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Roseville, Calif. — Corporate inclusivity leader Dan Robin has joined PRIDE Industries as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships for Inclusive Talent Solutions (ITS). Robin, who was the first Global Leader for Amazon’s Alternative/All Abilities Workforce Strategy, is a leader in opportunity creation and innovation in the inclusivity employment space. He will play a pivotal role in the expansion of PRIDE’s proprietary talent acquisition and training products and services.

 

“Dan is a leading expert on issues of workplace inclusion and productivity,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO of PRIDE. “His groundbreaking contributions to the disability community have created thousands of jobs for this population, which is severely under-employed. He is an invaluable addition to PRIDE’s fast-growing ITS business team that is forming corporate partnerships across the country.”

 

PRIDE’s Inclusive Talent Solutions provides recruitment, training, coaching, and ongoing support for employees of all abilities. Our full suite of services makes it possible for all companies to immediately boost and sustain their inclusive employment program metrics.

 

As the first Global Leader for Amazon’s Alternative/All Abilities Workforce Strategy team, Robin was instrumental in designing an innovative and global alternative talent solutions program. The program resulted in higher workforce participation rates for people with disabilities while achieving better-than-average productivity and retention rates. Robin contributed towards systemic change across Amazon and led its evolution in the disability space by working with company leaders to prioritize and invest in normalizing employee differences.

 

“Growing up with a family member with a disability, I’ve long been aware of the issues surrounding employment, accommodation, and productivity,” said Robin. “For me, this work is personal. I’ve seen first-hand how companies can make a positive impact in the world, and I am thrilled to join PRIDE and help our partners reap the bottom-line benefits of an inclusive workforce.”

 

Robin has worked on both state and federal policy in the disability space. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Social Work, and has completed MBA-level coursework at the University of Michigan, which recently presented him with the Distinguished Alumni Award. He has led multi-million dollar accounts for Fortune 50 companies and is a sought-after speaker on the topic of adding value to corporations while increasing equity for people with disabilities.  An accomplished inventor, Robin has two patents pending, one for a robotic wheelchair, the other for an automatic tote feed. Additionally, Robin supports innovation for people with disabilities as an advisor to Luther.ai, a startup company focused on enhancing memory through natural language processing, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence.

 

About PRIDE Industries: PRIDE Industries is the leading employer of people with disabilities in the country. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise, the organization provides facility operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, and fulfillment services to public and private organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE’s mission is to create jobs for people with disabilities through person-centered job coaching, training, and placement. PRIDE’s mission extends across the country, assisting individuals to become self-sufficient, contribute to their communities, and achieve their goals. Learn more at prideindustries.com.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

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2007

Calvin Wiseman is a veteran who joined PRIDE Industries in February 2020 and now works at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA as a janitor. Before joining PRIDE, Calvin served our country honorably for 16 years. He shares his story below:

 

“Joining the U.S. Army gave me the change I needed. After occasionally working as fieldworkers in the Maryland agricultural industry, my friend and I wanted a different way of life, a chance to see more of the world. At 18 years old, I finished my junior year of high school, enlisted in the U.S Army, and earned my GED while serving.

 

And what a change it was! I went to Fort Ord, CA, for training. It was completely different from my hometown. I had grown up in a segregated schooling system, and now I was working in an integrated environment. It was an exciting time, being around such a diverse group of people. I fit right in and served three years in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam.

 

 

I had joined the U.S. Army as a Private E-1, and I left as an E-5 Sergeant. My most memorable moment was earning my first three service stripes. As I moved up the ranks, I felt incredibly accomplished.

 

In 1973, I left the Army and joined the U.S. Army National Guard. It was the right move for me, as I wanted time to focus on myself outside of a formal military routine. For 13 years, I served as a Sergeant in the National Guard and received specialized tank mechanics training. Then, after serving my country for 16 years, I was ready to rejoin the civilian world.

 

However, the adjustment from soldier to civilian proved difficult; I didn’t know who I was anymore. After the Army, most of my jobs were dead-end and unmeaningful, but I remained hopeful I’d find something better.

 

At the same time, I was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. It was hard for me to accept this at first. Now, I’ve come to terms with it. And once I started going to the Veterans Administration (VA) for treatment, I began to feel better. My friends and family have noticed a change in me, and they’ve been wonderful—a real support system during my transition.

 

In 2020, I finally reached my goal of finding a job with a purpose when I was referred to PRIDE Industries by the Veterans Transition Center. I received assistance throughout my entire onboarding process from HR Director Paige Lindley. Counselor and Recruiter Sa’Cora Goodin checks in regularly to ensure that I have the support I need at my new job. My advice for other veterans struggling with PTSD is to seek help and stay connected to the VA.”

Attention Veterans

Are you a veteran looking to start a career? Check out PRIDE’s Military Translator.

“Working at DLI Monterey allows me to share my wisdom and experience with my PRIDE teammates. Every day, it gives me something to look forward to; I enjoy the opportunity to continue helping our military.”