Announcement
Volunteers from Amazon and the IRC's economic empowerment program recently teamed up on a professional networking workshop for newcomers.
Photo: Mark Hatcher
For newcomers, there are often many barriers to re-entering or starting new careers in the U.S. The IRC’s economic empowerment program offers professional mentorship, jobs skills & professional development training, financial coaching, and job placement support to help newcomers every step of the way toward their career goals and financial stability.
The economic empowerment program recently teamed up with two Amazon affinity groups – Asians at Amazon and the Black Employee Network (BEN) – to host a professional networking workshop at Amazon’s campus in Seattle. Volunteers helped sixteen program participants set up LinkedIn profiles and learn the basics of online professional networking. Networking is a key to helping newcomers make local professional connections, identify career opportunities, and secure employment in their new communities. This was IRC’s second time partnering with Asians at Amazon, who also helped out at our very first digital literacy workshop back in June. A big thank you to both Asians at Amazon and BEN for opening your doors to some of our newest neighbors!
There are many ways you, too, can support the economic empowerment of newcomers:
- Become a professional mentor, offering individualized career planning and professional networking exposure in your field of expertise.
- Volunteer individually – or team up with friends or colleagues – to help with IRC’s economic empowerment programs on an ad hoc or ongoing basis.
- Partner with IRC to provide career opportunities through your company or help fund IRC programs that support newcomers to achieve their career goals.
- And be sure to check out the IRC's RescueWorks report, which explains why welcoming refugees and other newcomers into the labor market contributes to the economic vitality of entire communities.
To learn more about any of these opportunities, reach out to our office at [email protected] or 206-623-2105. Thank you for your support!