Amber Brown

Black Butterfly House

Amber  Brown is the founder and executive director of Black Butterfly Women  Services (BBWS), a transitional housing and empowerment program for  justice-involved women and women in recovery in Hennepin County,  Minnesota.

BBWS’ mission is to serve as a “beacon of hope” by offering a supportive, safe community for justice-involved women and women in recovery as they pursue a better future. The vision is for each woman to live in a world where a mistake could lead to an unbelievable success story.

Amber’s own life story is central to her mission. Raised by a single mother in Mississippi, she moved to Minnesota as a teenager, facing poverty, systemic racism, and isolation. At age 15, she was charged with three felonies after a school fight, tried as an adult, and served 86 months in the justice system, including rehabilitation in Texas and a transitional all-girls home in Minnesota. In that home, she experienced racism, discrimination, and lack of culturally appropriate resources, which inspired her to create a safe, inclusive space for women like her.

rsvp to Tom Pippitt by may 9th

tpippitt@redemptionproject.org | 612-393-5266

DOUG SWENSON

NMLS#2693825

Tradition Mortgage

Based in Edina, Doug has seen all types of credit situations. He will walk you through how the pitfalls of life can damage your credit and give you hope on restoring it. Good Credit is the key to owning the car that you desire, the home that you will watch your family grow up in, and managing a life of stable finances. He will equip you with the knowledge on how to acquire and build the best credit possible for a prosperous future.

rsvp to Tom Pippitt by april 24th

tpippitt@redemptionproject.org | 612-393-5266

Time & Location

Apr 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA

About the event

Justice-impacted? Start your new chapter here. You don’t have to do it alone.

Join Twin Cities Rise at the 2026 Coming Home Reentry Resource Fair - a free, family-friendly event designed to connect you with the tools and resources you need to thrive.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Free job training programs & career support

• 1:1 support: legal and career consultations

• Workshops to build confidence and skills

• An inspiring panel on reclaiming identity in reentry

• Fair chance employers & job opportunities

• Over 40 community organizations for reentry resources

• Free professional headshots, refreshments and bus pass

At this year's fair, the MNJRC is hosting a Know Your Rights workshop for community members interested in getting their records sealed under Minnesota’s Clean Slate Law.

Register today to reserve your spot: bit.ly/cominghome2026

Come as you are and take the next step forward. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Partners

This month’s Dinner Symposium will feature an Employment Partner and Support Partner

• Elaine Kintrop (Olympic Steel) will be speaking about what positions they currently have open, what qualifications they are looking for, and what other positions they have available.

• Tosheed Thompson (Small Sums) is Assistant Director of Outreach and will be speaking about how they assist those experiencing housing instability in acquiring the items they need to start a job.

rsvp to Tom Pippitt by march 20th

tpippitt@redemptionproject.org | 612-393-5266

20th Annual Veterans Career Fair

May 20, 2026
2-6 p.m.

Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center
6155 Earle Brown Drive | Brooklyn Center, MN

Veterans, current U.S. military service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves, military spouses, and Gold Star families, you're invited to attend the 20th Annual Veterans Career Fair!

Why you should attend this career fair:

• Meet 100 employers who value your military service and want to talk with you

• Get a complimentary LinkedIn photo to update your online profile

• Access free in-person resume review assistance

• Prepare for job interviews with a CareerForce job search expert

• Speak with service providers offering assistance for veterans and their families

Please share information about the 20th Annual Veterans Career Fair with current and former U.S. military service members you know!

• No cost to attend!

• No registration required!

View participating employers and service providers:

• Visit our event page on CareerForce.MN.gov

Come prepared with copies of your updated resume and dress for the job you want!

Get help preparing for the Veterans Career Fair

Did you know there is a dedicated team of Veterans Employment Specialists located around the state to assist with career planning and job search? They can help you with revamping your resume, job interview preparation, and a whole lot more!

• Connect with your dedicated Veterans Employment Specialist

There are also many additional resources available on CareerForce.MN.gov:

• Search open positions across the state by location, job title, employer, and more

• Attend a free job search workshop online or in person

• View free training opportunities for eligible Minnesotans

• Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations to attend this event, please email mndeedevents@state.mn.us no later than 7 days before this event.

