As the Inclusive Economy Challenge enters its third year in 2019, participating Certified B Corporations are resolving to take collective action and build a more equitable, diverse economy. Through the Challenge, participating B Corps set ambitious goals around equity and diversity, and work toward achieving them. The Challenge often helps B Corps discover which changes will have the biggest impact on their workplace and the people who work there.

While each Inclusive Economy Challenge experience is unique, every participant uncovers lessons that other organizations can take inspiration from. Read on to learn from Taos Ski Valley’s experience in last year’s Inclusive Economy Challenge and how it looks to expand on that work this year.

In stepping up its sustainability work a few years ago, Taos Ski Valley also stepped up its commitment to its community and workers. The New Mexico ski resort became a Certified B Corporation in early 2017, formalizing its business commitment to a more resilient planet and a more diverse workforce.

With more than 630 full-time employees and more than 200 part-time workers, Taos Ski Valley is among the biggest employers in Taos, which has a year-round population near 5,600. Through its purpose-driven work reflected by its B Corp certification, Taos Ski Valley also aims to be the best place to work in its community.

With adaptive skiing, people with disabilities can hit the slopes at Taos Ski Valley. (Photo courtesy Taos Ski Valley)

“The certification provided the verification of the good work we were doing with the business,” says Dawn Boulware, director of human relations at Taos Ski Valley. “As the first ski resort in the world to obtain the certification, it is a significant differentiator in an industry becoming increasingly homogenized.”

Taos Ski Valley joined the 2018 Inclusive Economy Challenge to develop a better understanding of its existing inclusion, diversity and equity work and where it could improve.

“We also knew that taking on the Challenge would ensure we held ourselves accountable when making business decisions and setting new policies or procedures,” says Jessica Caskey, part of the Inclusive Economy Challenge team at Taos Ski Valley.

One bonus of joining the Challenge: gleaning knowledge and inspiration from other members of the B Corp community.

“Being a part of the B Corp community continuously challenges us to be better, and helps us improve our impact and use our business as a force of good,” she says.