Special to the AFRO
On April 29, Washington, D.C.-area business leaders will come together with hiring experts, policymakers and justice-impacted District residents for “Talent Beyond Barriers: A Business Exchange on Second Chance Hiring.”
Hosted during Second Chance Month, this practical, community-centered event aims to equip local employers with practical resources, peer networking and hands-on coaching to help them tap into a powerful but often overlooked talent pool: D.C. job seekers with criminal records. The practice of hiring people with criminal records, including those who have experienced incarceration is also called “second chance hiring.”
An estimated one in seven D.C. residents — over 68,000 people — have a criminal record. For local businesses grappling with persistent labor shortages, this represents a vast and largely untapped talent pool. Yet outdated or exclusionary hiring policies often overlook these candidates. By embracing second chance hiring strategies, D.C. employers can access a skilled, motivated workforce — while also advancing community safety and economic opportunity within the District and beyond.
The free event is hosted by the Second Chance Hiring Alliance, the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice. The event will feature:
- Panels and coaching for businesses interested in Second Chance Hiring
- Insights from D.C. policymakers and local second-chance employers
- Networking and reception with business and community leaders
Featured speakers include:
- Attorney General Brian Schwalb
- Joel Castón, D.C. Sentencing Commission
- Gabi Smith, Career Shop DC
- Lamont Carey, Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs
- Patricia Gill, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
- Jonay Holkins, Trendline Strategies
- Local second-chance employers:
- Antwayne Ford, Enlightened
- Kenya Jenkins, Lillian’s Southern Box Catering
- Joe Houston, WeFitDC
- Colin Fraser, Upling
“Talent Beyond Barriers: A Business Exchange on Second Chance Hiring” will take place from 2-6:30 p.m. at the True Reformer Building at 1200 U St. NW in the District.
For tickets and a detailed agenda, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talent-beyond-barriers-a-business-exchange-on-second-chance-hiring-tickets-1303518923189?aff=oddtdtcreator&blm_aid=287604743.
SOURCE: Council for Court Excellence