We recently launched the latest edition of EMPOWER Magazine, a quarterly publication that spotlights SoCalGas’ efforts to achieve social impact in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and community. The second volume of the magazine highlights stories of community members and includes a new video that shares in-depth information on our collaborations with non-profit organizations like the Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL) to promote workforce development opportunities in underserved communities.

“I want to commend SoCalGas for partnering with nonprofit organizations in the Second District, including the LA Urban League and Brotherhood Crusade, to help provide essential training skills and create sustainable job opportunities for our residents. The workforce programs highlighted in its EMPOWER Magazine truly showcase the positive ripple effect SoCalGas has in our community and I look forward to seeing the full impact these programs will have."

“SoCalGas employs a diverse population that reflects the communities we serve; for us, doing the right thing means creating a culture in which everyone is seen, heard, and has a sense of belonging,” said Jeff Walker, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative and Diversity Officer. “Whether it’s partnerships with non-profits or local businesses our community investments support safety, sustainability, and social justice. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our business values and a lens that focuses all that we do.”

Our community partnerships highlighted in EMPOWER align with our ASPIRE 2045 sustainability goals, which include a commitment to invest $50 million to drive positive change in diverse and underserved communities over the next five years.

Last year, we awarded workforce development grants to 44 nonprofits across 23 cities. The latest edition of the magazine shares our collaboration with six non-profit organizations that focus on workforce development and career advancements. These organizations include the LAUL, Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade, JVS SoCal, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), Youth Action Project, and the South Bay Workforce Investment Board. 

In total, SoCalGas invested more than $9 million in communities it serves, supporting approximately 900 nonprofits throughout our 12-county service area.

"We are thankful to be highlighted in this issue of EMPOWER as it demonstrates the power of partnership that has resulted in successful job placements through our Construction Career Academy,” said Los Angeles Urban League President and CEO Michael Lawson. “The workforce development partnership is not only directly changing people’s lives with new careers; together we are strengthening families and empowering our communities through job training and placement."

We also set goals to have a measurable social impact through our recruitment and hiring practices. SoCalGas is positioned to be an industry leader in racial and ethnic diversity representation in leadership roles, and we are taking actions to enhance the presence of women in leadership roles and the overall workforce by 2025.