From June 12 to 15, 2018, employment social enterprise leaders from across the country gathered in Seattle for the REDF Partner Retreat, exchanging ideas on leadership, workforce development, and approaches to expanding employment opportunities for people navigating barriers to work.

The retreat created space for continued learning, honest conversations, and relationship building among social entrepreneurs working toward stronger communities through employment. REDF’s convenings emphasize an important point: progress accelerates when leaders share challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from one another rather than working in isolation.

The experience reflected a growing national movement recognizing that businesses can create both economic opportunity and social impact.

The gathering concluded at Maslow’s by FareStart, a social enterprise addressing homelessness, poverty, hunger, and unemployment through workforce training and employment opportunities. Organizations like FareStart demonstrate how investing in people through employment, skill building, and support can influence long-term outcomes.

The retreat reinforced an ongoing reminder: Community is not only built through shared purpose. It is strengthened through relationships, vulnerability, and willingness to learn together.