Career Expo Connects Diverse Job Seekers with Major Employers
By Robin Savinar (robin@wid.org)
The fifth annual Cinco de Mayo Career Expo took place May 1 at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California. This year the one-day annual event exceeded the organizers' expectations. Employment specialist and conference organizer Deborah Cujiño-Deras of the Department of Rehabilitation/Diversity Employment Source said, "The Expo attracted 4000 job seekers and over 85 businesses, all connecting to increase employment of individuals with disabilities."
Companies at the Expo that were seeking employees include Bank of America, California Highway Patrol, Coca-Cola, Disney, the Los Angeles Metro Transit Authority, the Los Angeles Police Department, Washington Mutual Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. Washington Mutual regional sourcing manager Joanne M. Salak commented, "Our partnership [with Diversity Employment Source] has helped Washington Mutual's California business leaders continue to achieve their hiring goals by attracting quality, talented professionals."
The day began with a pre-Expo breakfast at which Proyecto Visión Director Kathy Martinez addressed employers and special guests including Melinda G. Wilson, chief deputy director of the Department of Rehabilitation. Martinez said: "I would like to recognize Diversity Employment Source as well as each one of the employers who are here today for including people with disabilities, and especially disabled Latinos, while striving to achieve diversity in the workplace."
The Expo doors opened at 10 a.m. sharp. Vendors sprung into action to meet hundreds of job seekers who were lined up outside waiting for the event to begin. People buzzed from booth to booth. Still others had to wait outside as admission was regulated to keep from exceeding maximum room occupancy. The heavy flow of eager applicants was steady for most the day.
The Proyecto Visión booth was especially busy because it was in a prime location; the end booth on the first row, adjacent to the entrance. For many job seekers the Visión booth was their first stop. Visión staff operated the booth, talking to passers-by in English and Spanish, and distributing literature about Proyecto Visión and the World Institute on Disability (WID).
People of all ages and backgrounds visited the Visión booth. All three Visión team members were constantly talking to jobseekers, many of who were disabled Latinos. Some people were looking to change jobs, others searching for their first job. Many people who had administrative or custodial experience sought advice about how to break into other fields of work. Several other individuals came accompanied by vocational rehabilitation counselors, prepared to talk about their goals and distribute resumes.
In addition to job seekers, one-stop representatives, Los Angeles Unified School District special education teachers and disability organization personnel visited the Visión booth. Many service agency personnel were delighted to learn about Proyecto Visión, and said it is just what they need for their consumers.
The Career Expo was a success for Proyecto Visión. The Visión team helped numerous job seekers with information about the project and its services. The Visión hotline operator is now assisting many new consumers who became aware of the project at the Career Expo.
Proyecto Visión was a major sponsor of this year's event. Contact Diversity Employment Source for upcoming employment seminars and workshops at www.deslive.com. Next year's Career Expo will be held May 6, 2004.
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