WASHINGTON – The Global Business Alliance (GBA) has announced Randstad North America as its annual Corporate Social Responsibility Award winner, recognizing the company’s outstanding commitment to local U.S. communities.
“Businesses are uniquely positioned to impact the communities in which they operate, and international companies, like Randstad North America, continue to undertake meaningful initiatives that do so,” said Nancy McLernon, president and CEO of GBA. “This year, we are proud to spotlight Randstad for their incredible commitment to supporting underserved communities in the Atlanta metro area.”
Randstad is a leading global staffing agency and human resources consulting firm with its U.S. headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, Atlanta is considered a hub for human trafficking due to the transportation infrastructure and major events that provide easy access to the city’s vulnerable communities.
To address this issue, Randstad developed the Hire Hope program, an initiative that creates futures for women in Atlanta’s underserved communities who are at risk of exploitation through homelessness, human trafficking and domestic violence by providing opportunity through education and employment. The program is delivered across two phases that take place over nine months. Following the completion of Hire Hope, the participants receive placement in family sustaining wage opportunities where Randstad and its community partners offer six months of career transition support.
“In February of 2020, I made the decision to join the Hire Hope program which changed my life in unimaginable ways,” said a 2021 graduate of Hire Hope. “Prior to Hire Hope, I was homeless living in temporary shelters and even sleeping on the train. Joining Hire Hope has not only transformed my work ethic, it has also taught me to believe in myself, despite life's adversities. Currently, I have gainful employment and I’m living in my own apartment. My daughter and I are forever grateful for the genuine care and kindness that Hire Hope has brought to our lives.”
“Our Hire Hope program exemplifies our commitment to helping women thrive,” said Audra Jenkins, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Executive Sponsor of Hire Hope at Randstad North America. “It provides a transformational opportunity for survivors of homelessness, domestic violence, and human trafficking to gain skills, coaching, and development to secure stable employment. I am proud of our leaders and volunteers who give their time, passion, and expertise to ensure each woman in our program is successful.”
The CSR Award, which was presented at GBA’s Annual Dinner in Washington D.C., last night, showcases the significant contributions that international companies make to local U.S. communities. Many international companies offer their employees the opportunity to volunteer and help direct the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts. Finalists for this year’s award included several noteworthy initiatives:
GBA applauds the ongoing efforts by these and other GBA member companies to engage with their communities through innovative programming that meets local needs.
About the Global Business Alliance
As the premier voice of international companies in the United States, the Global Business Alliance (GBA) actively promotes and defends an open economy that welcomes international companies to invest in America. Our members are American companies with global heritage and an indispensable part of our nation’s economic success. When America is open for business, we all benefit. Learn more about how international companies are benefiting U.S. workers and communities by visiting www.globalbusiness.org.