The 13th Annual People of Color Career Fair will take place on Tuesday, April 15, from 10 am to 3 pm, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. This free event aims to connect professionals of color with over 50 top Minnesota employers, including U.S. Bank, Andersen Corporation, Ameriprise, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Children’s Minnesota, and RBC Wealth Management. Some employers will be conducting on-the-spot interviews.
Attendees can benefit from various services designed to enhance their job search experience. A networking breakfast will provide opportunities to engage with executives, recruiters, and hiring managers from leading companies. Additionally, free professional headshots will be offered, courtesy of Best Buy. The event also features “The Huddle Lounge,” facilitating a relaxed conversation between professionals of color and corporate decision-makers.
The People of Color Career Fair has garnered support from notable city officials, CEOs and working professionals alike. Mayor Melvin Carter has expressed strong support for the People of Color Career Fair, highlighting its significant impact on the community.
In a previous statement, he emphasized,”In the Twin Cities, we have an incredibly talented and diverse workforce actively seeking high-paying careers. The People Of Color Career Fair helps connect these professionals with employers across our region.”
Additionally, Mayor Carter also noted the fair’s role in addressing employment disparities.
“We have been waiting for the return of the People Of Color Career Fair. The type of access that this Career Fair provides to Professionals of Color is unmatched.” These remarks underscore the importance of the career fair in fostering equitable employment opportunities within the region.
Chris Galvin, president and CEO of Andersen Corporation, emphasized the company’s commitment, noting, “Andersen has been a Premier Sponsor since the inception of the People Of Color Career Fair… Andersen was all-in, understanding the importance of expanding networks and committing to being in the room.”
The career fair can be a helpful resource for all those who attend, but especially for those hired. Emmanuel K. Dickson, client experience consultant for the Royal Bank of Canada, RBC, stated, “This is a great opportunity no matter your career level. You will be thrilled by the conversations, so don’t sleep on it. They want to hire you!”
Job security remains a significant concern for people of color in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, as systemic disparities continue to affect employment opportunities and outcomes. Despite comprising a growing portion of the workforce, these communities often face higher unemployment rates and barriers to stable employment.
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, in 2020, the unemployment rate for Black Minnesotans was 8.7%, 2.7 times higher than the 3.2% rate for white Minnesotans. Although this marked an improvement over the previous decade, the disparity remains significant.
Furthermore, a report by the Minneapolis 2040 initiative highlighted that the unemployment rate in Minneapolis for Black individuals was approximately three times higher than that of white non-Hispanics.
The persistent employment disparities faced by Black and brown communities in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area are further exacerbated by challenges within diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While DEI programs aim to address systemic inequities, their effectiveness has been questioned, particularly regarding tangible benefits for Black professionals.
Studies indicate that many DEI initiatives have not significantly improved conditions for Black employees. For instance, a report from Mercer highlights that gaps in pay, career progression, health and wealth continue to adversely affect Black Americans, suggesting that current DEI efforts may not be effectively addressing these issues.
Additionally, there is a growing trend of companies publicly scaling back their DEI commitments. In Minnesota, several corporations, including 3M, have removed DEI-related content from their websites following executive orders from President Donald Trump. Such actions raise concerns about the sincerity and longevity of corporate commitments to diversity and inclusion.
These disparities are not only reflected in unemployment rates but also in wage gaps and limited access to education and training, which are critical for career advancement and job security. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies that include equitable hiring practices, targeted educational programs, and policies aimed at eliminating systemic biases in the labor market, which are some key elements that the People of Color Career Fair want to radicalize.
With its comprehensive offerings and strong community backing, the People of Color Career Fair stands as a pivotal event for fostering diversity and inclusion within Minnesota’s workforce and providing opportunities for our friends, families and co-workers.
Professionals interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance through the official website. Transportation to the fair is made convenient with free Metro Transit passes available for attendees, ensuring stress-free travel to and from the venue.
