Building Bridges, Creating Opportunities: Immigrants Revitalizing Cincinnati's Future
Cincinnati Compass
Connecting immigrants, refugees, and community for a stronger region.
From revitalizing neighborhoods to driving innovation in high-demand industries, our immigrant and refugee neighbors are not just participants in our community—they are catalysts for growth and opportunity. In Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky, immigrants and refugees are job creators, community builders, and essential contributors to our workforce.??
Entrepreneurs from immigrant backgrounds have launched dynamic businesses that breathe new life into neighborhoods and provide essential goods and services. Whether family-owned restaurants in Over-the-Rhine and Covington, tech startups in Uptown and Oxford, or healthcare-related businesses in Florence and Mason, their ventures generate jobs and add to the overall vibrancy of our region. Moreso, they add to the visibility of the region, playing a key part in helping ensure that the region is a choice global destination for talent, innovation, and culture.?
Immigrants also play an indispensable role in filling critical workforce gaps, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology—sectors that are the backbone of Cincinnati’s economy. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, immigrants bring expertise and fresh perspectives, ensuring these industries remain competitive and resilient. As the region continues to grow and be a global destination for cultural and sporting events, immigrants fill critical roles in hospitality and construction.??
Cincinnati Compass, along with its invaluable partners and collaborators, works tirelessly to make Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky a welcoming and inclusive place for all. We are thankful to our many partners across multiple sectors who are allies in this mission, fostering connections and building bridges that help individuals and families thrive.?
Looking ahead, there are three key areas in which Cincinnati Compass is helping the Cincinnati region solidify its place as a global destination for global talent and innovation:?
As we celebrate the holidays and prepare for the new year, let’s reaffirm our commitment to creating a region where everyone—regardless of their place of origin—has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. Together, we can ensure that the region continues to shine as a beacon of talent, diversity, and innovation.?
We invite you to reach out to collaborate:?
· Learn: Want to build your capacity to attract and retain multilingual talent? Want to make sure your services reach immigrant and refugee communities? Are you trying to make sense of the changing immigration landscape? We are happy to work with you to build strategies for welcoming and supporting immigrant, refugee, and international student talent, connecting you to many providers across the region.?
· Volunteer: Support Cincinnati Compass or one of our many partners through volunteering. Are you a part of an ERG/ARG/BRG and looking to support community members in the region? Help a jobseeker connect to professional networks and gain career guidance. Mentor a small business. Help a newcomer connect to local communities and resources.
· Share stories of success:?Are you or do you know an entrepreneur adding vibrancy to a neighborhood business district; an international student who founded a company; a rising civic leader; or an employer who understands the value of hiring multilingual talent??
· Donate: Make a contribution to help us expand our programs in areas of civic engagement (Compass Community Council), workforce development (employer engagement and support of internationally trained professionals), and small business development (entrepreneur roundtable).
ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT
Immigrant & Refugee Law Center
The Immigrant and Refugee Law Center (IRLC) is committed to empowering immigrants and refugees while ensuring justice within the legal system. The organization’s work is rooted in a strong dedication to human rights, peace, and security.?
Their mission is to provide accessible legal services to immigrant and refugee families in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities.?
IRLC operates based on four core values: (1) Human Rights – Believing in the equality of all people, regardless of their origin; (2) Empowerment – Focusing on helping individuals become independent and realize their full potential, both personally and within the community; (3) Access to Justice – Ensuring that immigrants and refugees, integral members of the community, can navigate a complex legal system; and (4) Connection – Emphasizing the importance of relationships and operating as a family, both personally and organizationally.?
IRLC believes that every individual deserves a fair chance within the immigration system and provides legal services that honor their courageous journey.?
Learn More - https://www.irlawcenter.org/??
IN THE COMMUNITY
Still Moving - Featured FotoFocus Biennial Exhibit
We are excited to share the "Still Moving" exhibition, now available online at the Cincinnati Compass website. This powerful exhibit highlights the profound contributions and enduring impact of immigrants and refugees across the Greater Cincinnati region. Through the personal vignettes of ten remarkable community leaders, the exhibition celebrates individual growth and collective achievement, illustrating how migration shapes the strength and resilience of our communities.
As you explore the exhibit, we hope you will reflect on the invaluable contributions of immigrants and refugees and find inspiration in the resilience and strength that define these powerful stories.?
We invite you to visit the exhibition on the Cincinnati Compass website to view the personal stories of these leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that enrich our region.?
UPCOMING EVENTS
Heritage Art Exhibition | December 13-19 · 6 - 9 P.M.
领英推荐
Join us for "Heritage," a vibrant exhibition celebrating the rich tapestry of our roots as young men from the heart of DR Congo, intertwined with the diverse beauty of other African cultures. Through a striking collection of photographs and paintings, we invite you to explore the narratives that shape our identity, conveying the strength, resilience, and artistry that resonate across our continent. Experience a visual journey that not only honors our past but also inspires a shared future, inviting you to connect with the essence of heritage in all its dynamic forms. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a cultural dialogue that transcends boundaries and celebrates unity in diversity!
APNET End of the Year Donation Drive | December 14
Join Us for the APNET End of the Year Party & Community Donation Drive!
Get ready to celebrate, connect, and give back with us! We're bringing the beats, the bites, and the good vibes to COVE 51 – 11473 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH! This event is hosted by APNET in partnership with Cincinnati Compass & COVE51.
What to Expect
Donations (Online or Event Day)Using: PayPal, CashApp, Check or Cash
Get tickets today at:
Upcoming Events
Heritage Art Exhibition
December 13-19
1338 Main Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 | 6 p.m. - 9 p.m
APNET End-of-Year Party & Donation Drive | December 14
COVE51, 11473 Chester Road, Cincinnati OH 45246 | 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.?
Be Informed: what is ICE, how do they operate, and what are your rights during an encounter with them? | December 17
Know Your Rights Train-the-Trainer Virtual WorkshopSpace is limited | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.?
Seydina Diop Presents: The African Foundation for Development, Immigration, and Social Services (AFDIS) | December 21
Epic Event Gallery, 811 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 | 6 p.m.?
English Language Learning Foundation’s 17th Annual Recognition Breakfast February 27
Northern Kentucky University Student Union, 20 Kenton Dr, Highland Heights, KY 41076 | 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
International Community Festival & Concert | March 8
YWCA Hamilton | Spooky Nook Champion Mill Conference Center, 601 N B St, Hamilton, OH 45013 | Festival - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Concert – 8 p.m.?
Managing Director at Welcoming City
2 周Bravo on this outstanding work!
President Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA
2 个月Great articles!!!!