Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the Heldrich Center, every research project is guided by a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Whether designing programs or conducting studies and evaluations, our work aims to strengthen the workforce development system, particularly for vulnerable and historically marginalized workers. By embedding DEI principles into our research designs, methodologies, and protocols, we can identify and address systemic inequities and measure their impact across different groups.

Our research is rooted in a people-first, equity-driven approach. We go beyond the numbers to ensure labor market data reflect the full diversity of the workforce, amplifying the voices and experiences of workers across all demographics.

Our researchers regularly collaborate with faculty and experts from diverse backgrounds. The Center has created and led programs that directly impact the workforce and is experienced in applying intersectional research frameworks and national standards such as Justice40 metrics.

Recent Project Highlights

One example of our DEI-driven work is A Workplace Divided, one of 22 national projects funded by WorkRise, a research-to-action network led by the Urban Institute. This project used a nationally representative survey to explore how Black, Latino, Asian-American, and white workers experience racial inequities in the workplace. The findings are helping stakeholders develop programs, shape policy, and guide future research to promote more equitable workplaces and support economic mobility.

Since 2009, the Heldrich Center has hosted policy forums on workforce diversity in the United States and internationally, with over 1,000 participants to date.

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