RDA Strategies

“IN EVERY COMMUNITY, THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE. IN EVERY NATION, THERE ARE WOUNDS TO HEAL. IN EVERY HEART, THERE IS POWER TO DO IT.” ~ MARIANNE WILLIAMSON 

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Inclusive Sol, a cerebral palsy resource platform in Los Angeles, allows readers to access content in various languages. Launched in the fall of 2022, this innovative hub has become an invaluable resource for parents and caregivers navigating the challenges of caring for a child with cerebral palsy. With its dedication to inclusivity, Inclusive Sol aims to empower families, save them time and money, and offer a wealth of free resources.

Here are some key points showcasing the growth and impact of Inclusive Sol:

Empowering Families: Inclusive Sol understands the complexities and struggles that families face when caring for a child with cerebral palsy. Their platform is tailored to provide the necessary support, guidance, and resources to make this journey easier.

Free Resources: One of Inclusive Sol’s standout features is its commitment to offering free resources. Families can access a wide array of valuable information, tools, and support without the burden of additional expenses.

News & Events: Inclusive Sol informs families about the latest news and events related to cerebral palsy via the monthly Beaming Bulletin. Subscribers, especially those based in Southern California, have access to the latest tools and resources, special offers, etc.

Online Support Group: Caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be isolating. Starting in November 2022, Inclusive Sol will address this issue by hosting a monthly online support group via Zoom. This platform provides parents and caregivers with a safe space to connect, share their experiences, and gain emotional support.

Partnerships and Recognition: Inclusive Sol’s values partnerships and collaboration. Inclusive Sol is an official U.S.A World CP Day partner dedicated to supporting the cerebral palsy community. The platform is also listed on prestigious organizations and centers like NAPA Center, the Los Angeles Department on Disability, the Center for Cerebral Palsy at UCLA, the Abilities Expo, and the Lanterman + Eastern L.A. Regional Centers. Even the California Children’s Services includes Inclusive Sol in their L.A. Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy Resource Guide.

Community Engagement: Inclusive Sol actively engages with the community through participation in events such as the Abilities Expo, CP Family Forum at the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children, and Neurodivergent Night at Pretend City Children’s Museum. These engagements testify to their commitment to making a difference in the lives of families affected by cerebral palsy.

Inclusive Sol is more than just a resource platform; it’s a lifeline for families with cerebral palsy. Its steady growth and impact are proof that a dedicated and inclusive approach to supporting families can make a world of difference. As it continues to expand and touch more lives, it remains a beacon of hope and a valuable resource for those in need.

“IF YOU DO NOT CHANGE DIRECTION, YOU MAY END UP WHERE YOU ARE HEADING.” ~ LAO TZU

The future is a place where anything can be different. Even things that seem impossible to change today!

This was one of my favorite quotes from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Opportunity Youth Initiative Los Angeles Grantee Partner Convening on September 5, 2023.

We discussed shaping a collective vision for Opportunity Youth in L.A. and beyond. The foundation’s goal was achieved by making new connections and deepening existing ones for attendees.

I am grateful for the impactful day, the insights from youth leaders, and the thought-provoking presentation/workshop by the Institute for the Future and The Maven Collaborative!

“DO YOUR LITTLE BIT OF GOOD WHERE YOU ARE; IT IS THOSE LITTLE BITS OF GOOD PUT TOGETHER THAT OVERWHELM THE WORLD.” ~ ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU

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Points of Light connects individuals, businesses, and nonprofit volunteer organizations to create change in the world.

The organization also hosts an Inspiration Honor Roll, which celebrates individuals’ acts of service, kindness, and civic engagement.

I am grateful to be on the 2022 Points of Light Honor Roll, along with fellow changemakers who are creating positive change in communities around the world.

Consider that “doing your little bit of good where you are ” can take many forms, such as volunteering, being of service, voting, using your voice, donating, listening and learning, social entrepreneurship, working, and being intentional with one’s purchasing power.

Life is good when you are living up to your values and giving back more than you are taking.

