The Tenth Edition of the People Of Color Career Fair Expands Its Impact through New Strategic Partnerships with Twin Cities Organizations
MINNEAPOLIS (PRWEB) April 21, 2023 -- The People Of Color Career Fair, scheduled for April 27, 2023, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, announces this year's networking and hiring event includes new collaborative relationships with multiple Twin Cities organizations dedicated to workforce development and diversity. These partnerships are designed to increase the impact of the region's biggest career fair for Professionals of Color.
Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, CEO of the Rae Mackenzie Group and founder of the People Of Color Career Fair explains, “This move really can’t be overstated. Our region has been working in silos for far too long. This partnership is about putting People of Color first, and working together to maximize our impact in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Hopefully other organizations and corporations will take notice of what’s happening here and agree that we all need to commit to being in the same room.”
“We need to be in the room together. This is how relationships are built,” adds Smith-Akinsanya. "I wanted to leverage the relationships we’ve built with top employers in the region and invite other organizations doing great work to join us at the People Of Color Career Fair. Because when Professionals of Color win, Minnesota wins.”
Karen Richard, CHRO of Andersen Corporation, is being credited with bringing Genesys Works to the table. Andersen is a premier sponsor at this year’s People Of Color Career Fair, and Richard sits on the board at Genesys Works. And, when Genesys Works asked Andersen to sponsor a career fair they were planning, Richard suggested they would achieve a much greater impact for their program alumni if they combined forces with the People Of Color Career Fair instead.
“I applaud Karen’s vision and leadership to bring us all together under one roof,” says Smith-Akinsanya, “She has always put the interests of the professionals who attend our Career Fair above anything else, and this proves it."
For her own part, Richard notes , "We are thrilled to once again partner with the People Of Color Career Fair and have the opportunity to interview and hire Professionals of Color here in the Twin Cities. The power of this partnership cannot be underestimated. And, with organizations like Genesys Works, Summit Academy OIC, ConnextMSP, and Omega Psi Phi now participating at the Career Fair, Andersen and other corporations will benefit even more by being in the room. We’re really starting to work together in this region."
"It makes all of the sense in the world to give the opportunity to our alumni to get in front of employers through this collaboration,” reveals Allison Barmann, Executive Director of Genesys Works, “The People Of Color Career Fair has a long history of breaking down barriers, creating equitable opportunities for all. We are excited about what this partnership will mean not only for our alumni, but communities across the metro."
The new partnership between Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the People of Color Career Fair bares a similar origin story thanks to fraternity member, James Burroughs, who is Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations, and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer with Children's Minnesota, which is a Networking Breakfast Sponsor for this April’s career fair.
“When the brothers informed me we were going to have a career fair in Minneapolis to coincide with our 10th District conference, I told them there was no need,” said Burroughs, “The best Career Fair around is already happening right here at the Convention Center. So, let’s just partner with the People Of Color Career Fair instead of competing against them.”
Smith-Akinsanya also recently announced a new partnership with ConnextMSP, one that will provide hundreds of early-career professionals of color on ConnextMSP’s platform the opportunity to attend the People Of Color Career Fair.
Ieesha McKinzie Collins, Managing Director of ConnextMSP, says, "ConnextMSP is excited to be part of this collaborative effort. There is no shortage of talented young people of color in our region. Getting them connected to employers and in front of the right people to build relationships is what's needed to unlock their full potential. We recognize the importance of partnerships that break down silos and leverage collective resources. Together, we will make a lasting impact on the workforce landscape here in the Twin Cities."
For more information about the People Of Color Career Fair and its partners, please visit peopleofcolorcareerfair.com.
Tony Kiene, Rae Mackenzie Group, https://peopleofcolorcareerfair.com, 1 651-226-2513, [email protected]
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