11th EDITION
Tuesday, Oct 17, 2023
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Minneapolis Convention Center
BALLROOM

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The Best Networking & Hiring Event for Professionals of Color - PERIOD!

Professional Registration

Employer Registration

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Minneapolis Convention Center

‍

We are back!

"It's not just who you know,
but who knows you!"

-Sharon Smith-Akinsanya

The Best Networking & Hiring Event for Professionals of Color - PERIOD!

Minnesota is proud to broadcast its status of having the lowest overall unemployment rate in the country. BUT, the truth is that for Black people and other People of Color, the 1.8% unemployment rate is not our reality.

Currently, the unemployment rate for Black people in Minnesota is 7.4%.
‍
Source MN GOV. DEED: Table 5. Unemployment Rate by Race or Ethnicity, Minnesota, 12-month Moving Average.

This ain’t right, and we’re not here for it!

The People Of Color Career Fair™ is back and ready to partner with Employers in our region to address the tragic disparity in our unemployment rate. It’s time we do away with the excuse of “we can’t find any Professionals of Color.”

Minnesota, there is still work to do, and the People of Color Career Fair™ is here to help! One equitable Minnesota for all!

See KSTP news story for more information HERE

Out with the old and in with
the improved!

It’s time to do things differently in order to make our region the hub for diverse talent that we want it to be. The ownness is on all of us to do our part to make this a reality.

That’s why we’re partnering with Employer Partners who are committed to connecting with Professionals in a meaningful way at the People Of Color Career Fair™. No just walking past and dropping off resumes. No sign up sheets with false promises of “we’ll reach out to you at a later date."

No more business as usual. Are you in?

Thank for your support

People Of Color Career Fair founder, Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, is thrilled to see the Twin Cities embrace the importance of not working in silos. We want to thank everyone who made the 10th edition of the People Of Color Career Fair the most successful yet!

This was the first time that LatinoLEAD, ConnextMSP, Genesys Works, Omega Psi Phi, and Summit Academy OIC were also in the room. Sharon wanted to make sure organizations benefit from being in the same room with our region's top employers.
‍
The question is, will you be in the room in October as we expand to the Ballroom?

10th Edition premier sponsors

10th Edition major sponsors

Learn more

10th Edition employer partners

At RBC Wealth Management, we believe inclusion and diversity is an engine for innovation and economic prosperity.

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Work with a purpose. Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota employees work toward a world where everyone experiences the power of work. By working in a retail store, in administration or delivering services to the community, all employees help eliminate barriers to work independence for Minnesotans. Join the team and make a difference!

Learn More

At Securian Financial, your part of a hard-working, high-performing, bright-thinking, make-things-happen family.
We’ll challenge you to grow your unique strengths to become the person you want to be, at work and outside of it.

Learn More

Ramsey County employs nearly 4,000 people in full and part-time positions in a variety of fields related to Health and Wellness, Safety and Justice, Information and Public Records, Economic Growth and Community Investment and more.

Learn More

Delta Dental of Minnesota believes that everyone deserves a healthy smile. We’re seeking talented, dedicated and creative professionals to help us fulfill the mission.

Learn More

Lifeworks is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that is all about empowering people and enriching lives. We promote self-determination, personal development, and inclusion for our employees, the people we serve, and all our stakeholders.

Learn More

From the morning bus ride until the last activity of the night, more than 34,000 students grow and learn with Minneapolis Public Schools every day. We promise an inspirational education experience in a safe, welcoming environment for all diverse learners to acquire the tools and skills necessary to confidently engage in the global community.

Learn More

As the most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers with one purpose: serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

Learn More

We’re focused on building fulfilling careers for people to learn and grow, both in their professional and personal lives. Use your creativity, craftsmanship and all-around know-how to solve issues and develop innovative ways of doing business.

Learn More

The Pohlad Companies are a family-oriented, forward-thinking, diverse group of people. We care about our communities as much as we care about our organizational success.

Learn More

The League of Minnesota Cities is a membership association dedicated to promoting excellence in local government. We not only recruit for our own employees at the League, we assist our member cities throughout the State of Minnesota with a variety of services including employment advertising and increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workforce.

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At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota we’re looking for people who are passionate about health to help us achieve it. At Blue Cross, you’ll be a part of a team that values collaboration, commitment to excellence and, most of all, a dedication to the people we serve.

Learn More

You can find the Target Team at your favorite store, in your community, across the country and around the world. Our mission is the promise of surprises, fun, ease and inspiration at every turn.

Learn More

Life is better when it’s filled with purpose. At Thrivent, we’re committed to helping clients build their financial futures, and live more generous lives in their communities and beyond.

Learn More

We foster diversity, equity and inclusion, building on the legacy of our immigrant founder. Make the next chapter in your story one where you make a real difference.

Learn More

If you value a collaborative work environment, supportive colleagues, and purpose-driven work, look no further than PrairieCare! Find your next opportunity and build your career with us.

Learn More

Our employees believe their work is deeply meaningful. Be part of an inspiring mission, and grow your career with us! At LSS, we invest in employees and focus on developing great managers. Professional development is important at LSS and we have a strong track record of promoting from within.

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At the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), we fill hundreds of vacancies each year. Many of our vacant positions occur in the law enforcement and regulatory area. Additionally, the agency is very program-driven, so it is not uncommon to find a constant need for planners and program coordinators to fulfill our mission.

Learn More

Children’s Minnesota is the 7th largest pediatric health system in the United States and the only health system in MN to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth to young adulthood.

Learn More

At RBC Wealth Management, we believe inclusion and diversity is an engine for innovation and economic prosperity.

Learn More

At Ameriprise Financial, diversity is reflected in everything that drives our success – our people, our corporate values, our business strategy, our culture, and our investment in the communities in which we live and work.

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The Minnesota Vikings employ more than 450 individuals. We offer career opportunities in marketing, communications, events, guest experience, and graphic design. Come work with us and become part of one of the most dynamic organizations in professional sports.

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Life is better when it’s filled with purpose. At Thrivent, we believe that money is a tool, not a goal. We’re committed to helping more than 2 million clients build their financial futures, and live more generous lives in their communities and beyond.

Learn More

If you value a collaborative work environment, supportive colleagues, and purpose-driven work, look no further than PrairieCare! Find your next opportunity and build your career with us.

Learn More

You can find the Target Team at your favorite store, in your community, across the country and around the world. Our mission is the promise of surprises, fun, ease and inspiration at every turn.

Learn More

Our values are core to our organization's DNA and how our people work to win the right way every day. Integrity, Continuous Improvement, Accountability, Team Player, Customer Focus, Leadership, and Innovation make up these values and you can learn more about a few of them below.

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We’re focused on building fulfilling careers for people to learn and grow, both in their professional and personal lives.
Use your creativity, craftsmanship and all-around know-how to solve issues and develop innovative ways of doing business.

Learn More

At Tennant, our worldwide diversity will be a differentiator – celebrated in our culture an fueling the innovation, creative problem solving, and collaboration required for our business and employees to reach their full potential an be a force for positive change.

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Ecolab is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. With annual sales of $13 billion and more than 47,000 associates, Ecolab serves over three million customers in 170 countries around the world.

Learn More

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Employing innovation and breakthrough solutions, we are advancing filtration for a cleaner world.

Learn More

We foster diversity, equity and inclusion, building on the legacy of our immigrant founder. Make the next chapter in your story one where you make a real difference.

Learn More

Our diverse community and expanding economy depend on us to help get people where they need to be. Be part of this important work. Together we can make our region thrive.

Learn More

The Pohlad Companies are a family-oriented, forward-thinking, diverse group of people. We care about our communities as much as we care about our organizational success.

Learn More

We hire people passionate about making change in the mental health community. We take a creative and collaborative approach to create change, while putting our team first.

Learn More

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO), is one of the world’s largest outdoor advertising companies with a diverse portfolio of 450,000 print and digital displays in 31 countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America, reaching millions of people monthly.

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Why Join the Pack? At this organization, we do things a bit differently. We're not your typical sports franchise pouring all our focus into the playing stage. We're about uniting to push the culture forward, challenge the status quo, and accomplish things most didn't think was possible!

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As the largest employer in the state, we offer a wide-range of job opportunities and tremendous potential for career advancement. Whether you are an experienced professional or just getting started, we have a place for diverse and talented individuals - like you - who want to build a better Minnesota.

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Delta Dental of Minnesota believes that everyone deserves a healthy smile. We’re seeking talented, dedicated and creative professionals to help us fulfill the mission.

Learn More

Minnesota State is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing talented employees who serve our 340,000+ students each year throughout the state. We have a vibrant and diverse system of 33 colleges and universities with 15,300+ dedicated faculty and staff focused on student success.

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At Xcel Energy, we’re more than an energy company. We’re reinventing how we power communities. Redefining how we care for customers. Reaffirming our commitment to the planet. We’re committed to leading with equity and inclusion.

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General Mills is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best—bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together.

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At Cargill, you'll connect with something greater than yourself and achieve your higher purpose. With 155,000 employees across 70 countries, you'll join our global network where we're bringing together the people, ideas and resources that can impact lives across the world

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At Comcast, we connect millions of people to the moments that matter. Here you'll collaborate with diverse and passionate people to help re-imagine industries, invent new technologies and create extraordinary experiences for our customers.

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The City Of St. Louis Park continues to work on advancing the city council’s strategic priority of being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. In order to do so, the city is working to: Create pipelines and opportunities for communities of color and indigenous people to be part of city leadership roles. Invest in small business and services owned by people of color and indigenous people.

Learn More

Cookie Cart teaches life, leadership, and employment skills to teens of color through on-the-job and classroom experiences in nonprofit bakeries. We envision equitable communities where Cookie Cart alumni thrive and lead.

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Huntington Bank is built on the diversity of our team members — the one-of-a-kind talents, backgrounds, and work styles that each of our colleagues brings to their roles here. We believe this so strongly that we’ve chosen inclusion as a guiding principle.

Learn More

Children’s Minnesota is the seventh largest pediatric health system in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood.

Learn More

At RBC Wealth Management, we believe inclusion and diversity is an engine for innovation and economic prosperity.

Learn More

If you value a collaborative work environment, supportive colleagues, and purpose-driven work, look no further than PrairieCare! Find your next opportunity and build your career with us.

Learn More

You can find the Target Team at your favorite store, in your community, across the country and around the world. Our mission is the promise of surprises, fun, ease and inspiration at every turn.

Learn More

We’re focused on building fulfilling careers for people to learn and grow, both in their professional and personal lives.
Use your creativity, craftsmanship and all-around know-how to solve issues and develop innovative ways of doing business.

Learn More

We’re focused on building fulfilling careers for people to learn and grow, both in their professional and personal lives.
Use your creativity, craftsmanship and all-around know-how to solve issues and develop innovative ways of doing business.

Learn More

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Employing innovation and breakthrough solutions, we are advancing filtration for a cleaner world.

Learn More

We foster diversity, equity and inclusion, building on the legacy of our immigrant founder. Make the next chapter in your story one where you make a real difference.

Learn More

Our diverse community and expanding economy depend on us to help get people where they need to be. Be part of this important work. Together we can make our region thrive.

Learn More

The Pohlad Companies are a family-oriented, forward-thinking, diverse group of people. We care about our communities as much as we care about our organizational success.

Learn More

We hire people passionate about making change in the mental health community. We take a creative and collaborative approach to create change, while putting our team first.

Learn More

Delta Dental of Minnesota believes that everyone deserves a healthy smile. We’re seeking talented, dedicated and creative professionals to help us fulfill the mission.

Learn More

BRINGING YOU THe access you need

The People Of Color Career Fair™ is more than a typical career fair where Employers and Professionals gather in a very transactional, not-so-results-yielding way. That’s not our style.

We are curating an experience with the Professional of Color in mind. The People Of Color Career Fair™ is all about building relationships with the right people to help you get from here to there. It's not just about who you know, but who knows you!

Here's what you can expect:

Networking Breakfast

The Networking Breakfast is an invitation-only event the morning of the People of Color Career Fair™, that connects highly skilled and experienced professionals with executives, recruiters and hiring managers from top Minnesota employers looking to fill leadership positions in fields such as IT, engineering, and financial services.

Professional Headshots

Take your headshot with us and use it everywhere. We want to help you upgrade your professional profile, so we are offering headshots FREE of charge to you. If you decide to participate, we will send you instructions on how to download the image for you to use on all of your professional profiles.

Featuring...
The “Huddle” Lounge

The Huddle Lounge was back in April 2023. This space enables Professionals of Color to engage with corporate decision makers in a more relaxed and intimate setting, while allowing employers the opportunity to step away from their booth and sit down directly across from a prospective candidate.

360° Glam Cam

The People of Color Career Fair™ 360° Glam Cam will return in 2023. This omnidirectional camera captures full-circle, 30-second videos that can be used on social media platforms both for fun, and to bring awareness to the important work we are doing together to bridge the racial employment, wage and wealth gaps in the North Star State.

Networking with Hiring Managers

Enjoy the opportunity to connect with representatives from 70+ leading Employers in the region. Converse with vetted Employer Partners who are committed to diversifying their workplaces. Utilize the moment to market yourself to your next potential Employer.

Onsite Interviews

Some of our Employer Partners are ready to conduct onsite interviews at the Career Fair. We have a space specifically designated for providing Professionals and Employers the opportunity to delve deeper into open roles, qualifications, and experience.

LEADING OUT LOUD

See what Elected Officials, CEOs, and Executives have to say about the People Of Color Career Fair™

JAY LUND

chairman & CEO
‍ANDERSeN Corporation

“We are excited to be a presenting sponsor for the People Of Color Career Fair™. Our commitment to increasing racial inclusivity and diversity at Andersen has never been stronger. We are ready to make an impact and look forward to meeting – and hiring – exceptional talent at the Career Fair like we’ve done in the past. We’ve had immense success expanding our team at the People Of Color Career Fair™, and we’re looking forward to even more success this time around.”

Andrea Jenkins

President
Minneapolis City Council, Ward 8

"The work that Rae Mackenzie Group is doing continues to be work that inspires us all and strengthens our region. The People Of Color Career Fair™ is another way RMG is working hard to move MN forward. People of Color deserve the opportunity to shine. We are as qualified as anyone else, and thank goodness the Twin Cities has the People Of Color Career Fair™ to make sure everyone knows it. We must partner with initiatives and events like this Career Fair to make sure our region is an equitable place to live, work, and be for all."

Jacob Frey

Mayor
City of Minneapolis

“Our city and state need the People Of Color Career Fair™. For too long, we’ve been garnering a reputation of violence and negativity. And while we can’t take away the past—nor would we ever attempt to deny its existence—there is a truth about us that people need to know. We are working to make Minneapolis and Minnesota safe and prosperous for all. The People Of Color Career Fair™ is that truth personified, a tangible example that elected officials and businesses want our region to be a place where everyone has access to opportunities to succeed.”

Melvin Carter

Mayor
city of Saint Paul

“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. In the past, the employers who have attended have been serious about helping our region solve for unemployment rates and labor crises, doing the most immediate and impactful thing they could to get the problem rectified: hiring people. I expect that this fair will be no different in its approach and efficacy.”

Karen Richard

SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer
andersen corporation

"We've been partners with the People Of Color Career Fair™ since it began six years ago, and every Career Fair just gets better and better! We have hired team members on the spot at the Career Fair, and they have gone on to become strong, invaluable leaders in our company. Any company that says they are serious and committed to DEI should have a booth at the People Of Color Career Fair™."

