Description

Efforts to improve work and working conditions in the US have been underway since our nation’s inception. While labor unions have historically led this work, the growing prevalence of low-wage, precarious jobs has inspired a broader movement. Today, a diverse array of leaders across sectors are advancing bold solutions to “fix work” — to ensure every job in our economy is a good job. The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program has released a report, Fixing Work: Lessons from Job Quality Practitioners, based on in-depth interviews with more than 20 leaders across the country about the work they are doing to create good jobs that provide economic security, the opportunity to advance and grow, and a safe, dignified, and equitable workplace. 

These leaders are at the forefront of building a fairer and more just economy where workers, communities, and businesses can succeed together. Join us on Tuesday, July 22, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern time, for our webinar “Fixing Work: Recent Lessons from the Field,” to hear how these leaders think about good jobs, what strategies they use to build them, and the experiences and lessons they have learned in creating change. Whether you’re a workforce leader, policymaker, business advisor, or advocate, this conversation will offer fresh insights, practical lessons, and inspiration to advance job quality in your own work. This event is part of our Job Quality in Practice webinar series.

• Evan Edwards, CEO, Project Equity

Evan began his career as the international business manager at an early leading technology start-up, Quarterdeck Corporation. Bitten by the start-up bug, he spent following years in leadership and consulting roles at a variety of early stage enterprises including Bid.com (Northcore Technologies), Mediaseek Technology and Planesia Corp. Guided by a shift in personal and professional priorities Evan moved into the non-profit sector as executive director at YMCA Corporation of Los Angeles, leading the turnaround of an under-performing business unit. Driven by the value of social enterprises and the vision of a generative economy, Evan’s work with Project Equity creates strong collaborative partnerships across sectors. Evan is a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL (a proud supporter of Wildcat football!), and has certification from Stelter in Professional Fundraising Management. When not working, he’s playing sports, walking his dogs, or cooking a great meal from scratch.

• Adam Kader, Public Policy Director, ARISE Chicago

Adam Kader served as Arise Chicago’s Worker Center director for 14 years before becoming Public Policy Director in 2021. He is proud of his Palestinian roots and his union-member parents, who instilled an enduring commitment to social and economic justice that he has carried throughout his work. Before joining Arise Chicago, he worked as an adult English language learner instructor for a variety of immigrant community organizations in Chicago and taught a Labor and Social Movements course at the University of Illinois. Adam received a master’s degree in urban planning and public policy with a concentration in Community Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He received undergraduate degrees in anthropology and Spanish, with a minor in gender studies, from Lawrence University.  Besides raising his daughter with his wife, Adam enjoys old-fashioned hobbies including reading books, listening to vinyl records, and taking urban hikes. Adam speaks English and Spanish.

• Jodi Sturgeon, CEO and President, PHI

Jodi M. Sturgeon is president and CEO of PHI, a nonprofit committed to improving quality care for older adults and people with disabilities by creating quality jobs for direct care workers. Under her leadership, PHI has worked with hundreds of employers and achieved state and national policy victories elevating compensation for millions of home care workers.

Jodi has worked in nonprofit management for more than 25 years. She previously held vice president and chief operating and financial officer roles at PHI, introducing innovations that strengthened the organization’s infrastructure and programs. Prior to PHI, Jodi was vice president of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, where she directed investment in housing, jobs, and services for low-income individuals and families. She is on the board of directors and serves as board treasurer for both Cooperative Home Care Associates in New York City, the largest worker-owned company in the country, and Home Care Associates of Philadelphia.

Jodi received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Franklin Pierce University. She received an advanced certificate in governmental finance administration from Southern New Hampshire University and completed the Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals at Columbia Business School.

• Renise Walker, Assistant Director of Systems Innovation, Colorado Workforce Development Council

Renise serves as the assistant director of systems innovation for the CWDC Office. Serving as an active leader for the CWDC Office, Renise represents the CWDC Office at state and national conferences and continues to innovate and be a thought leader in the talent development landscape in Colorado and nationally. She is responsible for critical relationship development with external partners and provides management and alignment of CWDC’s efforts to lead and support industry-led networks, develop and strengthen career pathway systems, and implement stimulus-funded initiatives in support of Colorado’s economic recovery. Prior to joining the CWDC in 2015, Renise led the backbone efforts of a collective impact initiative working to advance affordable housing, workforce development, and economic mobility for underserved populations in Washington, DC. Walker believes strongly that enacting large-scale social challenges requires a willingness to innovate, break down silos, and collaborate across traditional boundaries. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and a master’s in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs. As a proud third-generation Coloradan, Renise cares deeply about the future of Colorado and creating and sustaining opportunities for Colorado residents.

Learn More

About the Job Quality in Practice Series

In 2019, the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program, with support from Prudential Financial, launched an effort to encourage the development of job quality practices that promote access to economic opportunity. In this webinar series, we provide actionable tools and guidance to support leaders across geographies and fields – including workforce development, economic development, capital deployment, policy, worker advocacy, business, and higher education – to engage in practical action to improve jobs in their local communities and connect to a growing national conversation.

About the Economic Opportunities Program

The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program hosts a variety of discussions to advance strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. To learn about upcoming events and webinars, join our mailing list and follow us on social media.