Stories that
drive change

Seizing the moment to close the opportunity gap

Autodesk Foundation, LinkedIn, and Workday have been working together as part of a Just Transition Collaborative facilitated by NationSwell, with the shared goal to identify opportunities to accelerate more equitable pathways into green jobs by increasing the use of skill-based hiring. In an effort to catalyze collective impact, we are sharing key insights from our work here.

Introducing Collaboratives, NationSwell’s New Cross-Sector Initiative to Tackle the World’s Biggest Problems

A series of overlapping crises hit — COVID-19, racial injustice, climate change, economic disruption — exposing the fragility and deficiencies in our current systems. For everyone, 2020 was a deeply challenging and jarring year. Leaders had a lot on their plate.

An Interview With Shelly Bell, Founder and CEO of ‘Black Girl Ventures’

NationSwell spoke with Kauffman grantee Shelly Bell, founder and CEO of Black Girl Ventures, a company that “funds and scales tech-enabled, revenue-generating businesses (under $1M) founded by people who identify as Black/Brown and woman” to talk about the solutions she’s pioneering and the opportunities Kauffman has been able to help unlock for her along the way.

The Power of Corporations Doing Good

Dalila Wilson-Scott’s parents met during the Vietnam War; her dad was in the Air Force and her mom was a local Vietnamese woman who didn’t have much more than an elementary education. “When I think of the broader work of inclusion and opportunity, that’s my parents’ own story,” says Wilson-Scott. “A focus on economic opportunity and diverse perspectives is just something I grew up with.”

It’s About Taking Action, Not Just Cutting a Check

When Kate James joined Pearson in 2014 as its chief of corporate affairs and global marketing, the international education publisher was going through some changes

Business Must Be a Force for Good in Society

As president of CECP, Daryl Brewster is leading a team of more than 200 CEOs who believe that businesses should take a leading role in solving society’s biggest challenges. Recently, NationSwell spoke to Brewster about how adding purpose to a business model can contribute to corporate success.

This State May Have Discovered the Secret to Saving Tax Dollars While Doing Good

In Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick has launched a $27 million initiative that he hopes will keep at-risk youth out of jail, reduce crime, and promote safer communities.

Environmental, Social, Governance

Learnings from NationSwell’s “Vet the Vote” event

A nation-wide shortage of poll workers has left election boards struggling to recruit enough volunteers to keep polling places open […]

Learnings from NationSwell and Verizon’s event on uniting to close the economic divide.

Building strong communities has never been more important. In addition to impacting the health of millions, the Covid-19 pandemic ravaged local businesses and economies, disrupted our education system, and deepened the divides that exist between those with and without access to technology.

NationSwell Announces New Partnership With JUST Capital

NationSwell is proud to announce a new partnership with JUST Capital, a non-profit organization whose data-driven tools, rankings, and indexes help companies improve how they serve not just their shareholders, but all their stakeholders — including workers, customers, communities, and the environment.

The Intersection of Coronavirus and Racial Inequality in the Workplace

Why Black and Latino Americans experience disproportionate levels of unemployment and underemployment — and why COVID-19 is making this worse.

Tracking How Companies Are Reacting (And Adapting) To Coronavirus

Sometimes it takes a crisis to make the impossible possible — and the current COVID-19 pandemic is just such a crisis. The disease has forced many companies to change how they work, in ways they had always dismissed as impossible before.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on immigration with Ali Noorani

We often hear that the United States is a “nation of immigrants,” but this notion doesn’t reflect the realities of either our national discourse or federal immigration policy.

Learnings from NationSwell’s Strategic Advisory Session for ‘Make Us Visible’

The last several years of social and political upheaval have been met with an explosion of grassroots fundraising and activism. As communities, leaders, and activists rise to meet the challenges of our rapidly changing social fabric with newly formed nonprofits, they often run into barriers to expansion, and their charitable or activist efforts become kneecapped.

The NationSwell Mainstage: Women of color redefining power in corporate America

Far too often, women and people of color find themselves in the familiar position of glancing around the boardroom or C-suite to notice that they are vastly outnumbered. But that phenomenon is even more prevalent at the intersection of the two groups, with women of color finding themselves to be “the first, the few, and the only,” with concerning regularity.

Learnings from NationSwell’s ‘Break the Bias’ event on menopause and perimenopause at work

According to the Harvard Business Review, menopause generally occurs when people with ovaries are between 45 and 55 years old — right around the time in their careers when they’re most likely to be moving into a more senior leadership role.

Why older workers should be part of your company’s DEI strategy

According to an AARP report, more than 78% of older workers have seen or directly experienced age discrimination in the workplace. On top of that, 64% of workers 50 years of age and older believe employers see their age as a disadvantage in getting hired, and 79% of those 65 and older feel their age hurts their chances to get the job.

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on the invisible tax

Although it most frequently impacts people of color, and Black people in particular, an invisible tax can be “paid” based on any race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or intersection of those identities that deviates from the white, cishet norm.

Learnings from NationSwell’s ‘Break the Bias’ event on fair and inclusive workplaces

The gender wage gap has not been closed; women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ employees are still underrepresented in leadership roles; and many workplaces still adhere to outdated policies that can stifle the freedom, creativity, and productivity of a diverse workforce.

Truth and reconciliation could provide a pathway towards healing American race relations

But nearly two years later, though the city-wide standoffs with police that once dotted the country have dissipated, many of the questions they raised remain unanswered. How can a country with a history steeped in racism and violence ever hope to redress its sins and create a more safe and equitable social landscape? What will it take for America to heal?

An overdue shift in the modern workplace

NationSwell had the opportunity to interview Kane-Williams about why this moment is so pivotal for organizations striving towards equity and justice.

A Note From NationSwell on the Surge in Violence Against AAPI Communities

a supermarket snack run with my family. Ahead of me in line was a very nice lady who was having […]

Purpose-Driven Culture and Leadership

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on ‘Protecting the Dignity of LGBTQIA+ Youth’

While many of the bills put forth will face significant legal challenges, the message they were drafted to convey is chilling on its face: After decades spent winning new legal protections, the LGBTQIA+ community is no longer safe in America.

Why it’s in everyone’s interest to close the U.S. longevity gap

In the United States, data show that gaps in life expectancy fall along racial, socioeconomic, and geographic lines. The implications of this longevity gap ripple through every aspect of our society.

Learnings from NationSwell’s Institutional Member community event on inspiring teams

In a recent NationSwell Institutional Member roundtable event, members convened to share practical advice on how to strengthen morale and build a robust culture of inspiration within our teams and beyond.

Learnings from our ‘Selflessness in Practice’ event on caregiving

That’s never been truer than it is now, two years into a pandemic that demands so much of our physical, emotional, and mental energy. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control gauging the toll of the pandemic on caregivers, 70% of adults in caregiving roles reported adverse mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety.

The true impact of how you lead lies in your ‘leadership score’

What if, in attempting to measure impact, we began to think about leadership as a different type of score — a musical score — where emitting the right chords has the potential to attract the most talented people, assemble teams who outperform, and inspire confidence and commitment, particularly during a time when cultivating trust online and via social media platforms is increasingly essential?

The business case for increasing investment in the 50-plus

Change is constant in business. There are always new ideas, new products, new ways to work better. That’s how it should be. Businesses and non-profit organizations get themselves into trouble when they think they have it all figured out.

To Build It Back Better, Give Ourselves Permission to Feel

Let’s get the obvious question out of the way first: What’s up with that title? Since when does anybody need permission to feel? True, we all have feelings more or less continuously, every waking moment without ever asking or getting anyone’s approval. To stop feeling would be like to stop thinking, eating or breathing. Not possible.

To Build It Back Better, Invest in Belonging

Over the past few decades, the landscape of American civic life has transformed. Participation in key civic institutions such as religious groups and volunteer organizations has plummeted, and our public square has been replaced with online echo chambers.

The Relational Era: What We Need to Build a Culture of Connection, Bridging and Belonging

No matter who we are, how we live, or what we believe, we all share a deep, instinctual need and capacity for human connection and belonging. It’s at the core of our shared humanity — and baked into our DNA.

