Chicago is Fifth City to Host The 40 Tons Level Up Career Conference, an Innovative Employment Resource That Supports Restorative Justice Efforts and Creates Pathways to Employment & Educational Opportunities to Diverse Job Seekers, Including Individuals Disproportionately Impacted by the Criminal Justice System 

In celebration of Juneteenth, a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, The 40 Tons Level Up Career Conference & Business Expo Presented by Good Green will connect Chicagoland employers and job seekers to help create pathways to employment opportunities in multiple business sectors including the cannabis industry. Developed by 40 Tons, an African American and woman-owned social impact for-profit organization led by CEO Loriel Alegrete, the Level Up Career Conference is partnering with key Chicago civic, business, legal, community and social impact organizations to present its sixth DEI workforce development event on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Malcolm X College Conference Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT. Following the day of conference programming, an evening rooftop networking mixer will encourage informal interaction among conference participants and exhibitors, as well as celebrate the Juneteenth holiday.  

CONFERENCE DETAILS:

The core pillars of the conference are centered around creating pathways to lasting restorative justice through employment, education, empowerment and expungement with wraparound legal services to assist people impacted by the criminal justice system, as well as providing access to top local employers. 

Created by the 40 Tons leadership team and led by CEO Loriel Alegrete, in addition to connecting employers with prospective diversity job hires, the 40 Tons Level Up Conference & Business Expo provides resources including job search support services, resume development and LinkedIn optimization, education classes and engaging panel discussions, interviews and networking with employers actively engaged in recruiting, as well as professional headshots, haircuts and more. The Canna Get A Second Chance program offers registration free of charge for members of the community with prior criminal convictions, to help them access resources and information on the pathway to restorative justice intervention. Services include an expungement clinic and other legal wraparound support, as well as an opportunity to receive academic scholarships and full access to the entire conference.

WHEN & WHERE: 

Monday, June 19, 2023 (Juneteenth)  

Malcolm X College Conference Center | 1900 W. Jackson Street | Chicago, IL

9 am CT — Conference begins/Kick-off Press Conference

10 am CT — Conference Programming, Workshops & Business Expo

5:30 pm CT — Juneteenth Celebration & Networking Reception 

WHO: 

Chicago area civic leaders and businesses; exhibitors looking to hire diverse employees; law firms and legal support service providers; and job seekers will converge at Malcolm X College to participate in the sixth installment of the 40 Tons Level Up Career Conference & Business Expo. Additional details on programming, panels, speakers and exhibitors will be announced. The conference is open to the public and registration is available through Eventbrite.