A collaborative commitment to workplace inclusion and diversity

The Region of Choice Initiative

The Region of Choice initiative represents a groundbreaking collaboration among Milwaukee’s business leaders to create more inclusive workplaces throughout our metropolitan area. At its core, this initiative focuses on increasing opportunities for African American and Hispanic/Latino professionals, recognizing that diverse perspectives and talents strengthen our entire business community.

When businesses make the Region of Choice pledge, they become part of a larger movement that goes beyond individual company initiatives. By working together, participating organizations create a multiplier effect that can transform our region’s employment landscape and establish Milwaukee as a destination for diverse talent.

Region of Choice Initiative

5 Year Goals

Overall employment:

15% growth in Black & Brown talent

This is expressed as a percentage of overall employment, over five years and using 2018 as the baseline year.

Percentage of overall employment

Through 2021, the ROC companies had 12.3% growth in Black and Brown talent as a percentage of overall employment.

12.3% increase

Change in total employment

2021 Change from 2018
Total Employment 127,807 +7,208
African American 13,933 +1,741
Hispanic/Latino 8,154 +1,797

The ROC consortium’s growth of 12.3% significantly outpaced the 1.7% growth in diverse hiring for all metro employers reporting EEOC data through 2020. All companies with more than 50 employees must report demographics of their workforce and in management positions.

Management:

25% growth in Black & Brown representation

This is expressed as a percentage of overall employment, over five years and using 2018 as the baseline year.

Percentage of overall management employment

Through 2021, the ROC companies had 26% growth in Black and Brown management as a percentage of overall management – meaning that companies met their five-year goal in this area ahead of schedule, and hope to exceed it.​

26% increase

Change in total employment

2021 Change from 2018
Total Management 17,549 +2,316
African American 893 +303
Hispanic/Latino 629 +175

This 26% growth in management-level representation compares to 6% growth for all metro Milwaukee employers reporting EEOC data for the same period through 2020.​

How it works

The Region of Choice initiative operates through three interconnected components that ensure both meaningful action and measurable results:

Collective Commitment

Participating companies unite in their dedication to increasing African American and Hispanic/Latino representation across all levels of their organizations. This shared commitment creates a powerful momentum for change throughout the Milwaukee metro area.

Data-Driven Progress

Organizations contribute to annual aggregate reporting that measures our collective impact. This transparency helps identify successful strategies and areas needing additional focus, ensuring our efforts remain effective and targeted.

Leadership Collaboration

CEOs meet regularly to share insights, discuss challenges and exchange successful practices. These peer-to-peer conversations foster innovation in diversity initiatives and accelerate positive change across organizations.

The impact of your participation

When your organization joins the Region of Choice initiative, you contribute to a transformation that extends far beyond your own workplace. Your participation helps create:

Stronger Business Community

By increasing diversity in our workplaces, we enhance innovation, improve decision-making, and strengthen our region’s competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Economic Growth

More inclusive workplaces attract and retain top talent, leading to increased economic vitality and prosperity throughout the Milwaukee metropolitan area.

Culture Survey of Managers in ROC Employers

In September of 2021, MMAC asked companies participating in the Region of Choice pledge to survey their managers on their perceptions of their workplace and community culture.

Join us in shaping

Milwaukee’s Future

Your participation in the Region of Choice initiative helps create lasting positive change in our business community.

Non-disclosure agreement

FAQs

As of September 1, 2022, more than 130 employers representing over 120,000 employees in our region have committed to the Region of Choice pledge. This growing coalition demonstrates the strong dedication of Milwaukee’s business community to creating positive change.

MMAC research compared Milwaukee to 20 peer metropolitan areas on seven key indicators of prosperity. The findings revealed that Milwaukee scored lowest among these metros in two critical areas: the prosperity of its African American and Hispanic/Latino populations, and the gap in prosperity between its white population and African American and Hispanic/Latino populations. These findings underscore the urgent need for concerted action to create more equitable opportunities in our region.

Our research shows that African Americans currently comprise 14% of our workforce and 4.7% of management positions. Hispanic/Latino individuals make up 8% of our workforce and 3.4% of management positions. These numbers highlight the opportunity for meaningful improvement in representation, particularly in leadership roles.

Yes, creating truly inclusive workplaces requires embracing all forms of diversity. Today’s workforce spans four generations of people with unique perspectives, backgrounds, races, religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. This diversity contributes to broader perspectives, innovative ideas, and better business outcomes.

While we champion diversity in all its forms, the Region of Choice initiative specifically focuses on African American and Hispanic/Latino representation due to the acute disparities identified in our research. The best practices developed through this initiative will create more inclusive environments that benefit people from all backgrounds.

MMAC has maintained a commitment to improving educational attainment in our region. We understand this is a complex, long-term challenge that requires multiple solutions working in concert. Our approach includes:

  • Connecting companies to classrooms to provide high-quality career exploration experiences
  • Supporting programs that increase high school completion and post-secondary success
  • Working with employers to create inclusive workplace cultures
  • Expanding recruitment and professional development opportunities
  • Developing mentorship and sponsorship programs

Additionally, we recognize the importance of retaining diverse talent in our region. Many promising students from diverse backgrounds leave Milwaukee for opportunities elsewhere. Through the Region of Choice initiative, we’re working to make it clear that these individuals aren’t just welcome in our companies and community – they’re wanted and needed.