How To Shift From Hostility to Empathy in Political Conversations

Political conversation with someone whose views are different than yours are tough. But even the thorniest divide can be more narrowed if we try “Moral Reframing”.

Future of Work

Seizing the moment to close the opportunity gap

The future of work, the present of tech: An interview with Council member Shalin Jyotishi

NationSwell Council member Shalin Jyotishi has spent his career advancing solutions at the intersection of workforce, education, and tech.

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on the Future of Work

A mass exodus from jobs fueled by burnout, compensation, competition, and turnover have created previously unthinkable situations for employers, with many now scrambling to retain the talent they have on hand.

Learnings and insights from the NationSwell Council’s multi-part series on burnout

According to a brief released by the World Health Organization, incidences of anxiety and depression have rocketed up 25% globally, an increase which can largely be attributed to the unprecedented stress, social isolation, and logistical barriers to mental health resources caused by the pandemic.

NationSwell’s 40×40 Mentorship Challenge Recap

Markle’s call to action is timely: An estimated two million women in the United States reportedly lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, many of whom are still struggling to regain their footing in a labor market that has been radically transformed.

The people-focused company: Why age diversity matters more than you think

The good news for business is that the balance sheet equation of “assets minus liabilities equals equity” can be influenced by the assets inherent in an age-inclusive workforce.

Age at the nexus of workplace equity, innovation, and creativity

The global workplace and the very nature of work itself are changing at a rapid pace. AARP has been calling attention […]

NationSwell Council Members Reimagine the Future of Work for Our COVID-Disrupted Present

For many of us, the COVID years will be a time of reflection, a time when the disruption of it all provided an impetus to re-examine things we had been doing for so long that we had stopped questioning why we ever started doing them in the first place.

To Build It Back Better, We Must Change the Way We Listen

When we meet others, are we listening for similarities or differences? Are we listening to confirm the stereotypes we hold — or to challenge them? Are we listening with an open or closed mind?

4 Ways to Support Your Multigenerational Workforce in a Pandemic

COVID-19 is affecting employees of all ages and forward-thinking employers are responding. 2020 has turned out to be a challenging year — most especially because of the multiple crises created by the COVID-19 pandemic

Social Justice and Economic Opportunity

Madeline Kerner, CEO and Co-Founder of Matriculate, On the Promise of Equitable College Access

In the United States, less than half of high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds who graduate from high school apply to colleges that scan as a good academic fit for them.

Council member Lauren Baer on stepping into the ‘Arena’ to protect abortion rights

In 2018, NationSwell inspired Council member Lauren Baer, a former senior policy advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, to run for U.S. Congress in her home state of Florida. Her victory would have made history: Baer would’ve served as the first openly queer person to represent Florida in Washington.

Learnings from NationSwell’s ‘Unexpected Alliances in the Fight for Abortion’ event

The national discourse over abortion access is often polarized along partisan or religious lines — but the diversity of people at the heart of the movement to protect reproductive rights tells a different story.

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on immigration with Ali Noorani

We often hear that the United States is a “nation of immigrants,” but this notion doesn’t reflect the realities of either our national discourse or federal immigration policy.

Alejandro Gibes de Gac, CEO of Springboard Collaborative, on reimagining the education system

A data-driven and community based immersive experience, Springboard works to provide parents, guardians and family members with the training and resources they need in order to support children in learning outside of the classroom.

How to center equity in measurement, learning, and evaluation

In an ideal situation, MLE can help to drive social impact and question deeply-held, outmoded foundational beliefs, helping organizations to stay agile and adapt to new challenges so that they can align around key outcomes that serve their mission statements.

A fireside chat with Joseph Bae, co-founder of ‘The Asian American Foundation’ and co-CEO of KKR

Greg Behrman, NationSwell Founder and Chief Executive Officer, interviewed Joe about the inception of the organization, the challenges it faces, why this is personal for him, and the impact the organization is already celebrating. This is what he had to say.

Resources to Support BIPOC People, as Recommended by NationSwell Council Members

Amid the dual pandemics of racist violence and COVID-19, leaders in the NationSwell Council have recommitted themselves to the fight against white supremacy. We’ve asked our members what resources have helped them support their BIPOC team members and stakeholders.

