The Organizer.
The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) is an international not for profit, working with businesses to champion fairness, equality, and effectiveness across systems of punishment and incarceration. RBIJ’s work is designed to root out systemic injustices and racism within the justice system, by bringing businesses to the table. RBIJ has successfully drawn over 500 businesses into the criminal justice space and has successfully equipped those companies to create meaningful and measurable impact.
Through UP, RBIJ works with businesses to create meaningful career opportunities for opportunity youth.
The Businesses.
Unlock Potential works with employers across six states: Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. Meet our businesses below.
The American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact is a venture capital firm and partner of choice for exceptional entrepreneurs who are building scalable, sustainable businesses in a long-term effort to close equity gaps in America. It also recognizes that capacity building and supporting organizations and experts that have been working toward social causes are equally important in making a positive impact within our communities around the country.
Ben & Jerry’s has been making great ice cream since the company was founded by school friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, back in 1978. Their aim is (and always has been!) to make the best possible ice cream, in the nicest possible way. Ben & Jerry's incorporates its vision of Linked Prosperity into its business practices in a number of ways, including a focus on values-led sourcing. Ben & Jerry's became a certified B Corp in 2012. The Ben & Jerry's Foundation's employee-led grant programs totaled $3.7MM in 2021 to support grassroots organizing for social and environmental justice around the country.
Burlington Stores, Inc. is a nationally recognized off-price retailer, is a Fortune 500 company operating in 46 states and Puerto Rico. At Burlington, customers will be amazed to discover fantastic low prices every day on their favorite brands representing the latest trends on fresh, seasonal items arriving regularly. They deliver savings at up to 60% off other retailers’ prices every day on a wide assortment of merchandise including everything for ladies, men, kids, baby, along with home décor. Customers are sure to find wow prices in store daily.
More than 4,000 Delta Air Lines flights take off every day, connecting people across more than 275 destinations on six continents with a commitment to industry-leading customer service, safety, and innovation. As the leading global airline, Delta's mission to connect the world creates opportunities, fosters understanding and expands horizons by connecting people and communities to each other and their potential. More than 80,000 Delta people lead the way in delivering a world-class customer experience, and they're continuing to ensure the future of travel is personalized, enjoyable and stress-free. Their people's genuine and enduring motivation is to make every customer feel welcomed and respected across every point of their journey with Delta. Delta believes social responsibility lies at the intersection of their values and expertise, guiding their work in sustainability and their communities. By developing a workforce that is more inclusive and equitable for everyone so that they reflect the diversity of the world they serve.
Flagger Force is the industry leader in short-term traffic control with nearly 2,000 full-time employees throughout the eastern United States. They have the resources and expertise to help support utility and communications infrastructure while keeping communities moving. Flagger Force is committed to giving back to the community by implementing fair chance hiring practices and growing local economies.
Hot Chicken Takeover, started in 2014 as a pop-up window serving made-to-order, Nashville-stye hot chicken in Columbus’ Olde Towne East neighborhood. Today, the company has restaurants throughout Central Ohio and one restaurant located just outside Cleveland. Since day one, Hot Chicken Takeover has been about way more than food. The company provides supportive jobs to men and women who need a fair chance at work. No matter the circumstances — homelessness, previous incarceration, or other barrier to employment — HCT is focused on the future and is dedicated to offering team members meaningful benefits, such as financial stability, personal growth, and professional development.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of American multinational hospitality company Hilton.
Greyston Bakery is a commercial bakery committed to using inclusive employment to unlock the power of human potential. Greyston was founded in 1982 under an “Open Hiring” model — accept anyone with a will to work, with no interviews, background checks, or resumes required to get a job. The program has created 1350 new jobs and $11.2 million in positive economic investment in the community. In 2012, Greyston Bakery became New York’s first registered benefit corporation.
Guayakí Yerba Mate started in 1996 with the goal of making the energy of yerba mate more accessible through a business model that could also benefit the planet and people. Today, Guayakí Yerba Mate proudly sources regenerative, organic and fair trade certified ingredients that are better for both people and the planet.
Sam’s Club is a membership-only retail warehouse chain, a limited-item business model with almost 600 locations across the United States. The company was founded to offer solutions not just for entrepreneurs and small businesses, but also for families and everyday living. Sam’s Club has committed to supporting underserved youth through their internship program, which provides on-the-job training and basic life skills, as well as access to free college education through their Live Better U program.
Virgin Hotels is a luxury lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service and a personalized hotel experience inspired by the innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson's global Virgin Group has pioneered for over 50 years. Each property intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music, design, and culture, fusing with the local landscape and providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. The current portfolio includes six hotels—Virgin Hotels Chicago, Virgin Hotels Dallas, Virgin Hotels Nashville, Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, and newly launched Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
The Funder.
Walmart funds Unlock Potential through the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity, which was founded through a $100 million commitment over five years to address the drivers of systemic racism in society and accelerate change. The Center’s initiatives fund research, advocacy, innovation of practices and tools, stakeholder convening and non-profit capacity building with a focus on four systems: finance, health, education and criminal justice. The mission of the center is to complement and extend the societal impact of Walmart business initiatives to advance racial equity within these four systems, and the work extends the overarching philanthropic work of Walmart.org.