Founded in 1987, Positive Workforce, Inc. is a New York City-based minority advocacy and employment service organization dedicated to creating pathways to success in the construction industry.

Our mission is to empower Black and Latino men and women and marginalized residents living in poverty by securing entry-level and Journeyman construction positions.

We work with major developers and contractors to ensure community participation is prioritized in workforce hiring. Through advocacy, job placement, and industry partnerships, we strive to create equitable opportunities that uplift individuals and strengthen communities.

We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us—trailblazers who fought tirelessly for economic justice and equal opportunity in the construction trades. One such leader was Jim Haughton, the fearless advocate behind Harlem Fights Back in the 1960s and 1970s. His mission was clear: to demand fair hiring practices, dismantle discriminatory barriers, and ensure that Black and Latino workers had access to meaningful careers in the industry.

Our vision is deeply rooted in advocacy for economic justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities. We have modeled our efforts on community empowerment, fair labor practices, and equal opportunity, ensuring that Black and Latino men and women, along with other historically excluded groups, have access to meaningful careers in the construction industry.

To this day, we continue to demand workforce equity and hold developers and contractors accountable for inclusive hiring practices. Through advocacy, job training, and industry partnerships, we help workers break the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term success in the trades.

Access to employment is more than just a paycheck—it is the foundation for stronger families, thriving communities, and generational progress. By challenging systemic injustices and pushing

We serve residents in the New York City Empowerment Zone, where economic challenges disproportionately affect communities of color. According to the 2010 Census, 33% or more of residents in these neighborhoods live below the poverty line. This underscores the urgent need for advocacy, job training, and sustainable employment initiatives to help families achieve financial stability.

As development continues to transform our neighborhoods, we are committed to ensuring that local workers are active participants in the construction and growth of their own communities. Residents who witness change should benefit from the jobs, careers, and economic opportunities that come with it.

At Positive Workforce, Inc., we address this need by providing:

• Workforce advocacy for fair hiring practices

• Industry-recognized job training programs

• Job placement support for lasting careers in construction

By bridging the gap between skilled workers and employment opportunities, we build stronger communities and ensure local development leads to economic empowerment—one career at a time.