Second-chance, justice-involved, formerly incarcerated. Whatever term is used, they are people who just need a job. That simple truth served as the theme of a July 18 Region of Choice meeting to discuss opportunities for employers to hire individuals who have served time. As one of the panelists put it, “Remember, you’re working with people, not labels.”

The program was organized in partnership with the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM) and Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH).

Since launching the Region of Choice (ROC) initiative in 2019, MMAC has tracked the progress of the 125-plus companies and organizations representing a total of 127,000 employees that have committed to making Milwaukee a Region of Choice for diverse talent by increasing the percentages of Black and Brown employees (by 15% over five years) and managers (by 25% over five years) at those firms. Companies involved in ROC also meet regularly to identify trends and share best practices.

By Bob Wendt - President, Cultivate Communications

Customers want to align themselves with progressive partners. They are looking for companies that build a product or service that is impactful and can make a difference in how they grow. Prospective employees have those same