How do we break down the divides of race, place and gender and create more equitable access to economic opportunity? How do we invest in under resourced communities? How can we support entrepreneurs of color? How do we include the voices of working people? This clip features Joyce Klein (The Aspen Institute), Gayatri Agnew (Walmart.org), Betsy Biemann (Coastal Enterprises Inc.), Gary Cunningham (Prosperity Now), and Tracy Jan (The Washington Post).
Is America living up to our aspirations to be a real “land of opportunity?” Even as the economy’s now decade-long expansion continues, mobility is in decline while inequality reaches alarming heights. How should we define opportunity in the era ahead? How can we ensure that everyone has equitable access to it?
This afternoon of discussion with distinguished and diverse panels explores the changing nature of opportunity, who is and isn’t included, and concrete ideas for expanding access to quality economic opportunities.
This event also launches our new conversation series, Opportunity in America, which considers the changing landscape of economic opportunity in the US and implications for individuals, families, and communities across the country. The series highlights the ways in which issues of race, gender, and place exacerbate our economic divides, and ideas and innovations with potential to address these challenges and broaden access to quality opportunity.
Opportunity in America builds on our Working in America events, which examined how the changing nature of work influenced access to opportunity in America, particularly for low- and moderate-income workers, but also broadens the lens to more intentionally include business ownership strategies as a key route to accessing economic opportunity in the US. We hope you will continue to join us as we seek to advance strategies, policies, and ideas to ensure all have a fair shot to pursue their American Dream.