Nourishing Justice: A conversation with the president of La Colabortiva

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JEDI Conversation w/La Colabortiva in Chelsea by JEDI Conversations

In our latest “JEDI Conversations” series, 901 Consulting had the honor of sitting down with Gladys Vega, the passionate and visionary President of La Colaborativa in Chelsea, Massachusetts. For over 35 years, La Colaborativa has championed the rights and well-being of Latinx immigrants, leading transformative initiatives in the areas of housing security, economic development, and cultural inclusion. This conversation wasn't just about their work; it was a deep dive into how justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) manifest within grassroots organizations and empower marginalized communities.

Vega's journey—from growing up in Puerto Rico and later Chelsea, to leading a powerful community-driven organization—highlights the essence of resilience, equity, and the power of inclusion. Her story, as she told it, is one of overcoming obstacles, stereotypes, and systemic barriers to become an advocate for change.

The Intersection of Poverty, Diversity, and Change

Gladys Vega’s narrative is not one of victimhood but one of unwavering resilience. Growing up poor, she never allowed her circumstances to define her future. This mirrors one of the central tenets of JEDI: equity isn’t about where you come from but about ensuring every individual, regardless of background, has the support and resources to thrive. As Vega explains, her upbringing gave her a profound understanding of the challenges that many in her community face today—challenges that La Colaborativa tackles daily through stabilization programs that address food insecurity, housing, and workforce development.

Vega's experience underscores the importance of inclusive leadership and how DEI initiatives should not just check boxes but genuinely empower people. "Diversity is a beautiful thing," she shared, "when we make it our own individual business and growth." JEDI frameworks teach us that for diversity and equity initiatives to be effective, they must be embedded in company or community cultures—not viewed as an afterthought.

At La Colaborativa, they lead by example. Instead of waiting for others to open doors, they focus on showing up, advocating, and making sure their voices are heard, a true embodiment of justice in action.

The Shift in DEI Policies Post-Affirmative Action

One of the most pressing topics we addressed was the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision on affirmative action and its reverberating effects on race-based policies in education and employment. Vega admitted feeling conflicted—understanding that some individuals can break through on merit alone—but also concerned about the many who rely on such policies for access to opportunities.

This discussion opens up an important JEDI teaching: equity is about recognizing the different starting lines people come from. Not everyone has the same resources or support systems, and race-based initiatives have historically helped address these disparities. Vega's insights emphasize the need for institutions to not only recognize merit but also to ensure inclusive environments that offer opportunities for marginalized groups.

Her concern echoed a larger industry sentiment: how do organizations maintain their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while adhering to new legal standards? This is where 901 Consulting’s JEDI solutions come into play, offering guidance on transforming high-risk DEI practices into compliant and effective initiatives that are sensitive to the evolving legal landscape.

Leading with Empathy: The Power of Inclusion and Equity

La Colaborativa has long prioritized equity in its practices, not as a theoretical concept but as a tangible part of their everyday work. Vega shared her perspective on equity as an act of responsibility: “If I have a little bit more, it’s my responsibility to think about everyone else.” This idea is central to JEDI strategies, which focus on building a culture of equity where resources and opportunities are distributed in a way that meets the unique needs of diverse employees or community members.

When asked about inclusion, Vega responded by showcasing La Colaborativa’s role in ensuring that everyone—regardless of their origin, language, or socioeconomic status—has a seat at the table. This is especially evident in their approach to serving Latinx immigrants from over 20 different countries, each with their own distinct dialects and cultural practices. “We celebrate our histories together,” Vega explained, "but we also ensure everyone has a voice in shaping our shared future."

Vega's philosophy on equity and inclusion reveals a truth at the heart of JEDI initiatives: the work is not just about getting diverse people in the room; it’s about creating systems and structures where everyone is valued and empowered to contribute fully. This approach isn’t limited to nonprofit work. In the corporate world, organizations need to look beyond surface-level diversity and focus on deep, structural inclusion—ensuring equitable pay, development opportunities, and a sense of belonging for all employees.

Collaborating for Systemic Change: How La Colaborativa Models DEI in Action

As our interview drew to a close, I took the opportunity to delve into the topic of La Colaborativa’s approach to partnerships, particularly in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Gladys Vega passionately described La Colaborativa’s unique model, emphasizing the importance of cultivating partnerships that are both high in quality and grounded in accountability. “We hear our community first, then we create programs.” For Vega, partnerships aren’t just about collaboration—they are about mutual respect and shared accountability in driving meaningful change. 

Vega poignantly illustrated the evolution of these partnerships by reflecting on two significant events: the inadequate response to Puerto Rico with Hurricane Maria in 2017 and the extraordinary response that Chelsea received during the Covid-19 crisis in 2020. The stark contrast between these two responses left a lasting impact on Vega and the community. She shared how the Covid-19 pandemic, despite its challenges, revealed a profound shift in perception: “For the first time, Chelsea was seen as a city of human beings, not just a city of undocumented immigrants.”

Philip White, the Director of Impact at La Colaborativa, entered the conversation with insightful reflections on DEI-related partnerships. He emphasized that La Colaborativa doesn’t recruit staff to simply mirror the demographics of the city; instead, their team naturally reflects the rich diversity of the community they serve. As Phillip spoke, it became evident that La Colaborativa’s model and philosophy are deeply rooted in a unified language and a shared mission. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among team members, who are all aligned with the organization’s core values and vision.

When asked about potential risks to DEI-related funding in light of the evolving legal landscape, Philip expressed only minor concerns. He stated staying vigilant monitoring lobbying efforts and various advocacy groups to ensure La Colaborativa remains informed and proactive. He highlighted one particular DEI initiative that exemplifies their strategic approach: a contextualized curriculum developed in partnership with employers. This program serves as an internal upskilling mechanism, ensuring that every candidate sent for hire is not only qualified but also fully versed in the employer’s platforms and protocols, ready to contribute from day one.

La Colaborativa demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships. Whether it’s advocating for drivers' licenses for undocumented immigrants or expanding access to childcare training, La Colaborativa proves that meaningful, long-term partnerships between organizations, governments, and communities are essential for advancing justice and equity. Their story serves as a reminder to businesses and organizations: true inclusion is about listening to the community’s needs and co-creating solutions that meet those needs holistically.

JEDI Solutions for a Sustainable Future

What can organizations learn from La Colaborativa? For one, DEI (or JEDI) is more than a policy—it’s a way of operating. As Vega rightly pointed out, La Colaborativa doesn’t need a formal DEI policy because their commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion is embedded in their everyday practices. This is a lesson for businesses trying to implement DEI in an increasingly complex legal landscape: JEDI principles must be operationalized in every facet of the organization, from leadership development to team dynamics and employee engagement.

As Vega stated, the success of their work lies in creating pathways for people to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to society. Whether through mentorship, inclusive hiring practices, or continuous upskilling, organizations must adopt a JEDI framework that not only meets compliance but also fosters genuine transformation in workplace culture.

Final Thoughts

Our conversation with Gladys Vega was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when organizations commit to building inclusive, equitable communities. From their grassroots efforts in Chelsea to their advocacy on a national scale, La Colaborativa exemplifies what it means to put JEDI principles into action. By prioritizing people, creating opportunities, and fostering collaboration, they have become a model of systemic change that other organizations—nonprofits and corporations alike—can learn from.

In today’s rapidly evolving DEI landscape, organizations must be both proactive and adaptable. La Colaborativa shows that success isn’t just about hitting diversity targets but about creating environments where everyone has the chance to thrive. By embedding JEDI principles into the heart of your business, you can unlock the potential of every individual—building a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable future for all.