RDA Strategies

It was a sun-soaked week on June 19, 2023, in Minneapolis, known as the “City of Lakes,” when REDF brought together more than 150 social entrepreneurs for its Partner Retreat to exchange ideas, deepen relationships, and imagine stronger futures.

One of the highlights came from Maria Kim, president and CEO of REDF, who shared the story behind her name while celebrating the social enterprise leaders in the room:

“Separately, we are rivers, but together, we’re the world’s biggest lake.”

The reflection stayed with me because sustainable change rarely happens in isolation. It grows through collective effort, shared learning, and communities willing to continue moving forward together.

The week created meaningful opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and learn from employment social enterprises working to expand economic mobility and opportunity.

Shoutout to Team “Purple Rain” for bringing creativity and energy throughout the experience.

A particularly powerful moment was visiting the George Floyd Global Memorial, a reminder of the continued work toward racial equity, justice, and the building of communities where every person is valued.

In the spirit of Ubuntu, may we continue imagining futures where the impossible becomes possible.

What happens when families spend more time searching for information than accessing support?

That question led to the launch of Inclusive Sol in 2022, a Los Angeles-based cerebral palsy resource and community platform created to help individuals and families navigate services, strengthen connections, and access information more easily.

What began as an effort to address gaps in awareness and coordination has grown through partnerships with healthcare organizations, government agencies, Regional Centers, and community groups committed to improving access and inclusion.

Inclusive Sol has since been recognized or featured by organizations such as the Center for Cerebral Palsy at UCLA, NAPA Center, the Los Angeles Department on Disability, Abilities Expo, Regional Centers, and California Children’s Services.

The work continues with a simple belief: families should spend less time navigating fragmented systems and more time accessing support, information, and community.

On September 5, 2023, I attended the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Opportunity Youth Initiative convening to shape futures for Opportunity Youth in Los Angeles.

Conversations emphasized vision, partnership, and listening to those most affected.

One idea stayed with me:

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

Change starts when communities ask new questions and decide who should shape the answers.

In December 2022, I was honored to be included on the Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll, recognizing acts of service, civic engagement, and contributions to communities.

The recognition reminds us that lasting impact is achieved not through a single moment, but through sustained efforts: volunteering, listening, voting, building partnerships, supporting the community, and actively contributing. These actions collectively create change.

As Desmond Tutu said:

“Do your little bit of good where you are…”

Perhaps change happens when enough small acts, carried out collectively, become impossible to ignore.

During Giving Season on December 12, 2022, I attended the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Homeless Initiative Annual Convening at the Annenberg Community Beach House. Entering this new space of conversation, the previous recognition of small actions reminded me of the greater shifts possible through collective effort.

Following a discussion on narrative change, our table explored a shared reflection:

“Transformational shifts in wealth building redirect power and decision making toward communities historically excluded.”

The conversations emphasized that pursuing equity leads to justice and reinforced the importance of continually challenging assumptions as we advance dignified solutions. Key takeaway: Equity and challenging assumptions are vital for justice.

I am grateful to have connected with leaders committed to expanding pathways to housing stability and economic opportunity.

On November 10, 2022, LA:RISE held its final in-person Academy Meeting of the year, bringing together partners committed to workforce development and economic mobility across Los Angeles.

Tommie Baines’ reflections stayed with me: “Know who you are.” Remember why you are here. Find your village. Stay on mission. Celebrate. Repeat.

The gathering featured insights from Meghan Steed Garvey on employment, social enterprise, and inclusive workforce strategies.

Sustaining impact takes more than commitment; it requires community, reflection, and care. Key takeaway: Community and reflection are necessary for sustained impact.

“What makes LA:RISE so successful is the partnerships in the room,” ~ Mark Loranger

That reflection stayed with me following REDF’s October 6, 2022, workforce roundtable and site visit hosted by Chrysalis.

The discussion brought together workforce development leaders, including Natalie Palugyai, Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency; Abby Snay, Deputy Secretary for the Future of Work at the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency; and Tim Rainey, Executive Director of the California Workforce Development Board.

The workforce landscape continues evolving as organizations explore new sectors, pathways, and opportunities that expand economic mobility.

Representatives from employment social enterprises shared approaches to supporting individuals facing steep barriers to employment, including homelessness and involvement with the justice system. Their work reinforces an important point: communities are strongest when people are viewed through a strengths lens rather than defined by barriers.

These conversations served as a reminder that employment social enterprises exist because they recognize potential where others may see limitations.

Appreciation to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the Economic and Workforce Development Department, City of Los Angeles, for continuing to strengthen public-private partnerships across Los Angeles.

On July 26, 2022, the Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE) convened its first in-person Academy Meeting since early 2020 at The California Endowment in Downtown Los Angeles.

LA:RISE brings together City and County workforce agencies with employment social enterprises to expand pathways to employment, training, and support for people navigating barriers to economic opportunity.

More than 75 people representing 37 City and County partners gathered to reconnect, exchange resources, and strengthen collaboration. LA:RISE’s 8th programmatic year launched with support from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the Economic and Workforce Development Department, City of Los Angeles.

The experience served as a reminder that work provides more than income. It can offer a sense of belonging, stability, purpose, and community.

Human connection continues to shape how partnerships grow and systems strengthen.

During the week of June 13, 2022, social enterprise leaders from across the country gathered in Portland, Oregon, for the REDF Community Retreat.

The conversations centered on building a more inclusive economy and expanding opportunities for people facing employment barriers.

Employment social enterprises are businesses that create jobs, training, and pathways to economic mobility for people often overlooked by traditional labor markets. These enterprises generate revenue through products and services, then reinvest in their employees and communities to strengthen long-term outcomes.

The retreat brought together leaders committed to advancing this work across the country, reinforcing a shared belief: communities grow stronger when opportunity expands.

More than 700 employment social enterprises nationwide continue to demonstrate what is possible when people are viewed through a strengths lens rather than defined by barriers.

One takeaway stayed with me: wider access to opportunity strengthens not only individuals, but entire communities.

In March 2022, REDF announced the largest institutional grant in its 25-year history: a $7.5 million investment through the Justice and Mobility Fund. The fund is a philanthropic collaboration that invests in boosting the economic and social mobility of people impacted by the criminal justice system.

The milestone reflected growing momentum behind efforts to build an economy that works for more people.

It was also an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues in San Francisco and reflect on what sustains long-term systems change: shared vision, persistence, and partnership.

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