Project NorthStar Partners with LaborX to Prepare Job Seekers for Tech Employment
LaborX to offer tactics and connections to Black and Latinx people looking for tech jobs during October conference
PHILADELPHIA — Project NorthStar, the 3-day tech conference (October 3-5, 2018) organized by Black & Brown Founders in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, announced LaborX as curator of the Careers Track. LaborX is a talent marketplace for graduates of innovative training programs and companies looking to expand their talent pipeline.
As a NorthStar programming partner, the company will help prepare job seekers for employment; educate employers on the process of recruiting and retaining diverse talent; and connect graduates from local training programs to managers hiring for tech jobs. LaborX partners with foundations, workforce development agencies, local governments, and employers to connect trained, diverse talent to innovative companies in the knowledge economy.
“This partnership represents a continued commitment to create entry points to tech and pathways out of poverty through innovation, career opportunities and education,” said Aniyia Williams, Executive Director of Black & Brown Founders. “We believe that LaborX is the right partner on the careers side to compliment the framework for entrepreneurs that Black & Brown Founders has established to help Black and Latinx people thrive.”
As the wealth gap in America continues to grow, many in communities of color still struggle to earn a living wage. Black & Brown Founders and LaborX recognize the need to invest in solutions that allow more Black and Latinx people to take part in the innovation economy, make money, and carve their path to economic security.
“The tech sector offers great opportunity for people to secure family-sustaining jobs and establish a long-term career,” said Mayor Kenney. “Not everyone is going to want to launch their own tech startup, but they can engage with the industry in other ways. In addition to preparing individuals with the skills needed to enter the tech industry, we also have to ensure that employers are sourcing their talent in a way that is equitable. ”
LaborX will help curate panels and talks for Careers @ Project NorthStar, which will feature local and national thought leaders who are working to create more equitable tech ecosystems. Job seekers can look forward to hearing about how to grow their network, brand themselves, and make themselves attractive to employers online. Employers can hear best practices from hiring managers about sourcing and evaluating diverse technical talent.
“Right now, we are seeing that more employers in the tech industry are no longer requiring degrees, and we encourage others to follow their lead,” said Yscaira Jimenez, CEO of LaborX. “Instead, they can use a skills-based approach to recruit. This will open up access to Black, Latinx, and all working class people across the country who can’t afford the cost of college but are training and skilling up in many different ways.”
During Project NorthStar, employers will also be able to connect with diverse talent who are trained for jobs in tech by innovative programs such as Year Up, HopeWorks, and Tech Impact.
For more information about Careers @ Project NorthStar, visit northstarphl.com/careers. Employers looking for increased visibility to recruit diverse talent during Project NorthStar can contact LaborX at support@laborx.co to learn how to get involved.
Event Details
Project NorthStar
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 – Friday, October 5, 2018
2300 Arena, 2300 S. Swanson St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
About Black & Brown Founders
Black & Brown Founders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing Black and Latinx entrepreneurs best practices and community to build successful tech companies with modest resources. www.blackandbrownfounders.com