Fair Chance Employers Summit

The MNDOC, Jennifer Gast, FairChanceEmployer.com, Richard Owen and Fischer ReEntry Consulting held the first Fair Chance Employers Summit and had 35+ Employers in attendance, representing several cities throughout the state. Great conversation, questions and strong strategies and outcomes were made! Exciting work all in effort to bring about strong employment options, livable wages and enhancing MN communities. This work isn't just about reducing recidivism, it's about desistance when justice-impacted individuals have a new identity, purpose and passion!

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The Summit featured powerful storytelling, hands-on activities, and practical guidance for employers committed to Fair Chance Hiring. Guest speakers with lived experience shared their reentry journeys to successful employment, while presenters highlighted Minnesota-specific data, hiring assessments, EEOC guidelines, and tools designed to support consistent, fair practices.

This first session marks a significant step in strengthening Minnesota’s Fair Chance Hiring efforts. With strong engagement and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the DOC and its partners plan to host additional Summits, continuing the momentum toward meaningful employment opportunities for justice-impacted Minnesotans.