Mayor Jacob Frey joined the Minneapolis Workforce Development Board (MWDB) and Minneapolis Employment and Training (MET) to honor two standout organizations, Avivo and CAPI USA, for their significant contributions to workforce development in Minneapolis. To honor their innovation and commitment to workers, both organizations were recognized with mayoral proclamations at an award ceremony in City Hall.
“Investing in workforce development is investing in our city’s future,” said Mayor Frey. “Avivo and CAPI USA are powerful examples of what’s possible when we prioritize opportunity and support for our communities. These organizations aren’t just helping people find jobs—they’re building pathways to better futures, stronger families and a more resilient Minneapolis. We are proud to partner with them in supporting our local businesses and workers.”
The awards go to…
Avivo received the “Excellence in Workforce Development – Employer Partnerships” award for its collaboration with Wildflyer Coffee. Wildflyer serves as an employer site for youth learning solid employment skills as they learn to become coffee baristas. Avivo supports this process by providing wages, career counseling and access to a variety of wraparound support services.
"Avivo is honored to receive the award for Excellence in Workforce Development for Employer Partnerships,” said Becca Lopez, the Vice President of Career Education and Employment Services at Avivo. “This award highlights the meaningful impact of our collaboration with Wildflyer Coffee to provide paid work opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness. Through our partnership, we’re not just helping youth in our community gain valuable employment skills - we’re also empowering them to build the foundation for a bright future for themselves and their families. Together, we are making a lasting difference in our community, and we look forward to continuing this important work."
CAPI USA received the “Excellence in Workforce Development – Service Delivery” award for its holistic economic empowerment initiatives. CAPI has developed a financial opportunity center model that goes beyond basic workforce service to address barriers and to help promote economic self-sufficiency among immigrants and refugees.
"We are so grateful to the City of Minneapolis Employment and Training team for their partnership and support,” said Mary Niedermeyer, Chief Executive Officer of CAPI USA. “Through this funding, our dedicated staff have been able to provide holistic services and address the unique economic and employment challenges immigrants and refugees face. We are honored to receive this award and believe that it is a testament to the strength, resilience and joy that immigrants bring to make Minnesota a more vibrant and beautiful place.”
The MWDB is one of Minnesota's 16 local workforce boards. The MWDB guides the design of local workforce development in the City of Minneapolis, and oversees services at CareerForce Minneapolis North, CareerForce Minneapolis South, and the Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center. MET is the administrative team to MWDB.
“The MWDB and the MET team extend our gratitude to the Mayor and City Council for their continued support of vital workforce development services in Minneapolis,” said Dr. Tara Watson, chair of MWDB. “This support enables the partnerships and programs we celebrate today. Each year, the City invests millions to provide training and employment opportunities that help Minneapolis youth and adults achieve their educational and career aspirations, advancing them towards stable, family-sustaining jobs and meeting employer needs.”
About Avivo & CAPI USA
For decades, Avivo has been striving to help people overcome significant challenges – including limited education, racism, and homelessness – to increase their economic mobility. Avivo provides career pathway training, employment services, and other supports to help these individuals to be healthy, and economically and socially well. Minneapolis Employment and Training currently supports their youth employment services.
CAPI has a history of delivering a wide range of career supports in our community with a special emphasis on refugees and immigrants. CAPI’s Career Pathways programming provides credentialed training and pairs it with individualized career planning, work readiness, job search, placement, and retention services.