TRACEY GIBSON

VICE PresidenT CHIEF & DIVERSITY OFFICER
ANDERSEN CORPORATION

“I am so excited that the People Of Color Career Fair™ has returned and that Andersen is a premier sponsor! As a region, we’re always talking about ways we can come together to shift the unemployment gap and ensure that People of Color have access to resources. The People Of Color Career Fair™ is one of those ways. I know from personal experience that hundreds of qualified Professionals of Color will be there. We’re serious about our DEI commitments at Andersen, and we’re getting ready to do even more hiring at the Career Fair. Other companies better watch out because we’re ready to make offers!”

Greg Cunningham

SeVP & Chief Diversity Officer
U.S. Bank

"At U.S. Bank, we're clear about our DEI commitments and what we need to do diversify our workforce even more. The People Of Color Fair™ provides us with the opportunity to connect with qualified Professionals of Color in our region and execute on various aspects of our DEI recruiting strategy. We're proud to be partners with the People Of Color Career Fair™ in the work to ensure that Professionals of Color have the access they need to move their careers forward."

Pat Mcadaragh

CEO
‍Midco

“We understand the importance diversity brings to our company and the value it has on providing positive and memorable customer experiences. Our services – internet, TV and phone – are necessary for everyone, and we want our workforce to reflect our customers. Our relationship with the Rae Mackenzie Group and the People of Color Career Fair dates back to the beginning, and we’re proud to be a premier sponsor of the People of Color Career Fair. It helps us identify amazing talent as well as demonstrate that we mean what we say: diversity, equity and inclusion are essential. Our goal for the Career Fair is clear: we intend to hire.”

LaTrisha VEtaw

Council Member
City of Minneapolis, Ward 4

"The People Of Color Career Fair™ is an invaluable event to our region and the community. People of Color deserve equal access to the opportunities that companies have available and the individuals who make the decisions. The People Of Color Career Fair™ is doing the work to ensure necessary connections are being made in an attempt to level the playing field and give everyone a fair shot at success."

Your Ride to the Career Fair Is On Us!

Unlock your
Stress-Free Ride

You can drive. You can use a rideshare app. OR...you can easily download a Metro Transit ticket for a FREE ride! We are providing Professionals with the means they need to attend the People Of Color Career Fair™. We want to make sure all of your energy goes toward wowing our Employers, so we’re taking the stress out of getting you there.

To download your free bus or train ticket from Metro Transit, just click here!

Download your FREE ticket

TESTIMONIALS

Looking forward to next year already!

"Thank you to everyone involved! It was an amazing experience to participate in as a professional this time around. Looking forward to next year already!"

O’Rion Walker-Hatfield

Attendee

More doors opened!

“Congratulations, Sharon Smith-Akinsanya and your team! Excellent event, great opportunities and more doors opened for talented People of Color in the community!”

Aubrey Musonda

Attendee

I'll be attending future events!

“It was fantastic and very grateful as a brother to actually feel wanted for a good job as opposed to feeling less deserved and more desperate. I have received several opportunities and will be attending ANYTIME you have this or similar events. Please add my email to your list of subscribers to your works. THANK YOU QUEEN!! #ittakesavillage”

David

Attendee

“Thank you to everyone involved! It was an amazing experience to participate as a professional this time around. Looking forward to next year already!”

O’Rion Walker-Hatfield

Attendee

“Congratulations to Sharon Smith-Akinsanya and your team! Excellent event, great opportunities and more doors opened for talented People of Color in the community!”

Aubrey Musond

Attendee

“Fantastic! As a brother, I am grateful to actually feel wanted for a good job as opposed to feeling less deserving and more desperate. I have received several opportunities and will be attending ANYTIME you have this or similar events. Please add my email to your list of subscribers. THANK YOU QUEEN!! #ittakesavillage”

David

Attendee

“I would like to thank you for inviting me to the People Of Color career fair networking breakfast. It was an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience and I am inspired by your continued efforts at helping people of color build their networks and advance their professional careers.

Anthonia Paul

Attendee

“ Coming to the People of Color Career Fair, on my birthday no less, helped bring me out of a depression. I recently lost my career job after 6 years. But you restored something I had lost. My hope for my future. Thank you again for opening doors for us.”

