Aspen Partnership for an Inclusive Economy

The economy depends on truckers—but the road isn’t always fair ??? ??? ??? Truck drivers play an essential role in our daily lives, transporting everything from food and medicine to electronics and raw materials. But while their work keeps supply chains running, many face: * Unpredictable and grueling schedules * Widespread misclassification as independent contractors * Increasing financial strain from rising costs and stagnant wages * Lack of job stability and career growth opportunities * What does the future of trucking look like? * How can we create a more sustainable and equitable industry for drivers? Join the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program for “Driving the Economy: The Essential and Undervalued Work of Truckers,” on March 19 at 2:00 PM ET, as we explore solutions that can create better working conditions and stronger protections for truckers. ?? Register now: as.pn/trucking #TalkOpportunity

"Efficiency without humanity has left us with a leadership deficit. And now, we stand at a defining moment — where we have the opportunity to move forward by integrating human-centered leadership into the future of work." Chris Trout is a consultant to?UpSkill America, an initiative of The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program that supports employers and workforce organizations to expand and improve high-quality educational and career advancement opportunities for America’s front-line workers. On the blog, he explores how applying the principles of letter-writing—thoughtfulness, depth, and meaningful connection—can transform leadership. Read on at the link below.

From bold vision to global impact. Over the past five years, the Aspen Institute and the?Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth?have partnered to drive transformative solutions worldwide—helping to build an economy that works for everyone. Today, we celebrate this milestone and the progress we've made together. Looking back,?“We had a real opportunity—with?Mastercard—to have a partner that believed in Aspen’s ability to innovate,”?says?Ida Rademacher, vice president at the Aspen Institute and co-executive director of The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program.?“Being part of the Aspen Institute, where I’ve been a fellow for many years, gave me a lens into how we can bring not just people together, but also different assets,”?adds?Shamina Singh,?Founder & President of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. This partnership has delivered real impact—from?catalyzing efforts to create the first-ever?National Strategy for Financial Inclusion in the U.S.?to strengthening small businesses through?Community Development Financial Institutions?and cultivating the next generation of leaders committed to?#inclusivegrowth. This is more than a partnership—it’s a movement. Watch this short video to see the journey, the inspiration, and what’s next—including a new fellowship experience for seasoned executives. https://lnkd.in/dFwvur65 #financialhealth?

“The benefits of local ownership are about agency in the control of your community—controlling what happens, what tenants come in, what businesses occupy the spaces,” says?Ajia Morris, founder of?LocalCode Kansas City, a development company helping communities build wealth and wellbeing through local ownership of real estate. Her local organization is supported by a national nonprofit, LocalCode, founded by?Jeff Mendelsohn. “Community-led initiatives tend to be smaller projects,” says Mendelsohn, “and the big neighborhood-impacting projects tend to not happen until somebody wants to come in and gentrify a community.” LocalCode is looking to upend that trend, facilitating large mixed-use projects with the support of local leaders and community buy-in. The two answered a few of our questions about their approach, their successes, and the obstacles LocalCode has had to overcome.?Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/d6AUxyi7

How can community-led real estate transform structurally disadvantaged neighborhoods? Ajia Morris and Jeffrey Mendelsohn of LocalCode Kansas City share their approach to regenerative development, creating equity and wealth for local residents. With over $200 million in development on Kansas City’s East Side, they’re reshaping the narrative of gentrification. Dive into their inspiring Q&A and explore how locally owned, inclusive real estate can be a game-changer. ?? Read more in this edition of The Slice for upcoming events, expert insights, and stories driving equitable change.

Are we working harder but living less fulfilling lives? In her latest book, “Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life,” Brigid Schulte calls for bold action: rethink how we use time, advocate for policies like paid family leave, and create healthier relationships to work. By reducing burnout and promoting fairness, we can build a more stable and prosperous future. Join The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program for a virtual book talk with Schulte and an opportunity to be part of the conversation on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 2 to 3 p.m. EST. RSVP now: as.pn/overwork #TalkOpportunity

India generates 4.1M tons of e-waste annually, with more than 95% processed in unsafe, informal ways. Pranshu Singhal, an Aspen Global Leadership Network Fellow, founded Karo Sambhav to revolutionize e-waste recycling with a responsible, circular approach. Through partnerships with retailers, schools, and repair shops, Karo Sambhav is building a trusted recycling ecosystem that’s safe, scalable, and sustainable. For his efforts in paving the way for a net-zero future, Pranshu was named a recipient of the 2024-2025 Global Inclusive Spark Grant, a collaboration between the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and The Aspen Institute. Explore more about Karo Sambhav’s impact and approach: https://lnkd.in/gpuC8suC

This month's edition of The Slice spotlights the transformative work of Ruchi Mathur, co-founder of Lighthouse Communities Foundation, in redefining the narrative for India’s underemployed youth. Through centers in Pune’s slum communities, Lighthouse equips Opportunity Youth with workplace skills, English proficiency, and—most crucially—a belief in their own potential. “It’s the inner work that’s critical,” Mathur explains, dispelling myths about young people passively awaiting opportunities. Dive into Mathur’s inspiring journey, her partnership with the Aspen Institute’s The Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN), and her reflections on the challenges and triumphs of creating lasting change.

Real estate development in the US has too often left communities of color behind. On Kansas City’s Eastside, systemic disinvestment has fueled economic challenges—but Jeff Mendelsohn an Aspen Global Leadership Network Fellow, and LocalCode are helping local leaders rewrite the story. LocalCode empowers communities to take ownership of real estate, prioritizing wealth-building and sustainable growth. Their innovative model transitions more than 80% of ownership to local hands, ensuring long-term economic resilience. This is real change, built by and for the community. LocalCode was named a recipient of the 2024-2025 Global Inclusive Spark Grant, a collaboration between the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and The Aspen Institute. Learn more about their approach and join us in celebrating the platform’s impact: https://lnkd.in/gpuC8suC

Constance Swaniker, an Aspen Global Leadership Network Fellow, founded the Design and Technology Institute with the vision to provide Africa’s youth equitable access to world-class vocational training. DTI’s innovative approach focuses on hands-on learning in fields like precision welding, fabrication, design innovation, and entrepreneurship. For her contributions to equipping young people with real-world skills to thrive across the continent and creating thousands of work opportunities, Constance was named a recipient of the 2024-2025 Global Inclusive Spark Grant, a collaboration between the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and The Aspen Institute. Learn more about DTI’s impact here: https://lnkd.in/gpuC8suC