WORKFORCE CONNECTIONS EXPO
Event Information
Join us for a FREE event that offers vital insights into Fair Chance Employment, focusing on engaging with an often-overlooked workforce—those impacted by the justice system. The event features a panel discussion on the effects of the criminal justice system on our workforce, enriched by personal stories from both employees and employers. Discover innovative employment opportunities and the benefits of Fair Chance Employment. If you’re interested in expanding your workforce with individuals seeking a second chance, join us for breakfast and valuable information. Participants will receive a signed copy of “Untapped Talent” by Jeff Korezenik and a chance to attend a complimentary day-long training in Athens on June 5th, led by Jeff. This event is sponsored by Athens Achieves and hosted by Envision Athens.
Date
April 30th, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location
1055 Barber Event Venue
1055 Barber Street, Athens, Georgia 30601
Owned and operated by Epting Events Catering & Design
Our panelists
Imani Carter
About Imani Carter
Imani Carter is an Assistant Public Defender in Athens and an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Georgia Law School. Over the past nine years as an attorney, Carter has built and strengthened her litigation, trial, and negotiation skills. She defends her clients from misdemeanor and felony charges and continues to represent them on appeals. Carter has an extensive amount of trial experience, totaling 30 jury trials as lead counsel and dozens as second chair. She works zealously to be the voice for people who often feel their voices go unheard. Carter is a mentor for future lawyers through the University of Georgia School of Law’s Alumni Mentorship Program. In addition to mentoring law students, Carter regularly speaks on professional panels about her legal career, presents at conferences on the various aspects of criminal defense, and advises high school students of post-graduate career opportunities.
Presentation
- Range of criminal offenses one can face
- How a conviction impacts one’s livelihood, including housing and employment
- Trends in sentencing
Dr. Sarah Shannon
About Dr. Sarah Shannon
Dr. Sarah Shannon is a Megis Professor and Director of Criminal Justice Studies Program at the University of Georgia. Sarah K.S. Shannon joined the UGA Sociology Department in 2013 after receiving her PhD (and MSW) from the University of Minnesota. Sarah’s research focuses on systems of criminal punishment and their effects on social life. Her interdisciplinary research has been published in top journals in several fields including sociology, criminology, public health, social work, and geography. Sarah is also an award-winning teacher, having received recognition for excellence in undergraduate instruction, research mentoring, creative teaching, and service-learning. She proudly facilitates UGA’s first-ever Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program course in partnership with the Clarke County Jail.
Presentation
- Factors that help people leave criminal behavior behind; including employment and age
Billy Honor
About Billy Honor
Billy Honor is a Minister, Community Organizer, and Scholar who holds a graduate degree from Emory University. Some bad decisions led Billy into problems with the criminal justice system, including a felony charge for theft by taking while in a fiduciary capacity. While in prison, he has been determined to make amends, not through talk, but through daily, incremental action. During this time; he has completed several professional certifications and personal change courses. When Billy concludes the confinement portion of his sentence in the coming months. He is preparing to leave empowered and with the resources to build a thriving career, repay his debt owed to society, help others succeed after making a mess of life and most of all, take care of his wife and two children.
Presentation
- The Eye of the Tiger and why current & formerly incarcerated persons make great employees
- How employing people with felony records helps create healthier and thriving communities
- Changing the narrative. Making criminal conviction a source of social refinement not detriment.
Amelia Nickerson
About Amelia Nickerson
Amelia Nickerson joined First Step Staffing in January 2018 and was appointed as CEO in May 2020. Amelia has two decades of experience as a fundraiser, volunteer, and board member for nonprofits across the Southeast. As CEO, Amelia has helped grow First Step into three new markets and continues to increase both the financial metrics and community impact the organization has each year. Under her leadership, First Step has become the largest alternative staffing agency in the U.S. and was recognized by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness at a “Extra Mile” Award winner in 2020.
Presentation
Untapped Talent: Pathways to New Talent
- Looking at ways employers can expand their hiring practices
- Meeting their hiring needs
- Becoming a leader of tremendous impact on their local communities
Watch this video to learn more:
This unconventional staffing agency guarantees employment within 72 hours (youtube.com)