Dear Opportunity Junction Community,
We reacted with shock, heartbreak, and rage to the brazen murder of George Floyd two weeks ago. But this wasn’t an isolated incident:
we remember Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor and countless others. Some of us took to the streets to protest. Others reached out to family and friends to offer support.
But we have not yet come to terms with the entrenched, systematic racism that pervades not just police practices but the spheres of housing, education, and employment.
It shows up in our work preparing job seekers for careers. For example, the name on a resume might make the difference in whether our candidate is called in for an interview. Or sometimes the amorphous term “culture fit” masks implicit or explicit bias.
At Opportunity Junction, we believe that everyone who is willing to work hard deserves an opportunity to succeed, but we recognize that opportunity is not distributed equally. Through our individualized relationships with each of our job seekers, we provide the support and skills training that helps restore equity. We work with employer partners who value the talent we recommend, regardless of race.
But there are no quick fixes, so please help us think about what’s next. Please email me at
- Alumni and program participants, what further steps can we take to promote equity and support you in your career journeys?
- Employers, how can we better help you recruit a talented and diverse workforce?
- Supporters, volunteers, and community partners, I value your input and suggestions as well.
With gratitude and resolve,
Alissa Friedman, President and CEO
