Addressing Workplace Disparities: TransCanWork’s Role in Advancing Inclusivity for TGNC Individuals February 19, 2025 – Posted in: News, Press
Workplace diversity and inclusion have become increasingly important in a swiftly evolving world. Despite growing awareness, certain marginalized groups continue to face systemic barriers to employment, hindering their access to economic stability and professional growth. Among these groups, transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals face unique challenges, including discrimination, limited opportunities, and inadequate workplace support. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach that combines advocacy, education, and partnership.
TransCanWork, a nonprofit social services organization, has been a leading force in efforts to tackle these challenges since its establishment in 2016. Founded by Michaela Ivri Mendelsohn, a businessperson and LGBTQ+ advocate, the organization emerged in response to the widespread unemployment and workplace discrimination experienced by TGNC individuals. Mendelsohn, who had firsthand experience hiring transgender employees in her El Pollo Loco franchises, recognized the urgent need for a more extensive, systemic solution. This led to the creation of TransCanWork, an organization dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and bridging the employment gap for TGNC individuals.
The mission of TransCanWork is to provide comprehensive support to employers and job seekers alike. The organization operates on the belief that education and collaboration are essential to dismantling workplace biases and creating long-lasting change. Its initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of TGNC individuals while equipping employers with the tools and knowledge to build inclusive environments. By focusing on workforce development, customized training, and job placement, TransCanWork has become a significant contributor to promoting workplace equity.
One of the organization’s most impactful initiatives has been its employer training programs. These workshops are designed to educate employers about the specific challenges faced by TGNC employees, including issues related to identity, inclusion, and workplace culture. The trainings aim to enhance understanding and encourage the implementation of policies that support TGNC workers. Through collaboration with businesses across diverse sectors, TransCanWork has contributed to creating safer and more inclusive working environments for transgender individuals, aligning with its broader vision of making inclusivity a standard practice in workplaces.
TransCanWork also facilitates job fairs and networking events to connect TGNC job seekers with inclusive employers. These events provide candidates with opportunities to explore roles in industries such as hospitality, retail, and corporate sectors. To date, the organization has helped place more than 1,000 TGNC individuals into meaningful employment, demonstrating its ability to bridge the gap between employers and underrepresented talent pools.
A key aspect of TransCanWork’s strategy is its emphasis on collaboration. The organization has partnered with prominent institutions to amplify its mission and extend its reach. Notable collaborations include partnerships with the Human Rights Campaign and the California Workforce Development Board. These alliances enable TransCanWork to leverage additional resources, advocate for policy changes, and implement inclusive practices on a broader scale. Such initiatives ensure that the organization’s impact extends beyond individual job placements to drive systemic advancements in workplace diversity.
TransCanWork’s collaborative efforts also involve working with community organizations and advocacy groups to promote inclusivity for TGNC individuals. For example, its partnership with SER.OYA has allowed the organization to expand its programs to more underserved communities. By engaging with a diverse network of stakeholders, TransCanWork addresses the specific challenges faced by TGNC individuals from different demographics and industries.
While TransCanWork has made significant progress, its work also highlights the persistent challenges faced by TGNC individuals in the workplace. Discrimination, lack of representation, and limited access to resources remain pervasive issues. Through targeted programs and initiatives, TransCanWork underscores the need for continued advocacy and education to create equitable workplaces. The organization’s focus on policy influence and systemic change points to the importance of long-term solutions.
Since its inception, TransCanWork has emerged as a valuable resource for TGNC individuals seeking employment and for employers aiming to create more inclusive workplaces. Through education, advocacy, and partnership, the organization continues to work toward a future where diversity and inclusion are integral to workplace culture. TransCanWork’s contributions reflect the transformative power of collaboration and the potential for meaningful change in the ongoing conversation around equity.
TransCanWork embodies the transformative potential of focused advocacy through its programs and measurable impact. By placing more than 1,000 TGNC individuals into employment and partnering with key organizations to drive inclusivity, the organization has set a new standard in addressing workplace disparities. Its mission remains clear: to build a world where TGNC individuals have equal professional opportunities and can thrive in environments that celebrate their identities.
Published by Elle G.