In the Giving Season month, I attended the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Homeless Initiative Annual Convening at the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica on  December 12, 2022. Our table had a group activity after the narrative change panel on coming up with a value we could all stand behind:

“Transformational shift in wealth building to redirect power & decision making for people of color!”

We were invigorated after hearing the panelists discuss equity as a pathway to justice, focusing on narrative change at a local level, and continuing to push the envelope dignifiedly, which are just a few key takeaways.

I am grateful to connect with other leaders committed to creating pathways to housing and employment for our neighbors.

“MAKE YOUR LIFE A MISSION – NOT AN INTERMISSION.” ~ ARNOLD H. GLASGOW

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I’m still thinking about key takeaways from Tommie Baines’ inspiring talk from November 10, 2022, for the final in-person LA:RISE Academy Meeting of the year:

👆🏾Know who you are
👆🏾Remember why you are here
👆🏾Find your village, put down roots there
👆🏾Build foundational knowledge
👆🏾Be open to learning about best practices
👆🏾Prioritize self-care to sustain your soul
👆🏾Embrace your power
👆🏾Stay on mission and do that WORK…
👆🏾CELEBRATE!
👆🏾Rinse and repeat 

We also heard from Meghan Steed Garvey from First Step Staffing on the power of employment social enterprise to build a more inclusive Los Angeles. At the same time, we enjoyed breakfast at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Liberation Coffee House. 

The good energy bounced from one person to the next, and I hope each person carried that warmth in them as they returned to their day-to-day work.

“ONE FINGER CANNOT LIFT A PEBBLE.” ~ HOPI PROVERB

“What makes LA:RISE so successful is the partnerships in the room.” ~ Mark Loranger, President and CEO, Chrysalis

On October 6, 2022, Chrysalis graciously hosted a site visit for REDF’s roundtable discussion with workforce development leaders. I am grateful to Secretary of Labor, California Labor, and Workforce Development Agency Natalie Palugyai for being so engaged with the group, along with Deputy Secretary for the Future of Work at California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Abby Snay and California Workforce Development Board Executive Director Tim Rainey.

The workforce’s culture is changing as we aim to diversify the types of jobs and sectors we help people move into.

In this meeting, various employment social enterprises were represented that employ people who break through steep barriers to employment, like homelessness or justice system involvement.

This is a powerful reminder that employment social enterprises exist because they see this talent pool for the strengths it holds, not the barriers it faces! Kudos to the Department of Economic Opportunity—LA County and the Economic & Workforce Development Department—City of Los Angeles for embracing public/private sector partnerships in L.A. 

“DEEP HUMAN CONNECTION IS… THE PURPOSE AND THE RESULT OF A MEANINGFUL LIFE – AND IT WILL INSPIRE THE MOST AMAZING ACTS OF LOVE, GENEROSITY, AND HUMANITY.” ~ MELINDA GATES

Ahhh, the power of human connection! We are committed to our work because a job provides so much more than a paycheck!

We had our first in-person academy meeting on July 26, 2022, at the beautiful California Endowment building in DTLA. 

Thank you to the 37 City and County LA:RISE program partners that joined us. Convening with our partners enables us to collaborate more effectively, share available community resources, and discuss best practices.

Given we haven’t all met since January 2020, it was truly invigorating to see a room full of about 75 dedicated and passionate people in one room.

LA:RISE’s 8th programmatic year kicked off in July with support from Los Angeles County’s Department of Economic Opportunity and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Department.

“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 come together nationwide in Portland, OR, the week of June 13, 2022, to connect, grow, and lead for the REDF Community Retreat?

It was empowering, as we were in good company.

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

Ten million Americans are excluded from economic opportunity. Support the businesses hiring, training, and supporting them as they break through barriers to employment.

Over 700 employment social enterprises operate nationwide, employing tens of thousands of people and breaking through barriers to employment.

The photo collage features leaders from nationwide who came together to continue building community and collectively making 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 and supported by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies.

I am 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 about being in good company and knowing that leaders from various sectors are out there “walking the walk” for the betterment of society.