Equity Commitment

At Portland Workforce Alliance, we believe that access to meaningful career exploration and development is a fundamental matter of social and economic justice

What We Believe

At Portland Workforce Alliance (PWA), we believe that access to meaningful career exploration and development is a fundamental matter of social and economic justice. PWA was founded on the belief that collaboration can connect young people to meaningful careers. Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover and pursue fulfilling career paths, regardless of their background or circumstances.

What DEI means to us.

Diversity means to embrace broad representation across identity, experience, and background. We welcome and include all kinds of people, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Equity means to proactively address systemic barriers with strategies for access. We look for things that make it harder for communities to join or succeed, and we find ways to make it easier and fair for everyone to be part of it.

Inclusion means creating welcoming, empowering spaces for all (every student, educator, employer, and volunteer feels valued and empowered). We make sure everyone feels safe, happy, and important in our spaces.

DEI at a Glance: Our 2024 DEI Impact Report

Our Values and Objectives

At Portland Workforce Alliance, our objectives are not just tasks—they are the vehicles through which we realize our values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Each step we take is tied to a long-term vision of a more inclusive and just future for the students we serve.

Evaluate & Improve Our Impact

Value: Equity | Practice: Dismantle Systemic Barriers
We commit to using data as a tool for equity. By disaggregating student participation and outcomes data, we can identify who is being left behind and take action to correct it.
Actions:

Develop a DEI tracking tool for CRLEs
Continue to analyze participation by race, gender, and school
Integrate data into strategic planning

Outcome: A system that proactively removes barriers and adapts to student needs.

Implement Structured Accountability Measures

Value: Inclusion | Practice: Engage Diverse Leadership
We hold ourselves accountable by measuring our own progress. These systems help ensure our leadership and staff are continually growing in equity understanding and action.
Actions:

Annual DEI assessment and report
Cultural climate surveys
Participation benchmarks for board/staff
Equity training tied to measurable outcomes

Outcome: A feedback-informed culture where all identities feel valued, heard, and safe.

Center Equity in Student Programming

Value: Diversity & Equity | Practice: Center Youth Voices, Enhance Career-Learning Equity
We build programming with—not just for—students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Their stories and successes guide our future.
Actions:

Expand the PWA Alumni Network for mentorship and design input
Co-design programs with student feedback loops
Integrate role models reflective of the student body

Outcome: Programming that is culturally relevant, empowering, and aligned with real-life experiences.

Apply an Equity Lens to Event Design & Recruitment

Value: Equity | Practice: Dismantle Barriers, Foster Inclusion
We intentionally remove participation barriers by reevaluating how we invite, recruit, and build our events.
Actions:

Use an Equity Lens for Career Day, Mentorship, and Expo recruitment
Include inclusive language on all invites
Offer transportation, translation, and scheduling supports where possible

Outcome: Increased access for students who might otherwise be excluded, especially BIPOC, nonbinary, female, and neurodivergent youth.

Advance Racial & Cultural Consciousness in Our Organization

Value: Diversity | Practice: Engage Diverse Leadership, Foster Inclusion
We deepen our equity impact by ensuring that staff, board, and volunteers receive ongoing DEI education tailored to their roles.
Actions:

Differentiate DEI training for students, staff, board
Select professional development
Partner with BIPOC-led DEI consultants and trainers

Outcome: A culturally responsive team equipped to lead equity-centered career exploration.

Strengthen Community & Employer Partnerships

Value: Inclusion & Equity | Practice: Strengthen Employer Partnerships
We work with employer and community partners to co-create equitable learning opportunities that are informed by both workforce needs and student realities.
Actions: