Participating employers represented logistics, transportation, technology, manufacturing, government and healthcare. Organizations included Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Parkland Health, FedEx, UPS, TEKsystems and the City of Dallas. Opportunities included competitive wages, benefits and tuition assistance or reimbursement.
A total of 858 job seekers checked in and participated. The event brought together 78 employers and 94 participating organizations in total, including employers, community resource organizations and training providers. These connections resulted in 169 contingent offers and 15 on-the-spot hires.
A notable focus was expanding employment access for people with justice involvement. Sixteen companies identified more than 507 open positions for qualified candidates, and participants from TDJF's T.O.R.I. program attended to connect with employers. T.O.R.I. supports returning citizens as they prepare for employment and successful reentry.
"Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas is honored to serve Dallas County's job seekers and employers, and You're Hired Job Fest remains a highlight of our workforce initiatives," said Steven Bridges, Industry and Education Engagement Manager at Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas. "Our partnership with the T.D. Jakes Foundation brought external partners and practical workshops to this year's event, giving job seekers stronger preparation, vital resources and clearer pathways to lasting careers."
Partnerships with Goldman Sachs and JPMorganChase expanded the experience beyond employer introductions. Sessions featured Maria Hazan-Cohen, Vice President and Community Manager at JPMorganChase; Leke Osinubi, Goldman Sachs Digital Risk Officer for Engineering and Chief Information Security Officer for Goldman Sachs Bank USA; and Ramanathan Narayanan, a leader in Goldman Sachs' Core Data Platform and Solutions team and Head of Texas Engineering. The sessions provided practical guidance on career preparation, technology, workplace success and financial empowerment.
"Job Fest demonstrated the power of partnership in action," said Kelley Cornish, President and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation. "By bringing employers, financial institutions, training providers and community resources into one space, we connected job seekers with jobs, information and support, including more than 507 opportunities available to people with justice involvement."
Job Fest showed how coordinated public, private and nonprofit partnerships can connect job seekers with employment, preparation and supportive services in one place.
About You're Hired Job Fest
You're Hired Job Fest is a Dallas County hiring event led by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas. It connects job seekers with regional employers, career seminars and workforce resources that help individuals prepare for and pursue meaningful employment.
About the T.D. Jakes Foundation
The T.D. Jakes Foundation is a national nonprofit committed to improving lifelong outcomes for individuals and communities with limited access to resources and opportunities. Through collaborative programs in workforce development, education, financial literacy and community transformation, the Foundation creates pathways to economic mobility.
SOURCE T.D. Jakes Foundation
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