Reena De Asis

“IF YOU WANT TO GO QUICKLY, GO ALONE. IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER.” ~ AFRICAN PROVERB “

What does it feel like when social enterprise leaders from nationwide come together in Portland, OR the week of June 13, 2022, to connect, grow and lead for the REDF Community Retreat?

Empowering, as we were in good company.

Want to build a more inclusive economy? You’re “In Good Company.”

10 million Americans are sidelined from economic opportunity. Back the businesses hiring, training, and supporting them as they break through barriers to employment.

There are over 700 employment social enterprises operating nationwide – employing tens of thousands of people breaking through barriers to employment.

In the photo collage are leaders from nationwide who came together to continue to build community and collectively make a positive impact.

“OUR ABILITY TO REACH UNITY IN DIVERSITY WILL BE THE BEAUTY AND THE TEST OF OUR CIVILIZATION.” ~ MAHATMA GANDHI 

We’re thrilled to share that REDF has received the largest institutional grant in our 25-year history – a $7.5 million investment from the Justice and Mobility Fund, a philanthropic collaboration co-created by Blue Meridian Partners and Ford Foundation & supported by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies.

Grateful to stand behind our vision with such a dynamic team.

It was also wonderful to see colleagues in mid-March 2022 in San Francisco to fill our purposeful cups.

Our collective focus: An economy that works. For everyone.  

“IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL IT IS DONE.” ~ NELSON MANDELA

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It was an uplifting Sunday on November 21, 2021 to connect with future and current social agents of change!

Blessed to again join The Circle of Change Virtual Leadership Experience this weekend for a transformational leadership experience for culturally diverse students & professionals from across the country. 

There’s something invigorating when you can surround yourself in good company and know that leaders from various sectors are out there “walking the walk” for the betterment of society.

“IF YOU WANT TO LIFT YOURSELF UP, LIFT UP SOMEONE ELSE.” ~ BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

We held our final academy meeting on May 5, 2021, and wrap up our 6th programmatic year the end of June. Last week we were able to connect with the Economic & Workforce Development Department – City of Los Angeles General Manager Ms. Hull to share her thoughts on addressing people with high employment barriers. LA:RISE is demonstrating that a public-private partnership can help solve some of society’s biggest challenges!

“In the city of L.A, societal problems can only be addressed through collaboration,” ~Carolyn Hull. Agreed!

Thank you to our dedicated partners, we are so proud of your commitment to serving our community! Throwback to 2015 when LA:RISE was launched as a city only program and in 2018 expanded countywide.

“THE BIGGEST ADVENTURE YOU CAN TAKE IS TO LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS.” ~ OPRAH WINFREY

Thank you CSUF College of Communications for the opportunity to present for Communications Week on April 27, 2021. This year’s virtual event was another example of how through innovation and perseverance, we can continue to keep the momentum going. It’s also been an honor to present in person in the past at the college’s annual event.

May you keep crafting your life adventure toward the growth zone!

“NOT EVERYTHING THAT IS FACED CAN BE CHANGED, BUT NOTHING CAN BE CHANGED UNTIL IT IS FACED.” ~ JAMES BALDWIN

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In partnership with Talent Rewire, UNITE-LA, and REDF, we hosted Dr. Manuel Pastor from the University of Southern California and Amelia Ransom, SPHR on July 23, 2020, for a timely conversation on how employers can use local history and context to create equitable and sustainable change inside their workplace!

“You have to look at the opportunity gap, not just the pay gap within your company.” ~ Amelia Ransom. YES! Business Has A Role In Dismantling Racism: 3 Takeaways From Our Conversation With Dr. Manuel Pastor And Amelia Ransom on Forbes.com

“THE LAST OF THE HUMAN FREEDOMS: TO CHOOSE ONE’S ATTITUDE IN ANY GIVEN SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES, TO CHOOSE ONE’S OWN WAY.” ~ VICTOR FRANKL

Here’s a little perspective during this global health pandemic: we can still choose to learn and grow vs live in debilitating fear.

May you frame your circumstances in a positive light and adapt. Stay hopeful and count your blessings.

Be safe and healthy.

Resources below:

Food Assistance, Help Paying Bills, And Other Free Or Reduced-Cost Programs

Emergency Financial Resources To Help With COVID-19 Hardship

Grant Opportunities Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Resources for Human Services Leaders

Remote or On-Site Volunteer Opportunities during COVID-19

COVID-19 Response And Support for Employment Social Enterprises

“VULNERABILITY IS NOT WINNING OR LOSING; IT’S HAVING THE COURAGE TO SHOW UP AND BE SEEN WHEN WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE OUTCOME.” ~ BRENE BROWN

On March 5, 2020 over 1,000 stakeholders gathered for the 4th Annual Homeless Initiative Conference.

The event closed with Tristen, an LA:RISE and Los Angeles LGBT Center program participant, who is continuing to hone her skills while working in a social enterprise and searching for full-time employment at a restaurant. Her advice for future LA:RISE participants is to turn your dreams into goals and then anything will become possible. YES!

I also very much appreciated the emphasis on the power of vulnerability as discussed on stage for people who are committed to serving people experiencing homelessness. It’s a courageous way to live to assure others are given the opportunity to be seen and heard.

“MEMORIES OF OUR LIVES, OF OUR WORKS AND OUR DEEDS WILL CONTINUE IN OTHERS.” ~ ROSA PARKS

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It was an invigorating time presenting and attending the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference on February 19-21, 2020 at the Oakland Marriott City Center.

Our workshop on the “Innovative Strategies to Increase Employment and Income for People Experiencing Homelessness” had a great discussion on cash aid, employment social enterprises and the value of jobs in addressing homelessness. Shout out to the thousands of people who do the good work on a daily basis to embrace and empower people experiencing homelessness.

“WITH A LITTLE BIT OF IMAGINATION, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!” ~ MACGYVER

On January 23, 2020 we gathered at Goodwill Southern California and pondered together, “What Would MacGyver Do You?” (If He Were In My Shoes). The LA:RISE program hosts quarterly trainings/meetings with partners and we often like to kick-off the morning with a little fun!

MacGyver was a genius-level intellect and had a particular ability for adaptation and improvisation! In life, there are so many ways we can stay creative with our learning opportunities. What’s in your toolkit?