Transcanwork INC

About the Organization

Organization category

Other

Country / State

United States / California

Mission

TransCanWork is dedicated to advancing economic equity for transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex (TGI) communities by connecting job seekers with inclusive employers, providing workforce development and career readiness services, educating employers on inclusive hiring and retention practices, and advocating for workplace policies that foster equity, dignity, and opportunity. Through strategic partnerships, training, and systems change, we are building a future where every TGI person has access to meaningful employment and can thrive in the workplace.

Programs or services

TransCanWork Programs and Services

TransCanWork is a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic opportunity for transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex (TGI) individuals through workforce development, employer engagement, and advocacy. The organization provides comprehensive services to both job seekers and employers to create more inclusive workplaces.

Workforce Development & Career Services

TransCanWork equips TGI job seekers with the tools needed to secure meaningful employment through:

One-on-one career coaching
Employment readiness assessments
Resume and cover letter development
Interview preparation and mock interviews
Career exploration and goal setting
Job search assistance and referrals
Professional networking opportunities
Ongoing employment retention support
Job Placement Services

The organization connects qualified TGI job seekers with employers committed to diversity and inclusion by offering:

Direct job placement assistance
Employer referrals
Access to transgender-inclusive employers
Career fairs and hiring events
National employment opportunities
Workforce center partnerships
Employer Education & Workplace Inclusion

TransCanWork partners with businesses to build inclusive workplaces through:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training
Transgender workplace inclusion training
Inclusive hiring best practices
Employee retention strategies
Policy development and review
HR consultation
Leadership education
Employer certification for organizations completing inclusion training
Specialized Workforce Programs

Current targeted initiatives include:

State of California Career Services Program – Supports transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex Californians entering or re-entering the workforce.
Amity Foundation Work Re-Entry Program – Helps formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted TGI individuals in Los Angeles County prepare for and obtain employment.
Community Engagement

Detailed programs

TransCanWork Programs and Services

TransCanWork is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, workplace inclusion, health equity, and long-term stability for transgender, gender-diverse, nonbinary, and intersex people. Through individualized career services, employer partnerships, mental health support, community outreach, and advocacy, TransCanWork helps participants overcome systemic barriers and achieve sustainable employment.

1. Career Readiness and Workforce Development Program

The Career Readiness and Workforce Development Program prepares transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex job seekers to compete successfully in today’s labor market. Participants receive individualized support based on their employment history, career goals, educational background, and immediate needs.

Services include:

Career assessments and employment goal-setting
Individual employment plans
Resume and cover letter development
Interview preparation and mock interviews
Job-search assistance
Professional communication training
Workplace etiquette and conflict-resolution skills
Digital literacy and online application assistance
Support with employment gaps and career transitions
Professional clothing and interview preparation referrals
Follow-up assistance after employment begins

Employment navigators work closely with each participant to identify realistic career pathways and address barriers that may interfere with employment. Participants may receive assistance with transportation, documentation, technology access, professional references, and referrals to supportive community services.

The program’s goal is not simply to help participants obtain a job, but to help them secure employment that offers stability, dignity, advancement opportunities, and a safe and affirming workplace.

2. Employment Navigation and Job Placement Program

TransCanWork’s Employment Navigation and Job Placement Program connects qualified job seekers with employers committed to fair and inclusive hiring practices.

Employment navigators assist participants with:

Identifying appropriate job openings
Completing online applications
Preparing for employer interviews
Communicating with hiring managers
Understanding job offers and workplace expectations
Navigating background checks and employment documentation
Requesting appropriate workplace accommodations
Addressing concerns related to names, pronouns, identification documents, or employment records

TransCanWork also develops direct relationships with businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare systems, and other employers seeking qualified candidates.

The organization works to ensure that employers understand that transgender and gender-diverse candidates should be evaluated according to their qualifications, skills, experience, and ability to perform the position.

After placement, TransCanWork provides retention support to both th

Target Audience

TGI job seekers

Geographic Focus

United States, California (USA), Alameda County (CA), Alpine County (CA), Amador County (CA), Butte County (CA), Calaveras County (CA), Colusa County (CA), Contra Costa County (CA), Del Norte County (CA), El Dorado County (CA), Fresno County (CA)

Current projects

1. Workforce Development and Employment Navigation

Objective: Increase employment opportunities for transgender, gender-diverse, nonbinary, and intersex (TGDI) individuals through individualized workforce services.

Current Activities

Career coaching and employment navigation
Resume and interview preparation
Job placement assistance
Employment retention coaching
Employer referrals
Individual career development plans
Workforce readiness workshops
Digital literacy and professional skills training

Target Outcomes

Increased job placements
Higher wages
Improved job retention
Career advancement opportunities
2. National Inclusive Employer Partnership Initiative

Objective: Expand partnerships with employers committed to transgender-inclusive hiring.

