Did you know that 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have a disability, and more than 1 in 4 young adults today will likely face some form of disability before reaching retirement age? Disability is not something that happens to “someone else”—it’s a reality that touches all of us, directly or indirectly, and building inclusive, supportive workplaces should be a priority for everyone. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognized every October since 1988, celebrates the contributions of disabled workers and promotes the importance of creating equitable opportunities in the workplace. The history of NDEAM dates back even further, to 1945, when the first national week recognized the contributions of workers with physical disabilities was established. Today, it has evolved into a month-long commemoration for individuals with visible and invisible disabilities that continues to push for more inclusive work environments.

This year’s NDEAM theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” reflects the urgent need to expand and improve job opportunities for people with disabilities. As we push for equity across the workforce, it’s clear that we must do more to ensure disabled workers are not left out of the conversation. One promising approach is through inclusive apprenticeship programs that make pathways to good jobs more accessible for disabled workers.  An example is the work being done by the Urban Institute’s Partnership for Inclusive Apprenticeship Project, which focuses on designing and implementing apprenticeship programs that support the inclusion of people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups. These programs provide on-the-job training that opens doors to careers that have historically been out of reach for many. It’s an example of how we can build a workforce that doesn’t just include but empowers people with disabilities.

At ReWork the Bay, we echo this sentiment by advocating for employment equity and creating spaces where every worker, regardless of ability, can thrive. As we celebrate NDEAM,  we’re reminded that making work truly accessible is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one—because when all workers can fully participate, everyone benefits. To learn more about how ReWork the Bay is driving systematic change to create equitable employment opportunities for all, including individuals with disabilities, visit our Systems Change Projects section on our website.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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Bienvenidos todos de mi comunidad! Don’t worry, that’s all the Spanish for this newsletter. As we enter September, we’d like to honor Latine Heritage Month. This month-long celebration begins on September 15 and ends on October 15. It begins mid-month to include many Independence Day anniversaries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15, as well as Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18.

Latine Heritage Month (pronounced la-tee-ney), originally recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month, reflects a growing movement toward inclusivity and equity. While “Hispanic” had been widely used to describe Spanish-speaking communities, it excludes Indigenous, Afro-Latine, and non-Spanish-speaking groups like Brazilians. At ReWork, we use Latine to honor the full spectrum of identities within the Latin American community, embracing a gender-neutral term rooted in cultural inclusivity. Just as the fight for labor rights demands fairness for all workers, the shift to Latine reflects our commitment to acknowledging the diversity and dignity of all people within this vibrant community.

The fight for labor rights has long been a crucial part of Latine heritage, particularly in California. From the Oxnard Strike in 1903 to the Delano Grape Strike in 1965, Latine activists and workers have been at the forefront of campaigns for safer workplaces and equitable wages. Labor Day, which we recently observed, serves as a reminder of those historic struggles and the ongoing efforts to create a more just and fair society. Latine workers, especially farmworkers, fought for the basic rights that many of us now take for granted—fair pay, safe conditions, and the right to organize. The legacy of their activism continues to inspire the work we do at ReWork to ensure equitable labor practices across the Bay Area.

Our team at ReWork is dedicated to advancing this mission. In fact, a meager 7% of Latines have graduate degrees, which can lead to absences in job parity and opportunity. My own grandmother and father had to pick tomatoes in Sacramento in the earliest stages of their working careers to make ends meet. With a lack of workplace protections and despite not smoking a day in her life, she battled cancer to the very end of her life.

At ReWork the Bay, we believe in building an equitable future for everyone, and this mission cannot be realized without recognizing and supporting the Latine community’s fight for justice. Latine Heritage Month is not only a time to celebrate rich cultural contributions but also to recommit to the ongoing work of equity and inclusion for all.

Let’s continue to celebrate this legacy and honor the many Latine leaders and workers in la raza who have made—and continue to make—history. Latine Heritage Month reminds us that the struggle for equity is far from over, and ReWork is committed to being part of that ongoing fight, ensuring that all workers, especially those from historically marginalized communities, have the opportunity to thrive. If you would like an opportunity to be involved in this meaningful work, visit us to learn more.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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Hello friends,

August is here, and that also means it is Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), a time to honor and elevate African-descent giving and funding equity. This celebration, founded in 2011 by the incredible Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland, began as a powerful movement to commemorate the United Nations Year and Decade of People of African Descent. Today, BPM is a global initiative, supported by The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund (WISE), culminating in a multinational summit every August.

My work here at ReWork the Bay has solidified my passion for equity-centered philanthropy. Black Philanthropy Month is close to my heart, it is personal. I’ve navigated this country as a Black woman for 42 years. I’ve experienced so many of our broken systems. For example; the injustice system as a formerly incarcerated innocent woman, our child welfare system as a vulnerable former foster youth, and I’ve experienced our post-secondary education system as I navigated both UCB & Georgetown University as a student parent earning my college degrees. My personal experiences, navigating the very systems we aim to change— make the work resonate deeper for me. Having an impact on various levels of systems change as a system-impacted Black woman is empowering! In the words of the great Assata Shakur, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains”. I’m proud to be part of an organization that believes in the power of giving and takes meaningful action to create a more just and inclusive world. This year’s Black Philanthropy Month theme, contemporary Afro-futurism invites us to connect our history and present to inspire innovation to create a more equitable and just future for Black giving. I embody this concept every day through my principles and values and in my role at ReWork the Bay.

This theme speaks to the heart of what we do at ReWork the Bay. Our belief is in proximate philanthropy—entrusting those with lived and earned experience to lead the way in deploying philanthropic capital. Our Equity at Work Council (EWC) embodies this philosophy. This 17-member group of proximate leaders shapes our programmatic strategy, approves grants, and holds us accountable to our budget. This month, we will highlight a few leaders of these remarkable organizations as they embody the principles of Black Philanthropy Month and are paving the way for the next generation of Black philanthropists. Their work is a testament to the power of proximate philanthropy and the importance of equity in all aspects of life, especially here in the Bay Area. Leaders like Precious J. Stroud of BlackFemaleProject, Rashida Hanif of RepresentEd, Terah Lawyer-Harper of CROP, Dr. Carole Dorham-Kelly of Rubicon Programs, and Jeìery Wallace of LeadersUp. Their dedication and leadership are helping to build a future where Black giving is celebrated, expanded, and most importantly, normalized.

I invite you to join us in supporting organizations that center Black giving. Mark your calendars for August 28, Giving Black Day, and consider how your contributions can make a lasting impact. Let’s make this Black Philanthropy Month a time of powerful change and celebration. Together, we can empower Black communities and create a more equitable world.

In Solidarity,

Brianna N. Rogers

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