News and Events

Governor Dayton calls upon area business, non-profit and governmental employers to participate in the upcoming career fair to meet with local candidates of color at an innovative, one-day event.

Oct. 5, 2016 – Minneapolis, MN: Minnesota business and governmental employers are eager to meet with top talent at the People of Color Career Fair coming to Minneapolis Convention Center on Oct. 18, 2016.

Minnesota is a region with a thriving corporate climate that boasts low unemployment rates in comparison to the rest of the nation. Communities of color represent 15 percent of the state’s total population of 5.5 million, yet these communities have the highest unemployment rate within the region. The People of Color Career Fair is focused on reducing unemployment and underemployment for these communities.

According to aggregated employment data published by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), in June 2016 African American and Hispanic communities had a 14.4 percent unemployment rate compared to 2.9 percent among whites. And, according to data from a recent Wilder Research study, a higher education does not equate to a better job for minority employees: college educated African Americans in Minnesota currently have a 9 percent unemployment rate as opposed to a 3 percent unemployment rate among their white counterparts.

“State government is among Minnesota’s largest employers,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “As our state becomes increasingly diverse, we are committed to building a talented workforce that is representative of Minnesota. I encourage all interested people of color to consider state employment and to attend this job fair.” Governor Dayton will be onsite, meeting and speaking with candidates from 1:30 - 2 pm on the day of the event.

The People of Color Career Fair is presented by U.S. Bank and Midco, and is sponsored by the State of Minnesota. This event provides an opportunity for area employers to connect with professionals of color in the Twin Cities – professionals who are looking for them and who are available and ready to add value.

“Diversity and inclusion is a core value at U.S. Bank,” said Richard Davis, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Bank. “As a leading financial institution we care about the economic welfare of every member of our community and want to work toward an equitable tomorrow for all Minnesotans. A more diverse workforce supports our mission and values.”

Candidates benefiting from this innovative networking career day are expected to range from college interns and recent college graduates to experienced professionals with advanced degrees. Attendees can expect to meet and speak directly with hiring managers and decision makers representing Minnesota’s top employers.

“Midco wants our employees to represent the diverse clientele we serve,” said Pat McAdaragh, CEO of Midco. “It is important that we stand united with the Minnesota business community to create change and to be part of the solution.”

With the support of some of our state’s top employers, the People of Color Career Fair will provide access for highly qualified candidates to connect and engage with recruiters from the region’s most respected employers. Candidates will be able to meet directly with hiring managers from these great companies:

• U.S. Bank
• Midco
• State of Minnesota
• Patterson Companies
• Allianz Life Insurance of North America
• Mortenson
• Metro Transit
• Target
• University of Minnesota
• Medtronic
• C.H. Robinson
• Cargill
• Thrivent Financial
• City of Minneapolis
• Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
• YMCA of the Twin Cities MN
• CPC Worldwide
• Ordway
• Pohlad Companies
• Xcel Energy
• Ecolab
• Health Partners
• and more.

The People of Color Career Fair founder Sharon Smith-Akinsanya explained, “When I presented this idea to our presenting sponsors—U.S. Bank and Midco—during the early planning stages,the overwhelming response was YES!”

Smith-Akinsanya added, “This event empowers companies to proactively create the change that closes the economic gap and ends the structural racism that can ultimately harm the economic stability of our state. The People of Color Career Fair provides the space and opportunity for those companies ready and wanting to solve the problem to meet with and talk to qualified candidates of color who are looking for an amazing company to work for. It’s bold. It’s radical. It’s necessary.”

Attendees can also participate in any of the four exciting 30-Minutes of Power breakout sessions, starting at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Topics include:

• “LinkedIn Simplified – Grow Your Visibility, Credibility and Hire-ability” (Sponsored by Midco)
• “Find Success by Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work!” (Sponsored by U.S. Bank)
• “Stand Out From the Crowd and Land a Meaningful Internship!” (Sponsored by U.S. Bank)
• “7 Ways to Makeover Your Career! How to Rekindle Your Passion at Work” (Sponsored by State of Minnesota).

Employers and jobseekers are urged to participate in this important and exciting hiring event. Employers can register to participate at peopleofcolorcareerfair.com. 

Attendance for candidates is FREE. And, FREE bus or train rides are also available; download a FREE pass at peopleofcolorcareerfair.com.

Advance registration is recommended but not required. All are welcome to attend; please bring at least ten printed resumes.

All candidates who email a resume to info@peopleofcolorcareerfair.com in advance will receive a FREE professional headshot the day of the career fair. Headshots begin at 9 am, one hour before doors open to the exhibits.

The People of Color Career Fair is open from 10 am to 5 pm. Hiring managers will be meeting and interviewing candidates onsite all day.

Gov. Dayton meet-and-greet begins at 1:30 pm.

To register and download a FREE Metro Transit pass, or for more information of the People of Color Career Fair, please visit peopleofcolorcareerfair.com.

See other career fairs Midco will be attending.

 

About the People of Color Career Fair

The People of Color Career Fair is founded by Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, owner of rae mackenzie group, inc. She is long-time Twin Cities resident and passionate advocate of closing the wage gap by empowering female and minority professionals, and of promoting economic growth and enrichment within Minnesota’s communities of color. Sharon Smith-Akinsanya is also the founder of The Gathering! Women of Color Expo coming to Minneapolis Convention Center, Nov. 12-13, 2016. For more information, visit thegatheringtwincities.com.