An intermediary can help broker effective relationships between key stakeholders, such as educational institutions, community organizations and the business sector, providing additional capacity and expertise to support curriculum alignment and the broader supports needed for workforce success with evolving labor market needs. It is important to purposely align regional business and education/training organizations to continuously co-develop data-driven strategies for inclusive local talent development and regional prosperity.
Business is our most powerful ally to address these challenges. Yet, without a supportive network, business organizations and corporate leaders can be an inconsistent voice, especially at the local level, where small business owners and regional subsidiaries face daily pressures on their bottom line.
UNITE-LA provides an opportunity for business to work collectively with diverse community stakeholders to ensure development of local talent, particularly individuals from disinvested Black and Brown communities, as well as Opportunity Youth - 16 to 24-year-olds who are disconnected from school and work. Coordinated attention to education, workforce development and racial equity will positively drive regional economic prosperity.
WHO WE ARE
UNITE-LA is a leading, nonprofit organization serving as a trusted partner, bridging and building relationships between the business and education communities for nearly 25 years on cradle-to-career policy and systemic issues facing low-income communities.
UNITE-LA's unique value-add is our approach to engaging the business community as an uncommon ally in cross-sector education and workforce policy, systems and program efforts through trust building, education, joint advocacy and strategic partnerships.
The organization leads, supports and informs collaborative efforts, including early care and education, college access and success, and pathways to careers with livable and/or family-sustaining wages for individuals we serve from underserved communities regionally, statewide and nationally.
UNITE-LA works to combat structural racism, dismantle systemic barriers that create disadvantages for Black and Brown communities, and ensure equitable access to high-quality education and careers. The current and future workforce thrive when public educational systems and government work alongside business partners to create more equitable, diverse and inclusive pathways representing local talent pipelines.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
With more than 25 years of experience serving as a business and education broker, UNITE-LA is uniquely positioned to support business in making issues, such as education, talent development and inclusive economies, and supporting diverse and equitable communities, a top priority for the region.
Engaging with UNITE-LA provides the following opportunities to create value for your company or association and impact your future workforce:
Gain Valuable Advocacy Support - leverage our expertise to engage on critical cradle-to-career issues impacting business by elevating yourself as a thought partner in front of local, state and national, elected officials as a voice for education reform and legislation to improve outcomes for youth and the future workforce.
Advocate for employers to attract and retain top talent by engaging in efforts to create inclusive and supportive work environments.
Share Your Workforce Needs – we will communicate these to postsecondary and K-12 institutions to ensure the talent pipeline is aligned to needed job skills in the region.
Connect to Your Future Workforce - support talent development and upskilling/reskilling needed in your industry through partnership programs in education and training and accelerated occupational pathways.
Advance Your Civic and Corporate Responsibility Goals - align your civic engagement initiatives through impactful, public-private partnerships and collaborate with mission-driven leaders to improve your economic and social impact.
Increase your visibility and brand in the community - connect with consumers and communities to improve your brand recognition and community connectivity.
Help build more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies.
To learn more and create impact, contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, Senior Director, Regional Business Engagement, at [email protected].
To get engaged in our national efforts, contact Dexter Freeman, Senior Director, Education Business Coalitions, at [email protected].
For sponsorship opportunities, contact John Liang, Associate Director, Development, at [email protected].
BUSINESS PARTNERS
UNITE-LA prides itself on providing a non-partisan, "safe space" to work on creating real change for our children and youth and their families. As such, we know collaboration across institutions and systems is necessary to solve the complex, large-scale education and workforce development challenges facing our region. We appreciate the trusted support and partnership of the business organizations below:*
- American Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE)
- American Immigration Council
- Bay Area Council
- Business Leaders United
- CA FWD
- CalAsian Chamber of Commerce
- California African American Chamber of Commerce
- Central City Association
- Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce
- Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
- Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
- Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
- Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce
- Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
- National Association of Women Business Owners Los Angeles (NAWBO-LA)
- North Bay Leadership Council
- Orange County Business Council
- San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
- San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
- Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
- Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce
- Silicon Valley Leadership Group
- Small Business Majority
- Valley Economic Alliance
- Valley Industry & Commerce Association
- Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation
- Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce - Orange County
- Westside Council of Chambers of Commerce (WC3)
*The views, information or opinions expressed by the organizations are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent those of UNITE-LA.