Dear Center Community,
My name is Stephanie Conklin (she/her), the Crisis Services Manager at The Center, and I’m excited to invite you to Out & Connected, an LGBTQ+ professional development fair on September 20, from 10am-1pm at The Center Auditorium!
LGBTQ+ rights and inclusive work policies are under attack across the country. Transgender service members are being forced out of the military, losing their jobs and benefits. For many in our community, especially transgender and nonbinary individuals who continue to experience disproportionately high rates of unemployment, underemployment, and workplace discrimination, searching for LGBTQ-affirming employment can be incredibly daunting. These challenges are not only intimidating but threaten the livelihood, stability, and overall wellness of LGBTQ+ people.
Facing these challenges and supporting our community means creating spaces where LGBTQ+ professionals can be affirmed, connected, and equipped to thrive. This is why The Center is proud to announce the return of Out & Connected: Empowering Professional Development Fair on September 20. This will be a one-day event designed to strengthen and support organizations and professionals committed to affirming, inclusive practices.
Out & Connected brings together value-aligned, LGBTQ-affirming employers and service providers to exchange knowledge, resources, and strategies that uplift LGBTQ+ people seeking employment. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops, network, and explore tools and resources. They will also get to connect with businesses and organizations that are actively hiring.
Notable highlights of the Out & Connected professional development fair include:
- Skill-Building Workshops: Support with resume building and cover letter writing.
- Networking Opportunities: A chance to connect with like-minded professionals and organizations advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare, education, nonprofits, and beyond.
- Interview Practice: The opportunity to practice interviewing with hiring professionals both virtually and in-person.
- Professional Headshot: Get a professional headshot from an experienced and skilled photographer to increase your visibility and expand your portfolio.
This event is open to employers, recruiters, students, and professionals looking to network, share and find employment opportunities, and pursue professional development, while also advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity. If you are interested in attending, we encourage you to register on our website.
Calling All LGBTQ-Affirming Employers
If you are an organization or employer who is currently hiring and is interested in tabling at our professional development fair, please register your organization or reach out to events@thecentersd.org. We still have a few spots left!
We are excited to share this opportunity to provide valuable resources for employment and professional development with our LGBTQ+ community. Together, we can ensure that LGBTQ+ professionals not only find opportunities, but also workplaces where they can be their authentic selves and truly thrive. We hope you’ll join us in building the future of inclusive employment!
In Community,
Stephanie Conklin (she/her)
Crisis Services Program Manager