Uptown Consortium, Inc. was founded on the belief that by teaming up with other vital anchor institutions in the community, they could accomplish more for themselves and their neighborhood—together.
Therefore, it’s no surprise UCI prioritizes programming that connects its residents with employment opportunities within the Uptown neighborhoods. The organization and numerous anchor institutions and workforce providers host Career Information Sessions multiple times per year to do just that.
These sessions act as reverse job fairs that help Uptown’s anchor institutions better reach a unique set of potential employees. Workforce providers like the Greater Cincinnati Urban League, Cincy Works and Mercy Neighborhood Ministries find residents who are seeking employment and offer resources to aid their job search, such as resume writing help and mock interview simulations.
Then, job seekers attend the Career Information Sessions to interview with anchor institutions who have already been briefed on their background, job experience and skills. It’s a process appreciated by all parties involved.
“We’re grateful to the Uptown Consortium and the many workforce providers who are instrumental in connecting us with Uptown residents—residents who not only offer valuable skill sets, but also who demonstrate a passion for our community’s success and development,” said Elmar Unterhaslberger, a human resources business partner at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. University of Cincinnati Medical Center is one of the many institutions that frequently participate in the sessions.
Workforce providers are also passionate about participating.
“These Career Information Sessions fulfill our valuable mission, rooted in promoting personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency, by connecting institutions with potential employees,” said Kenetra Mathis, associate vice president of workforce development at the Greater Cincinnati Urban League. “Uptown residents have a lot to offer, and we’re thankful these sessions help them find incredible opportunities.”
This effort—like the Avondale Housing Strategy and RWB Construction’s carpentry training program—is one of UCI’s many projects that serve to support economic inclusion and job training initiatives within the community. The overarching goal? To impact Uptown, and its residents, as positively as possible.
