Target Impact

Hidden GEMS is designed for scalable, national impact—but we’re starting where the need is urgent and the network is strong. Our pilot phase will launch in Los Angeles County, leveraging existing partnerships and community-based infrastructure to test, refine, and demonstrate the platform’s effectiveness. From there, we plan to rapidly expand to other major metropolitan areas across the United States where both justice-involved professionals and employers are eager for a better way to connect. By starting local and scaling strategically, we ensure the model is grounded, adaptable, and sustainable nationwide.

Rollout Plan

Hidden GEMS is a bold new initiative in active development, designed for phased implementation with a clear trajectory from concept to national impact. Our strategy emphasizes thoughtful planning, operational readiness, and measurable growth—beginning with a targeted pilot in Los Angeles County and scaling to other major U.S. cities.

Please Note: The timeline outlined below is contingent on securing sufficient funding and key personnel resources. While the plan reflects an ideal pacing model, actual rollout milestones may be adjusted to align with the timing of investments received.

Phase 1: Foundation & Infrastructure (Q2 2025: May–June)

  • Finalize project concept, naming, and brand identity (✔ completed: GEMS – Generating Employment for the Marginalized and Skilled).

  • Build and launch the Hidden GEMS public-facing website, designed to establish credibility, promote awareness, and support early-stage fundraising.

  • Formalize the Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and key project partners.

  • Begin submission of grant applications and initiate direct outreach to values-aligned philanthropies and founding donors.

Phase 2: Platform Development & Staffing (Q3 2025: July–September)

  • Begin development of the Hidden GEMS platform, including:

    • An anonymized résumé bank with optional justice-involvement context.

    • Secure employer access with filtered search and engagement tools.

    • Donor CRM backend and customized dashboard for engagement tracking.

  • Hire initial staff including a full-time Program Manager and Platform Outreach Lead.

  • Finalize compliance, privacy, and user protection policies.

  • Launch soft marketing and storytelling campaigns to build pre-launch awareness.

Phase 3: Los Angeles County Pilot Launch (Q4 2025: October–December)

  • Launch the platform to a limited cohort of justice-involved professionals and pilot employers in the Los Angeles region.

  • Conduct technical and user testing to ensure platform responsiveness and usability.

  • Facilitate employer education and executive briefings to prepare hiring teams for justice-inclusive recruitment.

  • Collect success stories and pilot metrics for use in fundraising and promotional outreach.

Phase 4: Expansion & National Growth (2026 and Beyond)

  • Expand platform access to additional major cities (e.g., Oakland, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston) based on need, infrastructure, and partnership readiness.

  • Recruit regional partners to lead outreach, candidate engagement, and employer recruitment.

  • Adapt materials and messaging to address local laws, employer practices, and justice-system norms.

  • Launch full-scale marketing and media strategy to increase national visibility and secure multi-year funding.

Hidden GEMS is engineered to be scalable, sustainable, and responsive to the structural barriers that keep justice-involved professionals out of the workforce. This rollout strategy ensures credibility, delivers results, and creates meaningful opportunities for a talented population that remains hidden in plain sight.