COE News

Date Published

San Diego and Imperial County Employers Honored for Leading the Way in Inclusive Workplaces

In celebration of Diversity Month, the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence and Regional Consortium proudly announce the winners of the inaugural Inclusive Workplace Champion Awards—recognizing employers who create work environments where employees of all backgrounds are empowered to thrive.

Congratulations to the 2025 Inclusive Workplace Champions—employers ranging from small teams of five to large organizations of 500 or more, each recognized for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in meaningful ways. Nominated by community members and students, the award committee selected these organizations for their intentional efforts to foster people-centered workplaces.

Whether navigating the resource constraints of a small business or the complexities of large-scale operations, each organization has demonstrated inclusive hiring and advancement practices, a commitment to employee well-being, and a strong focus on workplace culture—setting a high standard for the San Diego & Imperial region.

Vision 2030 in Action

These awards reflect the goals outlined in the Vision 2030 Roadmap for California Community Colleges—particularly the emphasis on building a more inclusive, equity-centered workforce system. By honoring employers who model inclusive practices, the awards support efforts to close equity gaps, strengthen career education, and increase upward mobility for all Californians.

A Special Thank You to Our Award Committee

The Inclusive Workplace Champion Awards were developed in collaboration with regional education and workforce leaders. Appreciation is extended to the award committee listed below for their dedication in reviewing nominations and thoughtfully selecting winners based on both quantitative and qualitative criteria: