Career Fair Report

1st NYC
55+ DAY OF EMPOWERMENT
CAREER FAIR
REPORT

Table of Contents
• Introduction
• NYC PDs & APD
• Summary of Events
• Collaborating Organizations
• Start of Career Fair
• Save-a-Suit Foundation & Veterans Testimonials
• Summary of Pictures
• Acknowledgements & Special Recognitions
• Employer Comments & Summary
• Recommendations & Conclusion
• Exhibit A: Flyer
• Exhibit B: Program
2AARP Foundation Career Fair 2014

Introduction
• On April 24, 2014, the AARP Foundation SCSEP hosted its 1st NYC
55+ Day of Empowerment Career Fair in Manhattan. Over 375+
participants of record, looking for employment, descended upon
the Alhambra Ballroom eager to meet with employers on hand.
• The event was scheduled to start at 10:00a.m., however, some
participants excited about their future, arrived as early as 7:00a.m.
and waited in the cold for the doors to open (3 hours before the
start of the event!)
• This Fair focused primarily on the Mature Job Seeker(s) enrolled in
our program and was not for public walk through. AARP
Foundation SCSEP Participants were able to connect with
organizations for information about jobs, employment training,
internships, etc.

NYC PDs & APD
AARP Foundation Career Fair 2014 4
Joe Dirac-Manhattan, Luz Maldonado-Brooklyn,
Elizabeth Stachiw-Queens, Rodolfo Colon-Bronx

Summary of Events
• Although it was the Foundation’s 1st solo Career Fair held in NYC, many of
our employers and participants applauded the Fair as a “huge success.”
This contributes to the tireless efforts of the Planning Committee, that was
comprised of selected Job Developers and Employment Specialists.
• The overall intentions of the Career Fair sought to promote workforce
development in our region through the following objectives:
– To encourage the Mature Job Seeker to begin the process of preparing
themselves for interviews.
– Providing information through ongoing job clubs about all levels of
presenting themselves to employers.
– Providing information and tools to help individuals make the right
choices in their search for employment.

Summary of Events (cont’d)
• Matching the needs of individuals’ personal and career goals with
the needs of the labor market
– Addressing barriers to employment facing the Mature Job Seeker
– Training and demonstrating the relationship between education and
careers.
– Helping the Mature Job Seeker become more aware of today’s labor
market trends, career options, resources, and employment and
training services available in our region.
– To provide a venue for organizations/employers to attract their future
workforce and
– Encouraging participants to pursue their employment goals.

Collaborating Organizations
• Business/Professional
– Mt. Sinai
– Columbia University HR
– FedCap/ReServe
– TD Bank
• Sales & Services
– CVS
– Legal Shield
– North American Power
– Build Wealth 4 Ever
• Food Services
– Fresh Direct
• Skilled Trades/Maintenance
– MTA-Metro North Railroad
• Support Services/Health
– Cohme
– Preferred Home Care
– Renaissance Home Health Care
– Self Help
• Security
– Allied Barton
• Education & Training
– Clinton Institute
– MLK Suny Attain Lab
• Support Staff
– Good Temps Staffing
– WF1 Upper Manhattan/S.I.
– Penda Aiken Staffing
These organizations participated in promoting and encouraging the AARP Foundation SCSEP participation across the board.

9:00a.m.
Participants waiting to enter Venue

10:00a.m.
Crowds Emerging upon Employers

11:00a.m.
Participants continuing to enter Venue

12:00a.m.

Participants & Employers
Participants engaging with employers

Employers Engaging Participants

Save-A-Suit Foundation Table

Save-A-Suit Foundation
Jessica Ewud, Program Director
and Staff assisting some veterans
who were fitted for suits.
Victoria Martinez, John Bond-Bronx, Jessica Ewud & Jessica Dugan

Veterans Testimonials
“Please accept my gratitude for the Save-A-Suit campaign. The volunteer staff assigned was most
friendly, efficient, and courteous. It was my pleasure to have met them and to have had the chance
to have a friendly conversation. It made the entire day a smooth and happy one. Thanks again for
the Save-A-Suit campaign. “ George E. Stewart
US Army/Airforce
“I appreciate the clothing provided by Save-A-Suit at the event. Thanks a lot for having them participate.
I received 3 beautiful suits in excellent condition. Thank you for your loving care.”
Southwood Gordon
“As a veteran, I am very impressed and grateful. This will help me look great and help me get employed.
Thank you. “ Lee A. Smith
“The suit I received from Save-A-Suit will really help the homeless vets and stand for a great cause.
Thanks. “ Gregory M. Rouse
“In today’s economy, I thank you for giving us veterans the opportunity to open doors. This suit will give
me the confidence I need. Thank you for your service.” Isaac Batts

“The staff was absolutely great in helping me to pick out a suit. Thank you.”
John Bond
“To whom it may concern: thanks so much to Save-A-Suit for the business suits. This was much needed.”
John Carter, USAF
“I appreciate the Save-A-Suit group for helping veterans. The staff was very kind and very courteous. “
David Williams
“To whom this may concern. Thanks so much to Save-A-Suit. This was a blessing to receive multiple
suits, shirts, and ties. Thank you!” Anonymous
“The Save-A-Suit program is amazing- well thought out and most helpful to veterans. I hope that this
program will continue. I am most grateful. “ Anonymous
Veterans Testimonials (cont’d)