Current Activities

Recruiting corporate hiring partners
Developing inclusive hiring pipelines
Employer DEI consultations
Workplace inclusion training
Inclusive policy reviews
Employer recognition program

Current Focus Industries

Healthcare
Government
Technology
Financial Services
Retail
Hospitality
Manufacturing
Nonprofit organizations
3. Skilled Trades Career Pathways Initiative

A new initiative designed to increase access to family-sustaining careers.

Focus Areas

Construction
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC
Solar installation
Welding
Transportation
Logistics
Building maintenance

Activities include:

Apprenticeship preparation
Union partnerships
Certification support
Employer recruitment
Career coaching
4. Mental Health and Workforce Wellness Program

Supported through California's transgender health initiatives, this program integrates behavioral health into employment services.

Services include:

Individual counseling
Wellness planning
Support groups
Crisis referrals
Trauma-informed care
Stress management
Employment-related mental health support
5. HIV Prevention and Health Equity Initiative

Integrating employment with health outcomes.

Activities include:

HIV education
PrEP and PEP navigation
Linkage to care
STI education
Health insurance referrals
Gender-affirming healthcare navigation
Community health workshops
6. TransCanWork National Job Board

Expansion of TransCanWork's online employment platform.

Current work includes:

Recruiting employers nationwide
Posting inclusive employment opportunities
Candidate matching
Employer outreach
Career resource library
7. Trans Thrive Initiative

A comprehensive program integrating employment, health equity, and HIV prevention.

Program Components

Workforce development
Mental health
HIV prevention
Peer support
Health navigation
Financial literacy
Leadership development
8. Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Program

Helping participants build wealth through entrepreneurship.

Current activities include:

Small business coaching
Business planning
Financial literacy
Cooperative business development
Microenterprise support

Organization goals

TransCanWork Organizational Goals
Organizational Vision

TransCanWork envisions a future in which transgender, gender-diverse, nonbinary, and intersex people have equitable access to employment, economic stability, healthcare, leadership opportunities, and safe, affirming workplaces.

The organization seeks to eliminate barriers that prevent community members from achieving financial independence and long-term career success.

Goal 1: Expand Workforce Development Services

TransCanWork will increase access to comprehensive employment and career-development services for transgender, gender-diverse, nonbinary, and intersex job seekers.

Objectives
Increase the number of individuals receiving employment-navigation services.
Provide individualized career assessments and employment plans.
Expand resume development, interview preparation, digital-literacy training, and job-readiness workshops.
Increase access to education, occupational training, certifications, internships, and apprenticeships.
Develop specialized career pathways for young adults, people returning to the workforce, and individuals facing multiple barriers to employment.
Expand services throughout California and into additional national markets.
Measures of Success
Number of participants enrolled
Number completing workforce-readiness activities
Number referred to employers
Number obtaining interviews
Number placed in employment
Number entering training or education programs
Goal 2: Increase Employment Placement, Retention, and Advancement

TransCanWork will help participants secure employment that provides sustainable wages, benefits, workplace safety, and opportunities for advancement.

Objectives
Increase the number of participants placed in full-time, part-time, temporary-to-permanent, and apprenticeship positions.
Provide post-placement coaching during the first 30, 60, 90, and 180 days of employment.
Support participants experiencing workplace conflict, discrimination,

Leadership

Dr. Toni Newman, Chair
Martha Gomez, Managing Director

Funding Needs

Grant categories you're seeking

BIPOC, Community and Economic Development, Community Services, Disabilities, Entrepreneurs and Startups, Financial Assistance, Health and Medical, Homeless, Housing

Funding needs

Estimated annual need: $300,000 to $500,000

Total Annual Funding Need

To fully operate and expand its integrated workforce, health, wellness, employer-engagement, and economic-empowerment programs, TransCanWork seeks an annual operating budget of approximately:

$2 million to $3.5 million annually

This level of investment would allow TransCanWork to:

Expand workforce services throughout California and nationally
Serve more transgender and gender-diverse job seekers
Hire additional employment navigators and program staff
Increase direct participant assistance
Strengthen employer hiring pipelines
Expand the national job board
Launch skilled-trades and apprenticeship pathways
Integrate mental health and health-navigation services
Develop entrepreneurship and cooperative opportunities
Improve program evaluation and data systems
Strengthen organizational infrastructure
Provide long-term support that leads to sustainable employment and economic mobility
Priority Funding Request

TransCanWork’s highest immediate funding priorities are:

Workforce-development staff and employment navigators
Direct participant assistance
Mental health and wellness services
Skilled-trades and apprenticeship pathways
Employer recruitment and inclusion training
National job-board expansion
Data collection and program evaluation
General operating and administrative support

TransCanWork welcomes unrestricted, multi-year, program-specific, sponsorship, and in-kind support. Multi-year general operating funding is particularly valuable because it allows the organization to retain skilled staff, respond to community needs, and provide consistent services beyond short grant cycles.

Investment in TransCanWork is an investment in economic justice, workforce equity, public health, and the long-term stability of transgender and gender-diverse communities.

Website & Social Media