NationSwell Live: How ‘Mothering Justice’ Is Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis

One hour. Five incredible organizations. All that’s missing is you. On June 26, 2020 at 1 P.M. EST, #NationSwellLive will convene leaders at the frontlines of COVID-19 response for communities with some of the most urgent need — and you can be a part of helping their efforts.

Stories that drive change

Stories that drive change

Seizing the moment to close the opportunity gap

Corporate Social Responsibility

Introducing Collaboratives, NationSwell’s New Cross-Sector Initiative to Tackle the World’s Biggest Problems

An Interview With Shelly Bell, Founder and CEO of ‘Black Girl Ventures’

The Power of Corporations Doing Good

It’s About Taking Action, Not Just Cutting a Check

Business Must Be a Force for Good in Society

This State May Have Discovered the Secret to Saving Tax Dollars While Doing Good

Environmental, Social, Governance

Learnings from NationSwell’s “Vet the Vote” event

Learnings from NationSwell and Verizon’s event on uniting to close the economic divide.

NationSwell Announces New Partnership With JUST Capital

The Intersection of Coronavirus and Racial Inequality in the Workplace

Tracking How Companies Are Reacting (And Adapting) To Coronavirus

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on immigration with Ali Noorani

Learnings from NationSwell’s Strategic Advisory Session for ‘Make Us Visible’￼

The NationSwell Mainstage: Women of color redefining power in corporate America

Learnings from NationSwell’s ‘Break the Bias’ event on menopause and perimenopause at work

Why older workers should be part of your company’s DEI strategy

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on the invisible tax

Learnings from NationSwell’s ‘Break the Bias’ event on fair and inclusive workplaces

Truth and reconciliation could provide a pathway towards healing American race relations

An overdue shift in the modern workplace

A Note From NationSwell on the Surge in Violence Against AAPI Communities

Purpose-Driven Culture and Leadership

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on ‘Protecting the Dignity of LGBTQIA+ Youth’

Why it’s in everyone’s interest to close the U.S. longevity gap

Learnings from NationSwell’s Institutional Member community event on inspiring teams

Learnings from our ‘Selflessness in Practice’ event on caregiving

The true impact of how you lead lies in your ‘leadership score’

The business case for increasing investment in the 50-plus

To Build It Back Better, Give Ourselves Permission to Feel

To Build It Back Better, Invest in Belonging

The Relational Era: What We Need to Build a Culture of Connection, Bridging and Belonging

How To Shift From Hostility to Empathy in Political Conversations

Future of Work

Seizing the moment to close the opportunity gap

The future of work, the present of tech: An interview with Council member Shalin Jyotishi

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on the Future of Work

Learnings and insights from the NationSwell Council’s multi-part series on burnout

NationSwell’s 40×40 Mentorship Challenge Recap

The people-focused company: Why age diversity matters more than you think

Age at the nexus of workplace equity, innovation, and creativity

NationSwell Council Members Reimagine the Future of Work for Our COVID-Disrupted Present

To Build It Back Better, We Must Change the Way We Listen

4 Ways to Support Your Multigenerational Workforce in a Pandemic

Social Justice and Economic Opportunity

Madeline Kerner, CEO and Co-Founder of Matriculate, On the Promise of Equitable College Access

Council member Lauren Baer on stepping into the ‘Arena’ to protect abortion rights

Learnings from NationSwell’s ‘Unexpected Alliances in the Fight for Abortion’ event

Learnings from NationSwell’s event on immigration with Ali Noorani

Alejandro Gibes de Gac, CEO of Springboard Collaborative, on reimagining the education system

How to center equity in measurement, learning, and evaluation

A fireside chat with Joseph Bae, co-founder of ‘The Asian American Foundation’ and co-CEO of KKR

Resources to Support BIPOC People, as Recommended by NationSwell Council Members

NationSwell Live: How ‘Mothering Justice’ Is Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis

Stories that
drive change

Stories that
drive change

Learnings from NationSwell’s Strategic Advisory Session for ‘Make Us Visible’