RealTime Talent’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We did it again!  Minnesota was recently named the third best state in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, finishing in the top three for a third year in a row.  The rankings include all 50 states and assess the quality of healthcare, education, state economies, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and natural environment.

But we have a lot work to do in our state.  This past January, the financial website Wallet Hub also released a report on the states with the least and most racial equity and integration, measuring the gaps between blacks and whites across 22 key indicators.  Can you guess where Minnesota ranked?  In total contrast to being named the third best state by the U.S. News and World Report, Minnesota was ranked the third worst state for racial integration in regards to employment and wealth, education, social and civic engagement, and health.  And we ranked dead last in highest median annual income gap between black and whites.

Again, we have a lot of work to do.

RealTime Talent believes that inclusive growth is the only path to the continued prosperity of our state.  Eliminating disparities will make a positive impact on individuals and our economy.  As an organization focused on workforce alignment across Minnesota, we recognize that it is important to not only hold these beliefs, but to emphatically speak up for greater economic inclusion of all.  In this spirit, we present to you our Statement of Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

• Diversity: We acknowledge, appreciate, and leverage our differences; we engage and seek to reflect the diversity of Minnesota’s communities. To this end, we are intentional about inviting and including employers and organizations led by people of color, indigenous persons, and women to engage with us as strategic partners, serve on our Advisory Council, and lead as community partners with us in our collective work.
• Equity: We are committed to closing employment and education access gaps with urgency and accountability. We believe sustained impact requires authentic relationships, innovation, and transformative work. We are deeply invested in aligning our practices, and resources so that people of all races, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses have genuine opportunities to choose their future path and thrive.
• Inclusion: We foster an environment in which everyone feels valued and respected. This commitment is critical to deepening our relevance, credibility, and effectiveness, and it will strengthen our mission to ensure that local employers have access to the talent they need while Minnesotans have access to well-paying careers. The economic growth and social well-being of Minnesota can only continue when all people are included.