Torre Baltimore

Attendee

“Great experience for the Minnesota Department of Human Services team at the People Of Color Career Fair™! Special thank you to Sharon Smith-Akinsanya and the Rae Mackenzie Group for executing an incredible event! The entire day was filled with amazing energy!”

James Cooper, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Lead, Minnesota Department of Human Services

Employer

“Wonderful job on the People of Color Career Fair. Our team had a blast at the event, it was well organized and attracted a wide range of participants.”

City of Saint Paul

Employer

“The People of Color Career Fair is back! Thank you Sharon Smith-Akinsanya for pulling us back together and connecting us to great talent. We met fantastic individuals and are working to connect them to their dream jobs.

DJ Gohl Bergeron, Talent Acquisition Leader, Bremer Bank

Employer

“Great time yesterday at the People Of Color Career Fair™ representing the Department of Human Services (State of Minnesota). We met some amazing candidates committed to serving and bettering the lives of Minnesotans. #POC #diversehiring #diversityequityinclusion #careers #dhs”

Lauren Hunter, Director of Diversity Recruitment & Rentenion, Minnesota Department of Human Services

Employer

“I had a great time at People Of Color Career Fair™ yesterday. It was nice to reconnect with old friends while forming new connections. At our table we represented over 10 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. We brought back some great ideas and I look forward to following up with my connections.”

Marissa King, Human Resources Technician, Hennepin Technical College

Attendee

schedule
at a glAnce

tuesday, october 17, 2023
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Minneapolis Convention Center

Room 200

Check In + Get Ready!

Arrive early to check in and get the lay of the land. Maximize your time to network and connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and leaders.

Don’t forget your resume!

Jessica Walsh

Chief Officer, Walsh

Jessica Walsh

Chief Officer, Walsh

Jessica Walsh

Chief Officer, Walsh

Jessica Walsh

Chief Officer, Walsh

Jessica Walsh

Chief Officer, Walsh

Jessica Walsh

Chief Officer, Walsh

9:00 AM

2:00 PM

Level Up - Free Headshots!

Take your headshot with us and use it everywhere. We want to help you upgrade your professional profile, so we are offering headshots FREE of charge to you.

Headshots located near registration.

10:00 AM

3:00 PM

It's Go Time!

Enjoy the opportunity to connect with representatives from 30+ leading companies in the region. Converse with vetted Employer Partners who are committed to diversifying their workplaces. Utilize the moment to market yourself to your next potential employer.

IT'S FREE

Frequently asked questions

What to Bring

Your resume. Simple, but serious.

The best way you can show Employers that you're ready to land a role with them is to come prepared. Bring multiple, printed copies of your resume along with a winning mindset.

What to Wear

Come interview ready. Dress for the paycheck you want to receive. And, above all, be your authentic self.

The People Of Color Career Fair™ is bringing together top Employers in the region– Employers ready to interview and hire Professionals who will take their business to the next level.

Health and Safety

We will be observing CDC Covid protocols.

*Revisit this section as we get closer to the Career Fair for more information.

How to Get There

To download your free bus or train ticket from Metro Transit, just click here!

FREE Ticket!

Days

Hrs

Min

Sec

tuesday, October 17, 2023
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Minneapolis Convention Center

IT'S FREE

The Best Networking & Hiring Event for Professionals of Color - PERIOD!

We are back!

We're Back

The Best Networking & Hiring Event for Professionals of Color - PERIOD!

It’s Time For THE SHIFT from empty words to Making impact

Thank for your support

10th Edition premier sponsors

10th Edition major sponsors

10th Edition employer partners

BRINGING YOU THe access you need

LEADING OUT LOUD

JAY LUND

Andrea Jenkins

Jacob Frey

Melvin Carter

Karen Richard

TRACEY GIBSON

Greg Cunningham

Pat Mcadaragh

LaTrisha VEtaw

Your Ride to the Career Fair Is On Us!

Unlock your
Stress-Free Ride