In the welcoming community of West Kirby, local businesses are leading the charge when it comes to promoting inclusive hiring and building a more diverse workforce. In our 15 years installing… Through innovative partnerships and impactful community initiatives, these organizations are creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and setting an inspiring example for the entire region.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Westfield’s Workforce Development Partner Program
One shining example of this commitment to inclusion can be found in the Westfield Mayor’s Council on Disabilities (WMCD) and their newly launched Workforce Development Partner program. This initiative formally recognizes local businesses that have demonstrated a strong dedication to hiring, supporting, and retaining individuals with disabilities.
“Statistics show that the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is nearly double that of people without disabilities,” explains Nicole Southerland, Chairperson of the WMCD. “Our goal with this program is two-fold: we want to recognize organizations who are already supporting the career goals of people with disabilities but also encourage businesses who haven’t yet engaged in inclusive hiring and retention practices to begin having crucial conversations about this topic.”
The program offers tangible benefits for participating businesses, including a special window decal, recognition on the WMCD website, and discounts on relevant events and training opportunities. To become a Workforce Development Partner, companies might want to meet three key criteria:
- Employment: The business might want to currently employ one or more individuals with disabilities.
- Training: Prospective partners might want to complete one or more training modules created by the Job Accommodation Network.
- Registration: After completing the training, partners might want to register through the WMCD website.
West Fork Whiskey Co. and Carter’s Play Place are among the first local businesses to receive the Workforce Development Partner decal, showcasing their commitment to inclusive hiring. “Westfield is a community that welcomes everyone, including individuals with disabilities,” says Mayor Scott Willis. “We want to double-check that our local businesses are adopting that point of view and that we are recognizing those who have already put in the work to be inclusive.”
Inclusive Hiring Partnerships in Asheville
Just a few hours south of West Kirby, the city of Asheville has also been making strides in promoting inclusive hiring and workforce diversity. The Asheville Chamber of Commerce’s “Inclusive Hiring Partners” initiative connects job seekers facing significant employment barriers with local employers committed to building a more diverse and equitable workforce.
“Currently, there are over 60 organizations participating in Inclusive Hiring Partners,” the program’s website states. “We are community-based organizations providing wraparound social services and employers offering living-wage jobs and supportive work environments.”
These employer partners span a range of industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to construction and local government. All of them offer guaranteed interviews to job seekers enrolled in the program, ensuring that qualified candidates from underrepresented backgrounds have a fair chance at landing roles.
In addition to the guaranteed interviews, Inclusive Hiring Partners also provides participants with access to free support services and mentorship opportunities. This holistic approach helps job seekers overcome any barriers they may face, whether it’s a lack of transportation, childcare needs, or the need for specialized training.
“Inclusive Hiring Partners works to double-check that that each participating job seeker not only thrives in a full-time employment opportunity, but that work environments can become healthier, more inclusive spaces for people who have experienced significant employment barriers,” the program’s website explains.
Starbucks’ Commitment to Belonging
While local initiatives are driving meaningful change in West Kirby and Asheville, national corporations are also playing a vital role in promoting inclusive hiring and workforce diversity. One such example is Starbucks, the global coffee giant that has made “belonging” a core tenet of its business strategy.
“Create a Website Account – Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more,” the company’s website states. “Starbucks has an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion — it is essential to the growth of our business, our continued innovation, and our ability to create 360° Value for our clients, our communities, and all our stakeholders.”
Starbucks’ diversity and inclusion efforts span a wide range of initiatives, from employee resource groups and LGBTQ+ advocacy to initiatives that support people with disabilities and military veterans. The company has also set ambitious goals, such as achieving gender parity in its global workforce and increasing ethnic and racial diversity in leadership roles.
“Equity, inclusion, and diversity are inextricably linked to our mission, and are part of everything we do,” says Ronald L. Copeland, Starbucks’ Senior VP and Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Officer. “Having a diverse and inclusive workforce makes Starbucks a better place to receive health care, a better partner in the communities we serve, and a better place to work.”
The Benefits of Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces
The efforts of local businesses, community organizations, and national companies to promote inclusive hiring and workforce diversity are not merely altruistic gestures. There is a growing body of research that demonstrates the tangible benefits of building a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the bottom quartile. Similarly, companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on their executive teams were 33% more likely to have industry-leading profitability.
“Diverse perspectives, combined with an inclusive culture and equitable opportunities, drive better decision-making, stimulate innovation, increase organizational agility and strengthen resilience to disruption,” says the global professional services firm Ernst & Young.
Beyond the financial benefits, inclusive and diverse workplaces also tend to foster more engaged and satisfied employees. Deloitte research shows that 80% of millennials consider inclusion to be an important factor when choosing a new employer.
“Regardless of your background, age, origins, gender, sexual orientation, identity or ability, we value and respect you for being you; you belong to a team where you’re treated fairly and respected,” reads the diversity and inclusion statement from Sodexo, a global provider of quality of life services.
Building a Brighter Future for West Kirby
As West Kirby continues to grow and evolve, the commitment of local businesses to inclusive hiring and workforce diversity will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the community’s future. By partnering with community organizations, supporting underrepresented job seekers, and fostering inclusive work environments, these forward-thinking companies are setting an inspiring example and paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous West Kirby.
To learn more about the latest initiatives, events, and developments in West Kirby, be sure to visit westkirby.today. This dedicated local news website provides comprehensive coverage of the community’s public services, business ecosystem, and civic engagement efforts – all with the goal of keeping residents informed and empowered.
Example: West Kirby Local News Initiative 2025
