In the summer of 2019, the Community Workforce Inclusion Council (CWIC) of the Regional Workforce Alliance (RWA), whose mission is to champion a robust and diverse workforce that meets the needs of regional employers, discussed the merits of a designation to recognize employers who desire to be more inclusive in their workplace culture and practices.
RWA and CWIC members brought the I-WE concept forward to the Local Workforce Development Boards, who agreed to implement it throughout the 26 counties of the Region 1 planning area. Employers with the designation will be promoted to career seekers throughout the region's 11 CareerForce locations.
Since its launch in 2019, the I-WE designation initiative has expanded into Central and Southeast Minnesota. This is important because Minnesota’s workforce is becoming increasingly diverse – most workforce growth in the coming decade will be from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) workers. Many disparities in employment and economic outcomes exist for BIPOC Minnesotans, as well as Minnesotans with disabilities.. I-WE aims to help address those disparities, helping all Minnesotans find good employment – and helping Minnesota employers find the workers they need to grow and thrive.
