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Partnership to Host Untapped Talent Webinar on Returning Citizens on April 28

April 7, 2022

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 7, 2022) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host an Untapped Talent webinar on the topic of Returning Citizens on Thursday, April 28. The event will take place virtually from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

According to Iowa Workforce Development, the second-largest pool of available workforce are people with criminal histories. With one in three Americans having some sort of a criminal record, this event will explore whether employer’s policies are conducive to finding qualified candidates with a criminal record. The event will feature a panel of returning citizens and employers that will address some common concerns and questions regarding hiring people with criminal histories as well as a short presentation on resources available to assist employers as they consider hiring from this untapped talent group.

Panelists will include:

  • Felicia Chumley, Behavioral Health Counselor at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
  • LaShawn Robinson, Home Healthcare Worker at Amerigroup
  • Dennis Henderson, TEACH/TECH Coordinator at Broadlawns Medical Center
  • Amber Ramirez, Director of Central Iowa Works

“One of the top areas to address that we consistently hear from employers is the need for talent, and returning citizens represent an untapped talent pool,” said Dr. Marvin DeJear, Senior Vice President of Talent Development at The Partnership. “This event will help employers answer some common questions and hear about success stories as they consider this option for their organization.”

Register for the event on The Partnership’s website.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.