The mission at Small Sums is to outfit individuals experiencing homelessness with the work gear, tools, training, and transportation resources they need to start a new job. 

Small Sums Community Day provides workers with additional tools to elevate their wages and increase access to long-term economic and housing stability.

We will offer resume support, LinkedIn registration, interview prep, FREE haircuts, and professional headshots. All materials will be provided to support our workers during your shift.

Pick a time slot that works for you and help support our mission and your community! 

Note: Volunteers are needed at each station (Interview Prep, Resume Support, and LinkedIn registration). You will be assigned to a station upon checking in. If you have a preference for where you would like to serve, please note it during registration.

For any questions, please email meghankb@smallsums.org.

To Register Online

(Recommended, not required)

gesmn.org/FairChanceJobs

Employment Partners

This month’s Dinner Symposium will feature three of our Employment Partners:

• Elaine Kintrop (Olympic Steel),

• Corey Stevens (Prodigal Group LLC)

• Charles Steel (Victorious Property and Preservation).

They’ll discuss current job openings, the qualifications they’re looking for, and upcoming employment opportunities within their organizations.

rsvp to Tom Pippitt by February 20th

tpippitt@redemptionproject.org | 612-393-5266

Save the Date

Thankful To Associates

Join us for an evening of gratitude, celebration, and fellowship as we come together to honor the holiday season and the remarkable accomplishments of our Associates. This special gathering is a moment to pause, connect, and appreciate the growth, dedication, and impact we’ve achieved together throughout the year.

There will be no formal speaker, just good company.

rsvp to tom pippitt by december 19th

tpippitt@redemptionproject.org | 612-393-5266

Thankful For Redemption

Join us for an evening of gratitude, reflection, and shared fellowship as we come together to give thanks and share a meal. This special gathering is a time to pause, connect, and appreciate the growth, hope, and redemption we’ve experienced together throughout the year.

There will be no formal speaker, just good company, a full turkey dinner, and a sprit of Thanksgiving.

rsvp to tom pippitt by november 21st

tpippitt@redemptionproject.org | 612-393-5266

Speaker: Jeff Baidoo Partnership Director

Meet Minneapolis

Our special guest, Jeff Baidoo from Meet Minneapolis, will share how to make the most of the incredible experiences the Twin Cities have to offer. From free and family­friendly events to kid-free and sober gatherings, Jeff will guide you through how to access all that's happening in Minneapolis. Take advantage of all that your Twin Cities have to offer!

REGISTRATION
IS OPEN!

Tuesday, October 28th

Minneapolis Convention Center The Ballroom

• Network with over 1000 professionals

• 50+ employer partners

• 10+ professional organizations

• Free headshots ($300 value)

• Interview and resume workshops

• Networking Breakfasts across 4 industries

Professional Registration

EMPLOYER Registration

PREMIER SPONSORS:

EVERYONE IS INVITED

Career Fair

Register

About this event

Everyone is welcome to attend this career and resource fair which features a variety of jobs and community resources in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area.

Each employer will feature information about their organization, job openings, and more. Each community organization will share information on the resources that they offer and how they can help you.

Wednesday, October 22nd from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Hennepin County Library – Brookdale

6125 Shingle Creek Parkway

Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Register on this Eventbrite page.

Walk-ins are welcome!

Employers attending:

To be announced soon!

**If you are an employer that would like to participate in this event, please reach out to Lisa Cain or Cindy Larson at the emails listed below.

Questions?

Lisa Cain, 612-596-1990, lisa.cain2@hennepin.us

Cindy Larson, 952-703-7758, cynthia.larson@state.mn.us

This event is hosted by Hennepin County Department of Workforce Development and CareerForce.

For more information go to Hennepin.us/employmentservices and CareerForceMN.com.

Speaker: Ben Janike

Crossroads Training Inc

Based in Waseca, Minnesota, Ben is passionate about helping adults achieve their fitness goals. A former college wrestler, he knows firsthand how easy it is to put health on the back burner as life and raising four kids take center stage. Along his own journey, Ben discovered that you don’t need a fancy gym to get back on track, you just need the courage to start and the discipline to keep going. His message is simple but powerful: consistency is key, and investing in yourself is always worth it.

