The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to partner with NH Songa to present an inaugural statewide conference that connects business leaders with New Hampshire’s diverse immigrant community. Moving Together Conversations takes place on Wednesday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. Professionals from all industries and levels are invited to attend this day-long conference, expand their knowledge of local immigrant communities, gain understanding of challenges facing New Americans who are entering the state’s workforce, and develop solutions for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) initiatives.
Jean Hakuzimana, Founder and Director of NH Songa, shared his vision for Moving Together Conversations in a recent panel discussion with the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire. “The vision that I have is to bring the conversation… to communities in the room, immigrants and non-immigrants. But in a way of grafting a common vision together.” Hakuzimana is Deputy Editor of Amjambo Africa, a prominent newspaper covering a diverse range of news related to immigrants and host communities in Maine. Throughout his career, Jean has collaborated with esteemed organizations such as the United Nations, European Union-funded programs, regional organizations, diplomatic missions, governmental agencies, and nonprofit entities in both Africa and the U.S. His work has consistently focused on critical issues including refugee resettlement, social determinants of health, environment, agriculture, biodiversity, governance, and inclusive finance. As a professional with extensive experience in community development, strategy, communication, and advocacy, and as a Concord area resident with lived experience emigrating to the U.S., Hakuzimana has a unique ability to open conversations that are “deep and engaging… frank and productive.”
“The New Hampshire community, I feel, it’s uninformed about immigrants. … If you’re not informed and if you’re not willing to be informed, you will act in a way that will not be helpful,” said Jean Hakuzimana. He views this conference as an opportunity for area employers to learn how to avoid common pitfalls when working with New Americans from our community, and therefore gain access to a previously untapped community of talented workers. The first session of Moving Together Conversations will focus on understanding immigrants in New Hampshire—who they are, what cultures do they represent, and what skills and talents they offer. The next session will provide essential data on New Hampshire’s immigrant population, which represents 6% of the state’s population and accounts for more than $154 million in annual revenues. The conference will continue with a solutions-focused session focused on practical challenges facing immigrants and their employers. The following session will discuss the benefits of building an inclusive workplace and supporting DEIJ efforts. The day ends with a broad view of New Hampshire’s workforce, and a discussion of strategies to further the state’s public and private partnerships between employers and immigrants.
Moving Together Conversations features an all-star lineup of speakers, including James McKim, Managing Partner of Organizational Ignition; Michael Swack, Director of the Center for Impact Finance at the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire; Aimee Mitchell, Chief Community Services Officer at Ascentria Care Alliance; Rich Lavers, Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security; Ali Sekou, President of the Islamic Society of Greater Concord; Rob Dapice, Executive Director and CEOP of New Hampshire Housing; Amy Basset, Acting New England Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration; Joseph Doiron, Director of Workforce Development at the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs; and Jean Kampayana, Business Operations Specialist at the United States Post Office in Manchester, and highly experienced professional with extensive international management experience prior to immigrating to the U.S.
This impactful conference is geared towards professionals from across the state, including CEOs, human resource staff, employers, service providers, representatives of academic institutions, non-profit organization leaders, staffing agents, and state and municipality officers. Attendees will explore the benefits of hiring immigrants, best practices, and comparative cases of unwelcoming vs welcoming workplaces, and gain valuable guidance on how to introduce equitable policies and procedures that will leverage the unique skills and knowledge of immigrants to improve their organizations’ performance.
Moving Together Conversations: Immigrants in NH’s Workforce takes place on Wednesday, November 15 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lead sponsors include the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, Capitol Center for the Arts, and Ascentria Care Alliance. Additional support is provided by Merrimack County Savings Bank, New Hampshire Housing, New Hampshire Business Review and 603 Diversity, Duprey Hospitality, LLC, Northeast Delta Dental, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Nobis Group, International Institute of New England, and ConcordTV, Your Community Media Center. Tickets are available online at concordnhchamber.com.
Incorporated in 1919, New Hampshire’s state capital chamber of commerce—the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce—develops economic opportunities, strengthens the business climate, and enhances quality of life in the Capital region. As largest chamber in the state, it is deeply invested in the local community and dedicated to shaping competitive economic development strategy, advocating for policies and projects that benefit the region, and promoting Concord as a culturally vibrant visitor destination. For more information, please visit concordnhchamber.com.
Photo cutline: Jean Hakuzimana, Founder of NH Songa, and Patrick Tompkins, President of NHTI-Concord’s Community College meet at a Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce networking event. Photo by Harry Tetteh of Harte Photography.