The Diversity in Manufacturing Initiative (DiMi) is a collaboration of employers, industry associations, educators, partners, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) aimed at increasing the number of BIPOC and other under-represented job seekers in the manufacturing industry.
This employer-led group has representation from throughout the state. DEED's role will be as facilitator, ensuring the development and implementation of this initiative. This initiative engages partners including philanthropic organizations, workforce development stakeholders, community leaders and parents of high schoolers.
DiMi Mission: Assist with diversifying the manufacturing workforce through increased outreach to Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC) and other underrepresented talent pools.
Why DiMi is needed: The concept for this initiative came from a discussion between DEED leadership and the industry on how to better collaborate for increasing outreach to BIPOC and underrepresented communities. There was a concern among businesses and industry associations on the lack of applicants from these communities. In 2023, BIPOC workers make up 17% while women make up 30% of the overall manufacturing workforce. Population projections for Minnesota shows BIPOC communities expected to increase while white, non-Hispanic/Latino population is expected to decrease. Employers should expect future talent pools to be more diverse than today’s choice of talent.