Participants
Project Director Rodolfo Colon directing traffic

Employers

Food Services in Action
Rosa Gonzalez-Manhattan, Maria Asuaje-Mymit-Queens,
Carlita Manzano de Gomez-Bronx

Winners of the Raffles
Patricia Silva-Queens, Baxter Thomas-Manhattan,
Gregory Rouse-Brooklyn & Miriam Llanos-Gruel-Bronx

Planning Committee
Denise Dees-Manhattan, Brenda Hurdle-Manhattan,
Thomas Fanniel-Manhattan, Thomas Pope-Brooklyn,
Joyce Henderson-Brooklyn

Hair Services in Action
Barbering

Acknowledgements
• NYC Project Directors
– Rodolfo Colon
– Luz Maldonado
– Elizabeth Stachiw
– Joe Dirac
– Tom Goodwin
• Planning Committee JDs/ES
– Joyce Henderson
– Thomas Pope
– Walter McCree
– Conrad Santos
– Debora Headrick
• Planning Committee
JDs/ES (cont’d)
– Teresa Pavia
– Gladys Nieves
– Alina Valdes
– Susan Jones-Miree
– Inez Diaz
– Thomas Fanniel
– Denise Dees
– Madeline Wright
– Jeannette Steadman

Special Recognitions
– Bottomless Closet - Susan Monk, Program Associate
– Dress for Success Worldwide - Wendy Wilkins, Manhattan Branch Mgr.
– Save-a-Suit Foundation – Jessica Ewud, Executive Director
– Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist - Albania Arias & Virginia Cepin
– Master Barber - Eddie Cabrera
– Photographer - Donald Layne
– Food/Water Donations - Q & N & Popeye's Restaurants

Special Recognitions (cont’d)
– AARP Foundation T-shirts - Robert Starks (Headquarters)
– AARP Foundation Pens - Thu Vu (Headquarters)
– AARP Foundation Clothing Donations - Jodi Whitham (Headquarters)
– AARP Foundation Program Design & Layout - Brenda Hurdle (Manhattan)
– AARP Foundation Flyer - Emily L. Allen (Manhattan)
– AARP Foundation Volunteers - Roberta Marshall & Stella Stots

Employer Comments & Summary
• A total of 23 Employers and activities such as workshops, raffles
were offered at this year’s Career Fair
• Although workshops were offered, only a small group of
participants took advantage of the sessions
• Surveys were distributed to all employers at the end to help asses
various components of the Career Fair.
• Employers noted that the volunteers were exceptionally friendly
and helpful
• A Program Guide was created and given to all employers and
participants prior to the event. Extra copies were kept on hand for
those who needed more.

Employer Comments & Summary (cont’d)
• The strongest commendation from employers was repeated recognition of
the hospitality of the AARP Foundation Volunteers, PD’s and Planning
Committee at the event.
• The most repeated complaint from the exhibitors was some participants
were not properly prepared or ready for the labor market.
• Further prep of some jobseekers might be needed based on some
attitudes, not job-ready, etc. Suggest that ‘job clubs’ meet once a week or
twice a month.
• Another minor comment was regarding a missing microphone to ensure
everyone could hear the presentation properly and walkie talkies in case
of emergencies.

Recommendations
• Hold a training session to ensure that all JD’s/ES and Volunteers are
thoroughly aware of what their responsibilities are during the Fair.
– Providing an orientation session in advance will also contribute to
ensuring everyone involved arrive for their shift during the event.
Recruit back-up volunteers in case those scheduled are unable to
attend at the last minute.
• There will need to be additional management staffers on hand to ensure a
smooth event and eliminate any one person from being overwhelmed.
• Continue to have JDs/ES and Volunteers wear eye-catching t-shirts to be
identified.
• Future Career Fairs should ensure that the Awards component is set in
place as an essential part of the Fair.

Recommendations (cont’d)
• Some re-training of Job Developers is needed among all sites to better
service their clients. We need to ensure that they are properly prepared
to assist other participants to stay motivated to find permanent work.
This is due to some feedback received from employers and other
participants.
• Include more diversified employers in the career fair to ensure there is
something for everyone.
• Budget restrictions didn't allow for what was needed for NYC area. To get a
good price on a venue of choice, reservations should be made at least
six(6) months in advance.

