatives Inc.
- Science Museum of Minnesota
- SkyWater Search Partners
- Spire Credit Union
- The Improve Group
- Trellis
Saint Paul based Center for Economic Inclusion led the experience by creating a learning environment that fostered discussion and sharing of ideas, while encouraging accountability through safe and brave spaces for confidentiality. The Center provided skilled facilitation guiding participants’ learning journeys using a comprehensive racial equity lens and the levers of systems change.
Ramsey County Workforce Solutions Director and WIB Executive Director, Ling Becker stated, “We are thrilled to be supporting committed employers who recognize the opportunity to increase their organization’s success through become inclusive workplaces. I want to thank the WIB for their leadership to drive transformational change for employers and job seekers in Ramsey County.”
This program was sponsored by the WIB’s Equity Committee with assistance from the WIB’s Partnership and Outreach Committee. The WIB is committed to leading transformational efforts to end systemic inequities.