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.
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 founded
Karen Wong-Brown begins serving the Fort Collins community.
2021
First cohort of job seekers
Career coaching launches with peer support groups.
2022
STEP mentoring program
Academic and vocational advising begins.
2023
Partnerships expand
Collaborations with CSU APACC, PRIDE Resource Center, and DVR.
2024
Community programs grow
Java Time, Rainbow Links, and Lunar New Year events take root.
2025
501(c)(3) status
Unified Workforce becomes a recognized non-profit.
Awards and honors
- 2024Community Impact RecognitionCity of Fort Collins
- 2023Partner of the YearCSU PRIDE Resource Center
- 2023Small Business ChampionLarimer SBDC
- 2022Volunteer Leadership AwardUnited Way of Larimer County
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.
