Silicon Valley Talent Partnership
Joint Venture’s Silicon Valley Talent Partnership (SVTP) was a grant-funded project that engaged highly-skilled corporate talent to conduct pro bono projects to benefit the community. The goal was to create a stronger, healthier, happier, and more equitable Silicon Valley that convened all sectors in regional problem-solving. The issues addressed included “public sector”, “private sector", and community issues. SVTP was primarily funded by the Knight Foundation and was founded by former San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed who also served as co-chair of the Joint Venture board of directors.
What was the project about?
We connected corporate experts to projects that helped bring about measurable change in education, workforce development, housing/homelessness, and beyond. SVTP utilizeed pro bono best-practices and knowledge of the region to support the partnership at every step along the way: scoping, recruitment, training, project management, and evaluation.
The SVTP team also brought years of experience to help guide Silicon Valley companies in the development of high-quality internal pro bono programs, pro bono “sprint” events, and executive mentorship matching.
Why did we do it?
Silicon Valley is a region like no other. It faces many complex issues – from affordable housing and homelessness to economic inequalities. It’s also home to some of the most innovative companies in the world, who are increasingly exploring meaningful ways to engage impact-minded employees beyond traditional volunteerism. To effectively address these challenges, we must work together. SVTP bridged the gap to make an impact.
Who was involved?
Founder: former San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, who also served as co-chair of the Joint Venture board of directors
Joint Venture Board Champion: Dan Boxwell, Accenture
Through its work, the Silicon Valley Talent Partnership included a broad range of regional stakeholders in the corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors. Ashley Raggio served as the Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Talent Partnership Initiative. SVTP also engaged pro bono professionals to continue to strengthen our model.
- A seasoned financial modeling consultant created a detailed financial model and budget for SVTP to help understand where we are able to scale efforts and improve the sustainability of the programs.
- A strategic planning consultant worked with the SVTP team to help transition leadership and identify areas of focus.
Projects
- The Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits and the Knight Foundation of San Jose developed a community-centered support system for nonprofits in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
- Marketing experts from Adobe designed and developed a marketing plan for San Mateo County’s Home for All initiative to encourage more homeowners to build second units, sometimes called granny units or accessory dwelling units.
- Consultants from EY-Parthenon developed a strategic roadmap to inform the planning process for San Jose Promise, a San Jose Mayor’s Office-led initiative to provide seamless pathways to and through college and on to career success with Silicon Valley employers.
- Talent recruitment experts from LinkedIn helped work2future’s job centers better identify and source job seekers who would benefit most from their mandate to promote sector-specific careers and pathways to economic self-sufficiency.
