Queens Borough President Donovan Richards is set to host the second annual Queens Tech and Job Fair, reinforcing his commitment to diversifying the tech industry and connecting communities of color to this growing sector.
The fair will be held this Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave.
The event aims to transform Queens into a top tech hub, focusing on creating opportunities for historically marginalized communities. “We need to expand employment and entrepreneurship opportunities right here,” said Richards. “This fair is a step towards making Queens a national leader in tech and innovation.”
The fair will feature a variety of interactive activities and resources for residents aspiring to join the tech industry. Participants can look forward to a free job skills assessment by AI firm Skyhive, job training information from workforce development partners like All Star Code and Per Scholas, hiring stations in partnership with entities like Con Edison and Verizon Wireless, tech workshops and one-on-one mentoring with industry leaders.
Deputy Borough President Ebony Young emphasized the importance of tapping into the talents of all communities, stating, “We are dedicated to creating a borough rooted in equity and prosperity.”
The fair addresses significant demographic and gender disparities in NYC’s tech workforce. A 2020 HR&A Advisors study highlighted that while nearly 30% of city residents are Latin and 24% are Black, they hold just 12% and 11% of tech jobs, respectively. Additionally, women, who make up half of the city’s population, fill only 35% of tech roles.
Queens residents interested in the tech industry can register for the fair online.
