Breakthrough research happens when communities are the center of our joint work 💡 At the UC Santa Cruz Institute for Social Transformation, Faculty Fellow and Professor of Sociology Chris Benner is working alongside the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI), a coalition of 12 community organizations advancing more equitable economic opportunities across the region. Faculty research and professional staff at the Institute are paired with community expertise to inform policies that improve employment conditions and expand economic opportunity for historically marginalized communities. Such community-engaged approach multiplies the public benefit of research, turning knowledge into action, and building community power and advancing social justice along the way. Your support makes this work possible and fuels community-engaged research that advances equity, strengthens partnerships, and creates lasting change for communities across California and beyond. Visit giv...