Ep. #119: Using Social Enterprise to Create Jobs, Generate Wealth and Provide Second Chances
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“Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives. ”
Today we have an inspiring conversation with Karen Lee, CEO of Pioneer Human Services, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit social-enterprise organizations in the United States. Pioneer partners with communities to transform society by honoring the humanity of people, reducing the impact of discriminatory mass incarceration and empowering people to live safe, healthy, productive lives. Pioneer operates several revenue-generating businesses that provide living wage jobs as well as serve over 10,000 people a year through its diversion, treatment, housing and job training programs. In our conversation you will:
Hear about how Karen’s background in logistics, civil rights law, and public utilities all serve well in her role as CEO of Pioneer Human Services, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit social-enterprise organizations in the United States
Hear how Pioneer started as a nonprofit with a single home for individuals formerly incarcerated
Understand from Karen’s experience how social enterprises most successfully start small and with an upfront investment of cash
Learn about how Pioneer supports 10,000 individuals per year through residential facilities, employment coaching, childcare and other social services
Discover how Pioneer prioritizes and operates with 50% mission employment positions at all levels of the company
Listen to Karen describe their company’s business acquisitions as well as growing enterprises from within the company
Hear success stories of individuals formerly incarcerated and how they gained skills and moved up in the company
Understand Karen’s perspective on the role of social enterprise and the importance of advocating for and providing opportunities for career progression given the current wealth divide in the United States
Hear Karen’s thoughts on what qualities are important for today’s social change leaders
More about Karen:
Karen Lee is the Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Human Services, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit social-enterprise organizations in the United States. Pioneer provides career paths and living wage jobs for a population many disregard. There they believe every person has value and potential and their work is centered on helping them realize both.
Her mission is to empower people to change their lives and give them the tools and support they need to be successful. Karen is passionate about second chances. The resiliency of the people she serves humbles and inspires her and also continually strengthens her resolve to step up the fight against the injustices people face every day.
Website - Pioneer Human Services
FB Page - Pioneer Human Services