By Lisa Cain

Everyone is welcome to attend the Virtual Community Resource Fair to learn about resources available in our community!

It’s Free

Register for the October 1 event

Join us at Metro State's biggest on-campus event of the year, the Diversity Networking and Job Fair, designed exclusively for current students and alumni. In response to feedback from last year’s participants, this year’s event will take place in the Jason R. Carter Science Education Center. The fair will feature 30 companies and organizations eager to connect with students and alumni about career opportunities that match your interests.

Registered Employers
The employers attending the career fair include: Cargill, Children's Minnesota, Fraser, Hennepin County, Let's Talk Healing, Mains'l, Mayo Clinic, Osseo Area Schools, Saint Therese, SPS Commerce, Touchstone Mental Health, and Trusted Semiconductor Solutions, with more to come.

Registration Fee
There are no registration fees for current Metro State students or alumni; however, participation in the event is limited to these groups.

Attending your First In-Person Networking Event?
Start by preparing your elevator pitch. This is a short, confident introduction that shares who you are, what you are studying or pursuing, and what you are looking for. A helpful video for students and new professionals is How to Give an Elevator Pitch for Students, which provides clear and practical tips in just a few minutes.

Next, review your résumé. You can use the Career Center’s résumé resources, including the How to Write a Résumé guide and Sample Résumés for Students and Alumni. For feedback, attend Résumé Drop-In every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom or schedule an appointment.

Remember, this is your opportunity to make a great first impression, learn about career pathways, and build meaningful connections—no prior experience required! Bring printed copies of your résumé, a few thoughtful questions, and your authentic self.

Recommended Attire
To ensure everyone feels comfortable and presents themselves professionally, we recommend business casual attire. Dress as you would for an interview, choosing professional attire to make a strong first impression. Avoid jeans, hoodies, and t-shirts.

Questions about this event?
Contact the Career Center at 651.793.1528 or email career.center@metrostate.edu. To receive disability accommodations for this event, please contact the Center for Accessibility Resources at 651.793.1549 or email accessibility.resources@metrostate.edu.

By Lisa Cain

Everyone is welcome to attend the Virtual Training Resource Fair to learn about FREE training that will help you get a great job!

Register for the September 17 event

Career Fair

Everyone is welcome to attend this career fair which features a variety of jobs in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area.

Each employer will feature information about their organization, job openings, and more. You will be able to meet with each employer to get your questions answered.

Wednesday, September 10th

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Hennepin County Library – Brooklyn Park

8500 W Broadway Avenue

Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Register

Walk-ins are welcome!

Employers attending:

• Atlas Staffing - Welders, Material Handlers, Plastic Injection Mold Machine Operators

• First Student – Plymouth - School Bus Drivers $2000 Sign on bonus

• H&R Block (Central MN) - Tax Professionals, Tax Associate, Multi-Unit Team Leader, Associate Team Leader, Customer Service Representative, select Tax Assistants.  Salary + Bonus Incentives

• Heliene - Maintenance Tech (night shift), Repair Operator, Line Supervisor, Stringer Operator, Line Operator

• Interim Healthcare - Certified Nursing Assistant, Trained Medication Aide, Certified Medical Assistant, Front Desk/Check In

• M Health Fairview - Housekeeping, Dietary, Registration, Reception, Transport, Security

• United States Navy Reserve - Prior Service - Seaman General, Engineering/Technical, Construction, Aviation, Intelligence

Resources:

• CareerForce - Career, resume, job search and training resources

• Community Mediation & Restorative Services, Inc. (CMRS) - Resources to help people maintain stable housing including the services of Housing Navigators and Mediators

• Hennepin County Library - Resources available at Hennepin County Libraries

• Lutheran Social Services - Neighbor-to-neighbor volunteer opportunities

Questions?

• Lisa Cain, 612-596-1990, lisa.cain2@hennepin.us

• Cindy Larson, 952-703-7758, cynthia.larson@state.mn.us

This event is hosted by Hennepin County Department of Workforce Development, CareerForce and Hennepin County Library.