About us
A small organization with a big heart for Fort Collins.
Unified Workforce was founded in 2020 by Karen Wong-Brown to give every neighbor a real chance at the work, education, and community they deserve.
Meet the founder
Karen Wong-Brown
Karen Wong-Brown is the founder of Unified Workforce. She has worked in various administrative roles in educational institutions and corporations since 2000. She has a B.A. in Political Science from Colorado State University, an M.S. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Human Resources Management from Regis University, and is a Licensed Career Coach. Karen is also involved in the community by advocating for underrepresented communities and as a leader in several nonprofit organizations.
Unified Workforce's vision is to help individuals from underrepresented communities find employment and educational opportunities. Our coaches seek employment opportunities based on each individual's interests or passions as well as their working experience. We provide career coaching, educational training, and peer connections. Unified Workforce also serves as an academic advisor through traditional or vocational education, offering career exploration, mentorship, and resource connection.
Community leadership
- Board Member and Secretary,Mujeres de Colores(2025)
- Board Member,BIPOC Alliance(2025)
- Board Member and JEDI Advisor,United Way of Larimer County(2024-present)
- Board Member and JEDI Advisor,Rainbow Roots(2024-present)
- Leadership Committee Member,Larimer County Sheriff Stone Soup(2024-present)
- Core Member,Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coalition(2024-2025)
Mission, vision, values
Mission
To empower individuals and strengthen our community by providing career, education, and small-business support that meets people where they are.
Vision
A Fort Collins where every person, regardless of background, identity, or starting point, can map their own road to success.
Values
Warmth. Equity. Practical action. Lifelong learning. The dignity of every person who walks through our doors.
What we deliver
Unified Workforce provides career coaching, academic and vocational mentoring, small business consulting, and fractional HR support to individuals and organizations in Northern Colorado. We partner with regional workforce, education, and community organizations to deliver wrap-around support that's affordable, accessible, and warm.
- EIN: pending publication
- DUNS / UEI: available on request
- NAICS: 624310, 611430, 541612
- Geographic focus: Larimer County, CO
- Service modalities: in-person and virtual
Our story
Five years, one road
2020
Unified Workforce begins
Founded as a for-profit business, with the first programs developed and documented.
2021
Nonprofit conversion
Changed from for-profit to nonprofit status, built the first clients through word of mouth, and formed partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and higher education institutions.
2022
First grants and community event formation
Received first grants from United Way of Larimer County and the Larimer County Workforce Center, became a Division of Vocational Rehabilitation vendor, earned a first radio spotlight, recruited the first Board of Advisors, and created the Asian Lunar New Year community event.
2023
BBB certified and partnership collaboration
Served as an SBDC consultant, became BBB certified, joined United Way's Community Impact Partners, and celebrated a Red Carpet Ribbon Cutting with the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce.
2024
Teaching, proclamations, and new donors
Taught the first online webinar, Inclusivity in the Workplace, welcomed first corporate and individual donors, accepted a county proclamation from the Larimer County Commissioners, received a first school grant from Thompson Valley High School and a City of Fort Collins grant, created the This is ME event for National Coming Out Day, and was acknowledged with the BBB Charity Award.
2025
New services and wider reach
Added Academic Advising and Business Consulting, taught the first in-person Career Prep and Mentoring course, served as HR consultant for several organizations, expanded partnerships with government entities and nonprofits, and was selected for a first podcast interview.
Awards and honors
- 2022-presentCharity ApprovedBetter Business Bureau
- 2024Corporate DonorsBank of America and Broadcom
- 2023Individual AwardCity of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission
- 2023Workforce Development ProclamationLarimer County Commissioners
- 2023Red Carpet Ribbon Cutting and ReceptionFort Collins Chamber of Commerce
- 2022Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage ProclamationCity of Fort Collins Mayor
- 2022Morris Price Jr Outstanding Alumnx AwardCSU PRIDE Resource Center
- 2012Best Volunteer AwardCSU Asian Pacific American Cultural Center
You belong here.
Unified Workforce is an inclusive, LGBTQIA+ affirming organization. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, whatever brought you to this page, we're glad you're here.
