On November 20, 2024, NH Songa welcomed business leaders, community advocates, and professionals to the Moving Together Conversations: Immigrants in New Hampshire’s Workforce conference. Held at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, the event addressed the significant contributions of immigrant workers and explored strategies to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces across New Hampshire.
The conference opened with remarks from Jean Hakuzimana, Founder of NH Songa, who shared his personal journey of migrating to Concord in 2018 and the challenges he faced integrating into a new community. Jean emphasized NH Songa’s mission to help new Americans and host communities foster, empower, and benefit from mutual collaboration, particularly in the area of workforce development.
Phil Sletten, Research Director at the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, underscored the importance of immigration to the state’s growth during a breakout session. “Without migration into the state, New Hampshire’s population would have started declining in 2017,” Phil explained. “People moving to New Hampshire from other states and countries comprised all net population growth the state has had since 2010, and international migration is responsible for a majority of that growth. Migration from other states has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic, but international migration has been a more consistent source of population growth for New Hampshire since 2010.”
Throughout the day, breakout sessions tackled real challenges and opportunities facing the state. Conversations covered topics like workforce training, housing, and transportation, while immigrant workers shared personal stories about building their careers in New Hampshire. Employers left with practical ideas to create workplaces that are not only inclusive but also positioned for long-term success.
NH Songa will return in November 2025, continuing to create pathways for success and strengthening New Hampshire’s economic future.
Photo above: Phil Sletton, NH Fiscal Policy Institute; Patrick Tompkins, NHTI-Concord’s Community College; Flo Nicolas, ARMI ReGen Valley Tech Hub; Ali Sekou, NH Housing Authority. Photo credit: Becky Field, FieldWork Photos, 2024.
Graphic below: Provided by NH Fiscal Policy Institute. Year refers to the period lasting twelve months and ending on July 1 of the calendar year identified. Based on vintage 2020 estimates and vintage 2023 estimates, subject to future updates. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program, Vintage 2020 and 2023 Tables.
