FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 12, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudine Battisti

UNITE-LA CELEBRATES FIRST COHORT OF CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC MOBILITY FELLOWS ADVANCING JOB QUALITY ACROSS THE STATE

Pilot initiative equips affinity chambers to drive workforce innovation and economic mobility for frontline workers

Los Angeles, CA (Aug. 12, 2026) – UNITE-LA today announced the successful completion of the inaugural California Accessing Economic Mobility (CAEM) Fellowship, a pilot initiative designed to strengthen the role of affinity chambers of commerce in advancing job quality and economic mobility across California.

Over the past six months, a cohort of chamber leaders participated in a collaborative learning experience focused on high-road employment practices, workforce strategies and policy-informed solutions to support frontline workers. The fellowship culminates this August with final presentations highlighting each fellow's action plan and regional impact.

The CAEM Fellowship equips chambers with practical tools, peer learning opportunities and research-based strategies to help employers strengthen talent pipelines, improve workplace practices and contribute to a more inclusive economy.

Throughout the program, fellows engaged in peer learning sessions, technical assistance and discussions with statewide leaders exploring strategies such as skills-based hiring and advancement, child care access and immigration supports—approaches identified as key levers for expanding opportunity for low-wage workers.

"This fellowship strengthens the critical connection between business leadership and economic mobility," said UNITE-LA President Alysia Bell. "By investing in affinity chambers, we are building a network of leaders equipped to drive meaningful change—supporting businesses while expanding opportunity for workers and communities across California."

The fellowship builds on UNITE-LA’s broader strategy to mobilize business leadership in advancing workforce solutions and systems change. Alongside the fellowship, UNITE-LA developed a CAEM Knowledge Hub and toolkits to support chambers statewide in engaging employers and implementing high-road practices.

The inaugural cohort represents a growing statewide movement of business and community leaders working collaboratively to address structural barriers to economic mobility and create more equitable access to opportunity.

UNITE-LA will use insights from this pilot to refine and expand the fellowship model in future cohorts.

Learn more about the CAEM initiative at the UNITE-LA CAEM page.

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About UNITE-LA
For 28 years, UNITE-LA has championed equitable, economic mobility via cradle-though-career education and workforce development efforts that strengthen systems, policies and high-quality education and career pathways. UNITE-LA serves as an intermediary, collaborating with key stakeholders—including educators, employers, policymakers and community leaders—to ensure all individuals, especially those facing systemic barriers, have opportunities to thrive. Co-founded by the City of Los Angeles, L.A. Unified School District and L.A. Community College District, UNITE-LA is grounded in the region with state and national partnerships extending its impact throughout California and the U.S. Learn more at www.unitela.com.