We are honored to feature Mr. Julio Rodriguez as a panelist at our Annual Meeting Celebration. As Deputy Director of the Office of Employment and Training (OET) at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Mr. Rodriguez leads federal and state workforce initiatives, including WIOA and CEJA programs, that are shaping the future of equitable workforce development. His experience extends beyond Illinois, having provided technical assistance to federally funded projects across the U.S. and Latin America. A nationally recognized expert in organizational development and DEIA, Mr. Rodriguez brings a wealth of knowledge, informed by his roots as a Puerto Rican Chicagoan and his academic foundation from DePaul University. We look forward to his valuable contributions to this year’s discussion. We want to see you in the room. Register today, you won't want to miss it. https://www.cjc.net/44th-annual-meeting-celebration #WorkforceDevelopment #StrongerTogether #LeadershipInAction #EquityAndOpportunity (fb)

🌏 Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Honoring History, Building Futures 🌏 This May, we join the nation in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities. At Chicago Jobs Council, we see this as an opportunity to reflect on how workforce development can better serve and empower AAPI workers, who have historically faced both barriers and breakthroughs in their employment journeys. 📜 A Legacy of Resilience Did you know AAPI Heritage Month’s roots trace back to the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869? This monumental achievement was made possible largely by Chinese immigrant laborers, despite facing harsh conditions and discrimination. Their perseverance continues to inspire our commitment to equity today. 💼 Workforce Challenges & Opportunities While AAPI individuals make up 13% of the U.S. workforce, only 6% hold executive roles. Discrimination and cultural barriers persist, but this month reminds us the importance of amplifying efforts toward fair representation, mentorship, and leadership development. ✨ How We Can Make an Impact Together Organizations can celebrate AAPI Heritage Month by: 🔹 Promoting mentorship programs tailored to AAPI staff. 🔹 Highlighting AAPI workforce contributions and challenges. 🔹 Reviewing hiring and promotion practices to eliminate bias and foster inclusivity. Together, we can turn celebration into action, ensuring that AAPI voices and talents are recognized and uplifted. Let’s honor their legacy while working toward an equitable future in the workforce. #AAPIHeritageMonth #WorkforceDevelopment #EquityAndInclusion #StrongerTogether #ChicagoJobsCouncil (fb)