RDA Strategies

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.  

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.

As LA:RISE concluded its sixth programmatic year in 2021, partners reflected on what sustained public-private collaboration can achieve in addressing employment barriers.

The same week as the final Academy Meeting on May 5, 2021, we connected with the City of Los Angeles, General Manager, Carolyn Hull, to discuss approaches to supporting people navigating significant employment barriers.

The Economic and Workforce Development Department, City of Los Angeles, advances economic opportunity through workforce development, business support, youth programs, and initiatives designed to strengthen pathways to employment and economic mobility across Los Angeles.

LA:RISE continues to demonstrate what is possible when workforce agencies, government partners, and employment social enterprises work together to expand opportunity.

One reflection shared by Carolyn Hull remains relevant today: “In the City of L.A., societal problems can only be addressed through collaboration.”

Agreed.

Thank you to the dedicated LA:RISE partners whose continued commitment supports communities across Los Angeles. Looking back to 2015, when LA:RISE launched as a City initiative before expanding Countywide in 2018, the work reinforces a continued belief: lasting systems change requires partnership.

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams,”~ Oprah Winfrey

On April 27, 2021, I had the opportunity to return as an alumna and present for Communications Week hosted by the California State University, Fullerton College of Communications.

The annual event brings together students, alumni, and professionals across communications fields to exchange perspectives, explore emerging trends, and strengthen connections between education and practice.

At a time when virtual spaces continued to reshape how communities learned and engaged, the experience reflected how innovation and perseverance sustained momentum, learning, and collaboration.

Returning to speak as an alumna was also a reminder that growth often begins when we remain open to new ideas, unfamiliar perspectives, and opportunities beyond our comfort zones.

One takeaway stayed with me: learning does not end with graduation. It evolves through continued curiosity, connection, and willingness to keep growing.

On July 23, 2020, in partnership with Talent Rewire, UNITE LA, and REDF, we hosted Manuel Pastor and Amelia Ransom for a discussion on how employers can use local history and context to create more equitable and sustainable workplaces.

One reflection from Amelia Ransom remained with me:

“You have to look at the opportunity gap, not just the pay gap within your company.”

The conversation reinforced an important point: equity requires organizations to examine the systems shaping access to opportunity, not only outcomes.

The discussion later informed a Forbes Grads of Life article, Business Has a Role in Dismantling Racism: 3 Takeaways From Our Conversation With Dr. Manuel Pastor and Amelia Ransom, which I co-authored with Heddy Nam to extend these reflections on workforce equity, opportunity, and the role employers can play in advancing change.

As organizations continue to navigate workforce challenges, questions about equity, inclusion, and economic mobility remain relevant.

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty reshaped communities, workplaces, and daily life in ways few anticipated.

The moment highlighted how quickly systems could become strained and how essential resource sharing, mutual support, and community networks become during disruption.

Information related to emergency assistance, workforce supports, volunteer opportunities, and community resources served as reminders that resilience is often collective rather than individual.

One lesson became increasingly clear:

Access to information can influence whether people feel supported or left to navigate challenges alone.

As communities adapted, the importance of connection, timely resources, and coordinated support became more visible than ever.

On March 5, 2020, more than 1,000 stakeholders gathered at the Biltmore in Downtown Los Angeles for the 4th Annual Homeless Initiative Conference, hosted by the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative. The event brought together elected officials, nonprofit providers, advocates, and community members to explore regional approaches to homelessness and systems change.

The day concluded with reflections from Tristen, an LA:RISE participant continuing to build skills through employment social enterprise while pursuing long term career goals.

One message stood out:Aspirations become more achievable when people have access to opportunity, support, and environments where they can be seen beyond barriers.

The conversation also emphasized vulnerability as an important practice for leaders and organizations committed to serving communities experiencing homelessness.

At a time when homelessness remained one of Los Angeles County’s most urgent challenges, the gathering reinforced the value of approaching complex issues through collaboration, dignity, and shared responsibility.

On February 19 to 21, 2020, I had the opportunity to present at the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference in Oakland, California, a national convening that brought together policymakers, practitioners, advocates, philanthropists, researchers, and service providers working to prevent and end homelessness.

My workshop, Innovative Strategies to Increase Employment and Income for People Experiencing Homelessness, explored employment social enterprises, cash assistance, and the role meaningful work can play in addressing homelessness.

The conversations reinforced something I continue to see: Employment is often connected to more than income. It can influence stability, dignity, community, and opportunity.

Grateful to the leaders, practitioners, and advocates working daily to strengthen pathways toward housing stability and economic mobility nationwide.