Equity Statement

As a service provider, employer and retailer, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota strives to reflect the communities we serve and ensure everyone feels welcome.

  • As an employer we will build on employee engagement and inclusion efforts.
  • As a community member we will reflect our service communities and actively learn together.
  • As a service provider we will create equitable opportunities.
  • As an advocate we will influence systems change.

 

DEI Strategic Pillars

  • Employee-driven DEI council shares educational opportunities and hosts space for people to be their authentic selves
  • Actively recruit and retain people of color, people from diverse backgrounds and recognize the intersectionality in every individual
  • DEI training for all levels of leadership and Board of Directions, monthly resources and a calendar of free events to engage with inclusion issues
  • Employees source vendors, partners and support BIPOC-owned businesses
  • Seek out and speak to diverse audiences, ensuring marketing and communications efforts are accessible and inclusive
  • Build a more inclusive workforce and help stabilize families through the power of work
  • Support over 5,500 unemployed and lower-wage earners annually
  • Add more culturally responsive practices and develop digital skills assessment to be inclusive
  • Participant in Second Chance, Homeless and Mental Health advocacy days at the capitol
  • Bring DEI to the forefront internally and externally, speaking out against overt and systematic racism/inequities   

LIFE AT

GESMN

BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

Our Employees

With varying backgrounds and experiences, our employees and the people we serve bring talents to our workplace.

34
%
employees are BIPOC
19
%
leadership is BIPOC
33
%
board of directors are diverse
59
%
leadership is female
10
 hours
of DEI enrichment activities for employees
23
%
employees have a disability

Enrichment Time Off

Rainbow colored light bulb with text in the middle saying 854 Employees
6,593
Hours
Felix

Felix

District Manager

"In my new role as Goodwill's district manager, I look forward to building more great partnerships within the organization that contributes to our mission to eliminate barriers to work and independence."

Rachel

Rachel

Store Processor

"Goodwill treats me very well. I participated in a Goodwill vocational rehabilitation program, and was hired at Goodwill full-time. I have been working for the company for almost ten years."

Latisha

Latisha

Workforce Development Manager

"In my new role as manager of FATHER Project, I have a unique opportunity to build community as our services strengthen the important relationship between fathers and their children."

Curtis

Curtis

Participant

"Being certified opened up new opportunities for me, which allowed me to explore other possibilities within the state. It's a totally different role, there is much more outreach. Just getting to interact with so many people has been exciting."

 

Vendor Assessment

Click below to view our 2023 vendor assessment document

View PDF

 

The People We Serve

0
%
are BIPOC or marginalized gender
0
%
have one or more disabilities
0
%
are low income

Participant Stories

Jordan’s Journey from Homelessness to Hope

With the guidance of his brother and mom, Jordan joined Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN)…

An open mind and hard work led Natasha to a new career path

One day during her daily commute she noticed a billboard promoting Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s…

Ashley’s Customer Service Skills Propel Her Career

Guided by the recommendation of her vocational rehabilitation counselor, Ashley joined…