Hailey
In a collaborative effort to combat rising unemployment in the region, Southeast KANSASWORKS Workforce Center joined forces with Emporia Spanish Speakers to host the “Emporia Strongest” job fair.
The event took place at the Emporia Workforce Center on Wednesday, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic job seekers and supportive employers.
Strong Turnout Highlights Community Need
More than 50 job seekers attended the job fair, held on 6th Street in Emporia, where 15 employer booths were featured.
Major employers such as Pfizer, Crosswinds Counseling & Wellness, and Stryten Energy participated in the event, offering attendees a chance to engage directly with hiring representatives.
Nadia Qureshi, digital communications manager at Southeast KANSASWORKS, emphasized the importance of attendance:
“We’re here to make connections happen. The more people that show up, the more opportunities we can create.”
A Focus on Equity Through Strategic Partnership
A unique aspect of the event was its intentional partnership with Emporia Spanish Speakers, a nonprofit that focuses on outreach to the Spanish-speaking population.
This collaboration, which began as a response to significant local layoffs, particularly affected Spanish-speaking employees from businesses like Tyson and Holiday Resort.
“This partnership has been essential,” said Qureshi. “It ensures we’re creating equal opportunities for all community members to benefit from what we offer.”
Their joint mission aims to help displaced workers transition into new roles through accessible and inclusive employment services.
Addressing Unemployment After Business Closures
The recent wave of plant closures and layoffs in Emporia has sparked public concern over rising unemployment. Many local businesses, including large employers, have shut their doors or downsized, affecting a sizable portion of the workforce.
Qureshi acknowledged the ongoing pressures workforce centers face but reaffirmed the team’s commitment to their core mission:
“Whether there are layoffs or not, this is our purpose. We’re always ready to support the community and step up when needed.”
She added that moments like these give the Southeast KANSASWORKS team the opportunity to prove their impact on the ground, directly helping people navigate employment challenges.
Continued Support Beyond the Event
For those who couldn’t attend the job fair, Qureshi extended an open invitation to visit the Southeast KANSASWORKS office.
“We’re available Monday through Friday to assist anyone looking for work. Walk-ins are welcome.”
Services include resume building, career counseling, job matching, and interview preparation, all designed to provide ongoing support to anyone seeking employment opportunities in the region.
The Emporia Strongest job fair was more than just a hiring event—it was a symbol of resilience and community support.
With over 50 job seekers connecting with prominent employers, and a strong commitment to equity and accessibility, the event underscored how collaborative partnerships can bridge employment gaps, especially in challenging times.
As Emporia navigates economic recovery, initiatives like this continue to uplift and empower its diverse workforce.