Minnesota's Top Leaders Rally In Support of Upcoming People of Color Career Fair

    MINNEAPOLIS, MN, April 03, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With an anticipated workforce shortage of 160,400 threatening Minnesota's economy in the coming year, top area employers will tap into a wealth of talent at the highly successful People of Color Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, in the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The People of Color Career Fair is supported by Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, with onsite appearances anticipated by each during the event.

Gov. Walz, whose first official act was to create the "One Minnesota Council on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity," advocates the state leading the charge to create a more equitable environment for the region's growing diverse population. In 2017 black, Hispanic and Asian populations grew at rates up to 31 times that of white and Native American populations.

"Inequities that impact Minnesotans' ability to be successful based on race, geographic, and socioeconomic disparities prevent our entire state from reaching its full potential," Gov. Walz said. "The People of Color Career Fair enables us, as leaders and employers, to be proactive about enacting the change we want for our state."

The semiannual hiring event, now in its third year, aligns hundreds of diverse job seekers with leading employers who are serious about increasing their diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts to attract and retain top talent to the region.

"This People of Color Career Fair is absolutely critical," Mayor Frey explained. "One, it gives the employees the direct contact with some of the businesses in the Twin Cities. Two, it allows those businesses to work directly with an exceedingly highly skilled workforce."

The Twin Cities has a staggering unemployment disparity that averages three to four times between people of color and that of white Minnesotans. The People of Color Career Fair presents a unique opportunity for employers to solve two issues critical to the success of the region: they can position their organizations to broaden diversity and they can increase their competitiveness within the greater global marketplace.

"In the Twin Cities, we have an incredibly talented and diverse workforce actively seeking high-paying careers," said Mayor Carter. "The People of Color Career Fair connects these professionals with employers across our region who need and value their talent."

The People of Color Career Fair is sponsored by U.S. Bank, Andersen Corporation, Midco, and the State of Minnesota.

"We now get to connect with communities of color through People of Color Career Fair; those opportunities and the awareness has helped to make us a better employer for professionals of color," said Pat McAdaragh, president and CEO of Midco.

Andersen's CEO Jay Lund added, "Diversity, equity and inclusion is important to me and important to our company's future. We must harness diverse talents to serve our customers, grow our business, strengthen the communities where we live and work, and ultimately make the world a better place. Building a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture is essential to our success, critically important for society and one of the many reasons we are proud to be a leading sponsor and partner of the People of Color Career Fair."

Attendees of the People of Color Career Fair will have an opportunity to meet with hiring managers and recruiters from top area employers, including U.S. Bank, Andersen Corporation, Midco, State of Minnesota, Metro Transit, Target, Best Buy, Ameriprise Financial, League of Minnesota Cities, Bremer Bank, Prairie Care, City of Minneapolis, Sleep Number, Securian Financial, Pohlad Companies, Hennepin Healthcare System, Allina Health, Mortenson Construction, CRF USA, and many more.
Employers and job seekers are urged to participate in this important and exciting hiring event.

Employers can register at www.poccareerfair.com. Attendance for candidates is free.

Advance registration at www.poccareerfair.com is recommended (not required) so employers can preview candidates' qualifications and goals and schedule interviews and screenings in advance.

Walk-ups are welcome. All candidates should bring 10 to 15 printed resumes. Candidates will receive a free professional headshot the day of the career fair. Headshots begin at 9 a.m.

Free bus or train rides from Metro Transit are also available; download a free pass at www.poccareerfair.com.

For more information about People of Color Career Fair, please visit www.poccareerfair.com follow Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @poccareerfair, and subscribe to YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7DDmAhLH3NTR2tCG8vXqFA

The People of Color Career Fair was founded October 2016 by Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, owner of the Rae Mackenzie Group, Inc., to help employers connect with professionals of color to improve our competitiveness within in the region. The event – held in the spring and the fall – makes it easier for Minnesota's top employers, who are actively seeking to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce, to connect with professionals of color. For more information about the Rae Mackenzie Group, contact Kimberly Steward at [email protected].

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