April 4, 2022, Greenville, SC – Pride Link, a community-based nonprofit working to improve the quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people in Upstate, SC and Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber, 501c(6) nonprofit for LGBT+ professionals and allies who understand that diversity, equality and economic empowerment are vital for any healthy business community, have partnered together to host the inaugural LGBTQ Career Extravaganza on April 6th from 2-6pm at 30 Pointe Circle, Greenville, SC 29615. This event is sponsored by Think Up Consulting and is open to all job seekers to attend free of charge.
According to recent statistics released by Human Rights Campaign (HRC), LGBT people were over 75% more likely to be unemployed due to Covid 19. Additionally, UCLA research indicates that pre-pandemic LGBT people living in South Carolina were over double as likely to be unemployed as their non-LGBT peers. Given these realities, Pride Link is co-presenting an inaugural career fair for LGBTQ professionals with the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber.
This is a great way for members of the queer community to meet potential employers and network with LGBT affirming businesses and for Upstate area employers. “The connections made will support a more equitable South Carolina where everyone can thrive,” said Executive Director of Upstate SC LGBT Chamber Tyler Prescott.
We are excited to announce the following employers who will participate:
ScanSource
Milliken
Amaryllis Counseling
New York Life
Market Theatre
Fork and Plough
Proterra
Windstream
Safe Harbor
AID Upstate
Prisma
Hester General Store
Edward Jones
TD Bank
As a special dimension of our event, the organizing team is proactively addressing inequities by helping to ensure all candidates can feel prepared for employer interactions. We will offer two workshops that day sponsored by United Ministries, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency: a mock interview workshop, and a resume/cover letter workshop. Candidates can create and update their resumes and print them out right away on site at the event location. Candidates should bring job history, position(s), and dates. Candidates will also have access to the full wardrobe donation center, courtesy of The G.E.A.R. Closet, prior to meeting any potential employers.
“This career fair will not only connect employers with potential candidates, but it also serves as a connection point for queer, trans, and non-binary folks to find resources and a safe and supporitve work environment in a time where so many heinous bills are emerging against this community,” said Pride Link Communications & Outreach Coordinator Keona Prude.
The Upstate’s only LGBT-owned Food Truck We Got the Beets will be in attendance and will give a select number of food tickets to attendees who go through the resume writing workshop. Coffee will be provided for all from Junto Coffee Roasters. Voter registration will also be available. Celina Odeh will provide high quality headshots for career fair attendees at no-cost!
Direct press inquiries to Keona Prude, Communications & Outreach Coordinator at keona@pridelink.org.
About Pride Link: Pride Link is a nonprofit with a mission to improve the quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people in Upstate, South Carolina.
About Upstate SC LGBT Chamber: The Upstate LGBT Chamber of Commerce empowers local queer business entrepreneurs, individuals and allied partners to generate creative and economic value for our local communities.
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