By Heidi Duss | Photo courtesy Heidi Duss
In 2023, I envisioned a transformative initiative for the LGBTQ+ community, leading to the creation of the OPEN Foundation. This nonprofit focuses on career readiness and workforce development for LGBTQ+ individuals, providing essential resources, tools and community support to achieve professional goals. Today, this vision is materializing through our comprehensive career development programs and strategic partnerships.
OPEN Foundation addresses the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the workforce. Barriers related to gender identity or sexual orientation often hinder professional growth and opportunities. With the support of the OPEN board members and the broader OPEN member community, we established the OPEN Foundation to foster equitable opportunities for all.
Our services include:
- An online professional resource hub
- Comprehensive career mentoring and coaching
- Informative group workshops and seminars for early career workers and those transitioning in their careers
- Access to exclusive job and internship offers
In February 2024, we launched the Transform Program in partnership with OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center and A Fund for Women. This initiative supports transgender women and transfeminine individuals in Dane County, particularly those of color, who face significant barriers to employment. The Transform Program empowers participants with the skills, knowledge and connections needed to access higher-paying careers and aims to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder career progression for this vulnerable community.
Our first annual LGBTQIA+-affirming career fair, incorporated into our annual dinner event on Oct. 3, 2024, will feature resume review services and a gender-affirming clothing closet. The theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” encapsulates our mission to cultivate personal and professional leadership for LGBTQIA+ individuals while promoting inclusive and equitable workplaces and communities.
Intersectionality and collaboration are at the heart of our mission. By listening to our community and understanding their challenges, we strive to create impactful and sustainable change. Together, we can create safe workplaces and sustainable career pathways for LGBTQ+ individuals.
We invite businesses and organizations to participate as sponsors and career fair vendors. Employers committed
to fostering an inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ professionals are encouraged to join us at the career fair and annual dinner. Support your employees by sponsoring their membership in OPEN, enabling them to benefit from our resources and network.
For more information on how to get involved, visit openmadison.org. Let’s create a more equitable and inclusive world for all, and build pathways to success for the LGBTQ+ community together.
Read more from our September/October 2024 cover story “Success Stories” here.
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