More than 250 individuals attended the event on October 18 in Yonkers
The Westchester County Office of Economic Development (OED), Untapped Solutions, a graduate of the Element 46 startup accelerator and pioneering technology platform designed to bridge the gap between employers, social enterprises and untapped communities, and New York State Attorney General Letitia James hosted a Job Fair and Resource Expo on Wednesday, October 18 at Yonkers Riverfront Library.
The event was created to support individuals who have been justice-impacted and members of other underserved communities find employment. It follows the successful November 2022 job fair for the formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted hosted by Westchester County and Untapped Solutions (formerly ConConnect), which garnered great interest from employers and job seekers alike.
More than 20 employers and resource providers exhibited at the event, which saw upwards of 250 attendees.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Inclusive employment is essential to creating a diverse and productive workforce. We were pleased to see so many interested employers wanting to participate in this event and meet with individuals that have been justice-impacted or are members of other underserved populations. We look forward to continuing to find opportunities to help create these connections.”
New York State Attorney General Letitia James said: “Every New Yorker impacted by the justice system deserves a fair shot at finding a good-paying job free from discrimination. I was proud to support this job fair and provide re-entry resources from my office for the attendees. I commend the Westchester County Office of Economic Development, Untapped Solutions, and all of the partner organizations who joined this job fair for the work they do to help formerly incarcerated New Yorkers.”
Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County Director of Economic Development, said: “The Office of Economic Development works diligently to find ways to break down barriers for residents looking for employment, as well as for employers looking to find skilled workers. Untapped Solutions and its founder Andre Peart are one of Element 46’s biggest success stories, and we were thrilled to once again partner with them and help create opportunities for individuals to find meaningful employment.”
Andre Peart, Founder and CEO of Untapped Solutions, said: “Our company was founded with the mission to create equal opportunities and make connections to employment and resources for individuals who need them most. We are proud to partner with Westchester County to help residents secure employment with some of the top businesses in the area.”
About The Westchester County Office of Economic Development
The Westchester County Office of Economic Development works to improve the County’s economic well-being and quality of life. This includes a broad range of activities to attract, create and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth and inclusive economy. For information, visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/.