Carla Javits on Scaling Social Enterprise Across America

<p>What if the most effective response to incarceration, homelessness, and economic instability isn’t another temporary program, but a real job? Carla Javits has spent nearly two decades helping employment social enterprises turn overlooked talent into meaningful work, sustainable businesses, and pathways toward a better life.</p><p>In this episode of The Homeboy Way, host Tom Vozzo sits down with Carla to explore how Redefine Alliance, formerly REDF, helped strengthen a national movement of purpose-driven businesses. Carla shares the scale of that impact: 350 social enterprises supported, $4 billion in revenue generated, and 176,000 people employed.</p><p>Together, Tom and Carla unpack what it takes to build a viable social enterprise, why employers keep screening out capable people, and how government procurement can create thousands of second-chance jobs. They also discuss Homeboy Industries’ transitional employment model, the value of lived expertise, and why belonging and compassion aren’t just good for people; they’re good for business.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Employment creates a pathway forward.</strong></p><p>Support services matter, but people also need the opportunity to earn income, demonstrate their abilities, and build meaningful lives through work.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Social enterprise requires a real business model.</strong></p><p>A strong mission cannot rescue an idea with no customers, market, or reliable source of revenue.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Business and social impact must work together. </strong></p><p>Successful employment social enterprises balance revenue generation with meaningful support, skill development, and opportunity.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Clear employment goals shape the entire enterprise.</strong></p><p>Organizations must decide whether they are creating transitional jobs, permanent employment, or another specific pathway for workers.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Belonging is good business.</strong></p><p>Valuing lived expertise, nurturing employees, and creating a genuine sense of connection can strengthen both people and organizations.</p></li></ul><p><strong>In This Episode</strong></p><ul><li>[00:00] Introduction</li><li>[00:25] Welcoming Carla Javits</li><li>[01:00] Why REDF became Redefine Alliance</li></ul><ul><li>[04:34] The business leaders behind the movement</li><li>[08:50] Has society become more open to second-chance hiring?</li><li>[12:21] 350 enterprises, $4 billion in revenue, and 176,000 jobs</li><li>[14:22] The five pillars of Redefine Alliance’s model</li><li>[16:23] Should a nonprofit start a social enterprise?</li><li>[22:11] Homeboy Industries as a transitional employer</li><li>[23:20] Defining business goals and employment outcomes</li><li>[25:36] Bringing government into the social enterprise ecosystem</li><li>[26:28] The $2.23 societal return for every dollar invested</li><li>[28:24] Why government must define employment social enterprise</li><li>[33:26] The Caltrans partnership creating thousands of jobs</li><li>[34:50] Carla’s first impressions of Homeboy Industries</li><li>[38:42] Why lived experience should be valued as expertise</li><li>[39:38] Carla’s next chapter of service and leadership</li><li>[42:13] Helping people take action instead of accepting doom and gloom</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><ul><li>“Do you really want to run a business? There’s a balance when you run a business. You have to balance the social mission with the revenue generation.” - Carla Javits [16:46]</li><li>“People’s life experiences are a big part of what they bring to any job.” - Carla Javits [38:42]</li><li>“Nurturing people and making them feel that sense of belonging is a good way to run your business.” - Carla Javits [39:19]</li><li>“We need each other. We need the reflection of each other.” - Carla Javits [41:02]</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br><strong>Homeboy Industries</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://hom