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'I feel ready now, my battery is full': How virtual seminars are helping men of color build skills they need to land jobs

US economy grows 1.4 percent in fourth quarter
Posted at 5:30 AM, Oct 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-13 07:39:28-04

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee organizations have banded together to create free virtual programs to help someone land their dream job. The next one is about building your resume Wednesday, Oct. 14. The programs help men of color to successfully land their next job with wages you could raise a family on.

The goal is to break down any barriers in the way during this pandemic. This includes access to mentors, interview help, and building your resume.

19-year-old Daniel Cook-Leflore shares how September's virtual event inspired him, "I feel prepared now I feel ready so I’m just a battery pack and I’m charged up and ready to go!"

He is already signed up for the next virtual seminar for Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 from noon to 1 p.m.

The United Way, Manpower Group, and Goodwill Talent Bridge plan to have a series of virtual events to help inspire black men in our community, and to help them land the job of their dreams.

Shannon Reed, Director Innovative Strategies for Boys & Men of Color at United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County shares the need for these opportunities, "We’ve been hit hard...think about the stress of trying to get a job, and then trying to think about what the pandemic has brought to us."

"When you see somebody that’s doing something you aspire to do or that looks like you it just makes it easier," Daniel Cook-Leflore added.

Right now he is in cosmetology classes, determined to one day open up his own barbershop in Milwaukee. Through MKE Fellows, he is teaching Children at SHARP Literacy in Milwaukee, "Me being that person that those children look up to and when they look at me and I see and I come in class and they say 'I wanna be like Mr. Dan' -- it's a totally different feeling."

This is a full-circle moment for him. Two years ago, he joined Manpower Group's 'Youth Employment Apprenticeship Program,' adding, "Having that mentor relationship just helped me and just guided me in a better direction."

That is the inspiration they want to give more black men in our community -- that despite this pandemic there are resources out there that can help you! The path can start by simply signing up for these virtual events.

Nafessa Burdine, Community Investment & Sustainability Leader with Manpower Group says she hopes to give these men the resources and tools to show where employment opportunities are and, "Also find the strength to know that they’re not in it alone. I think that's the biggest thing."

Here is your Rebound Rundown:
• 'Success Starts Here: Building Your Resume' virtual event:
— Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020
12 PM - 1 PM

• 'Success Starts Here: Virtual Interview Preparation'
— Tuesday, Nov. 17
12 pm – 1 pm

• 'Success Starts Here: Success in Work' Virtual event
— Tuesday, Dec., 9
12 pm – 1 pm

Click here to learn more and register.

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