As part of Women’s History Month, a community-based nonprofit with locations across the borough is hosting an “Invest in Women” job fair featuring a panel discussion in Elmhurst this week.
The event, organized by Commonpoint Queens, is seeking to help elevate careers for women by connecting them with opportunities and education. It will be held at the Jack and Shirley Silver Hub on Queens Boulevard, the non-profit’s center that focuses on job placement assistance and vocational training programs for people of all ages and ability levels.
Attendees will have the chance to connect with employers from a wide range of industries including healthcare, nonprofit and building services, such as security and maintenance. Employers that will be on site looking for candidates include Amazon, Elmcor, NYC Health + Hospitals at Bellevue and Dry Harbor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center based in Middle Village.
The three-part event on Thursday, Mar. 14 will kick off with the panel discussion at 1 p.m. followed by the networking portion before the job fair begins. The conference is free to attend and recommended for women ages 18-60.
“We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate Women’s History Month by bringing our community together to champion for meaningful and fulfilling opportunities for women in the workforce,” said Danielle Ellman, CEO of Commonpoint Queens.
Panelists include Kate Speir, who is the senior vice president of project development at ASTM North America, which develops some of the largest infrastructure projects across the country, and Tatanisia Lumley, who is the Director of Training & Operations at Building Skills NY, a nonprofit helping people in underserved communities secure high paying jobs in construction.
On a more local level, Maria Deaquis, Director of Community Mediation Services at the Family Enrichment Center of Elmhurst & Corona, is also one of the five panelists scheduled.
The panelists will offer advice on career progression and overcoming workplace challenges based on their own experiences. They’ll also discuss how men can serve as allies to women in the workplace, and the need for more gender equality in certain male-dominated industries.
Nontraditional Employment for Women, an organization working to help women find sustainable careers in trade fields through advanced training, is sending its Director of Training, Tia Richards, to participate in the panel.
“The lack of women in not just leadership positions but in higher-paying careers continues to be staggering, and we’re grateful to be joined by so many successful and uplifting professionals who can share advice and help pave the way for future leaders,” added Ellman.
