Inclusive Workplaces Cohort: Achieving Equity Together

Thank you for your interest in the Inclusive Workplaces Cohort! The application period for the 2024 Cohort has now closed.  If you have questions about the Inclusive Workplaces Cohort or the application process, please contact Becky Milbrandt at Rebecca.Milbrandt@ramseycounty.us. 

Congratulations to the following organizations  on their selection to participate in the cohort:

• Wildflyer Coffee        
• Saint Paul Port Authority             
• White Bear Center for the Arts  
• Ampact                
• Opportunity Community Services, Inc.   
• Flannery Construction, Inc.         
• Cadenza Music
• Lunda Construction Co.
• Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
• Gillette Children’s
• Polar Semiconductor

What:

The Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB) is providing Ramsey County businesses with an Executive Leadership Cohort learning experience. This initiative, in alignment with Ramsey County’s Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan, will support employers in becoming more inclusive workplaces to ensure we are amplifying the diversity of our community as a tool for economic growth. Businesses in Ramsey County will have the opportunity to participate in a peer learning community while advancing equity and inclusion in their organizations.

In 2024, the WIB is partnering with ADR Consulting Group. ADR will create a learning environment that fosters discussion and sharing of ideas, while encouraging accountability through safe and brave spaces for confidentiality. The facilitators come from unique and diverse backgrounds that allow them to truly center intersectionality in the way they approach DEI work and serve as trusted advisors to navigate the learning journey.

This program is sponsored by the WIB and led by the WIB’s Equity Committee with assistance from the Partnership and Outreach Committee. 

There is no cost to participating businesses. 

Who:

Eligible employers must: 

• have a presence in Ramsey County.
• designate two participants who have decision making power or can facilitate organizational change.
• commit to attending all nine sessions (June and August sessions will be virtual).
• agree to have their participation in the cohort shared out by Ramsey County and the WIB.

Up to 20 businesses will be selected to participate and influence the advancement of racial equity, diversity and inclusion throughout their organization. Preference will be given to businesses with 10-250 employees (including all locations). 

Why:

The goal of the cohort is to accelerate employers’ ability to advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion within their organizations and to support businesses that aim to leverage and sustain a more inclusive and sustainable workforce that supports better bottom-line results.

When:

The cohort will then meet monthly for 90 minutes over the course of nine months beginning in February through December 2024, except as noted in the full schedule below. In person sessions will be held at the Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Pkwy N., St Paul 55104.

Want to learn more about this cohort opportunity? Check out the slide deck and the recording from the January 10 information session.  Please contact Rebecca.Milbrandt@ramseycounty.us.