Conclusion
At the close of the Career Fair, employers were provided with a ‘End of Career Fair
Survey’ to express their comments and concerns.
• Employers expressed a high level of satisfaction with the Foundation’s 1st solo
Career Fair in the City. The majority of participants stating that they were satisfied
overall with the event and glad they attended.
• Because of this event, employers were exposed to their future workforce with
connections being established between them and our participants. Participants
were provided the opportunity to develop a greater awareness of what’s available
to them along with today’s labor market trends that will help them overcome
barriers when searching for permanent employment.
• Continue to conduct ongoing/informative seminars for participants who are may
not be job ready to interview with employers.
• In time, these objectives will lead to economic development and job creation
producing a stronger workforce that will lead to greater prosperity throughout our
Region.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014
This Career Fair will allow You, the AARP Foundation Participant to connect with potential
employers to gain employment opportunities that will provide the lifeline that you need.
Alhambra Ballroom
2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (126th & 7th Ave)
New York, NY 10027
(212) 222-6940
Trains: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, D to 125th Street
Buses: M7, M100 ,M101, Bx15, M60 to 125th & 7th Ave
• Employers onsite
• Bring plenty of resumes
• Dress professionally
• Wheelchair accessible
• Motivational speakers
• Special guest
55+ Day of Empowerment Career Fair
10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
35

The Alhambra Ballroom
2116 7th Avenue @ 126th Street
New York, NY 10027
Tel: 212-222-6940
Lisa Ryerson, President
Deb Briceland-Betts, Sr. Vice President Federal Programs
Robert Starks, Vice President
Devin Hearns, Assistant National Director
Mike Salesberry, Regional Manager
Emily L. Allen, NYC Employment Coordinator & Event Planner
AARP Foundation Mission Statement:
AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity - the heart of AARP. The Foundation is
dedicated to serving vulnerable people 50+ by creating solutions that help them secure
the essentials and achieve their best life. AARP Foundation focuses on hunger, housing,
income and isolation as our key mission areas. The Foundation envisions a country free of
poverty where no older person feels vulnerable. Foundation programs are funded by
grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.
Acknowledgements
NYC Project Directors – Rodolfo Colon (Bronx), Joe Dirac (Manhattan),
Tom Goodwin (Staten Island), Luz Maldonado (Brooklyn),
Elizabeth Stachiw (Queens),
NYC Planning Committee – Denise Dees, Inez Diaz, Thomas Fanniel,
Debora Headrick, Joyce Henderson, Walter McCree,
Susan Jones-Miree, Gladys Nieves, Teresa Pavia, Thomas Pope,
Conrado Santos, Alina Valdes, Madeline Wright
Special Recognitions
Bob Starks – AARP Foundation SCSEP - T-Shirts
Thu Vu – AARP Foundation SCSEP - Pens
Jodi Witham – AARP Foundation SCSEP - Clothing Donations
Brenda Hurdle – Program & Design Layout
Dress for Success * Bottomless Closet
Save-a-Suit Foundation
Q & N Restaurant * Popeye’s Restaurant
Albania Arias & Virginia Cepin – Hairstylist & Makeup Artist
Eddie Cabrera- Master Barber
April 24, 2014
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Proudly Presents its 1st NYC
Day of Empowerment
Career Fair

6th Floor – EMPLOYERS, FOUNDATION & STATE OFFICE
9:00a.m. – 10:00a.m. Employer Setup & Continental Breakfast
10:00 a.m. – 10:30a.m. Welcome & Introduction
AARP Foundation & State Office Staff
10:30a.m. – 12:00p.m. Group A Participants
12:00p.m. – 12:45p.m. Lunch Break
Participant Raffle
12:45p.m. – 3:30p.m. Group B Participants
3:30p.m. – 4:15p.m. Closing Remarks & Pictures
(Foundation Staff & State Office)
4:15p.m. – 4:45p.m Employer Breakdown & Close out
5th Floor – PARTICIPANTS CHECKPOINT
9:00a.m. – 10:00a.m. Participants check-in, Badge Pickup, Fittings, etc.
10:15a.m. – 10:30a.m. Ronald Guy, Director- Motivational Speaker
Goddard Riverside Single Stop
10:30a.m. – 11:15a.m. Workshop 1 – (AARP State Office)
“How to Promote Yourself to Employers”
11:15a.m. – 11:30a.m. George Dorsett – Motivational Speaker
Former AARP Participant, Self Employed
11:30a.m. – 12:00p.m. Participant Raffle
12:00p.m. – 12:45p.m. Lunch Break
12:45p.m. – 1:45p.m. Workshop 2 – (AARP State Office)
1:45p.m. – 2:00p.m. Vicki Popp – Motivational Speaker
ResCare Jobs-Plus Program S.I.
2:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. Workshop 3 - (AARP State Office)
3:00p.m. – 3:30p.m. Pictures
3:30p.m. – 4:00p.m. Q & A Session
4:00p. - Close out
solutions Staten Island
solutions Upper Manhattan
Build Wealth 4 Ever
April 24, 2014
PROGRAM AGENDA
The Genard Group, Inc.

Thank You
Despite numerous challenges, the Job Developers/Employment
Specialist along with the assistance of the Project Directors from
each site and our Regional Manager, Mike Salesberry worked
tirelessly to make this Career Fair as much of a success as possible.
Their efforts are to be applauded.
‘THANK YOU ALL’ for working so hard in making the 1st NYC 55+
Day of Empowerment Career Fair a huge success!
Emily L. Allen
NYC Employment Coordinator/Event Planner

Career Fair Report

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