“How-To” – Recruitment & Retention of Immigrants in the Workforce

Zoom  Program starts at 8:30 a.m. with the in-person program starting at 8:00 a.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83753401721?pwd=Q05EWDBLU3dzcXhncG5DZW9mTzBKZz09

Join us for an insightful event focused on the recruitment and retention of immigrants in Maine.

Attendees will:

• Gain valuable insights from industry leaders and experts on the importance of recruiting and retaining immigrant talent in driving economic growth and cultural enrichment in Maine.
• Engage in thought-provoking discussions with immigrants, employers (including family-owned businesses), and community leaders. Explore best practices, challenges, and innovations.
• Connect with like-minded individuals, forge new partnerships, and expand your professional network. Exchange ideas, share experiences, and discover opportunities for collaboration.
• Participate in an interactive program designed to equip employers with the knowledge and tools to attract, support, and retain immigrant employees.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative conversation and contribute to creating a more inclusive and prosperous Maine for all!

Speakers

Georges Budagu Makoko, Founder, Ladder to the Moon Network, Co-Founder, Amjmabo Africa

Georges was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to Rwanda in 1994 due to political unrest in his country. He graduated from the National University of Rwanda with a degree in Business Administration and moved to the U.S. 2002, where he sought and received asylum. He is the author of Ladder to the Moon: Journey from the Congo to America. He worked as a Senior Property Manager with Avesta Housing for 15 years. In 2012, he was awarded Site Manager of the Year, a joint award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service and Maine Rural Development. He is currently the Director of Residential Services at Serenity Residential Care, LLC. He serves as a motivational speaker and professional interpreter and speaks more than six languages, including English, French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Lingala, and Kinyamulenge.

Stefanie Trice Gill, President, Owner / Diversity Recruiter, IntWork, LLC.

Stefanie grew up in Portland, where her family hosted Maine’s first refugees from Vietnam. She graduated from Deering and moved away to study French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese, and earn a MBA.

In 2009, Stefanie returned to Maine and co-founded the Maine Association for New Americans (MANA) and spearheaded efforts resulting in the New Mainers’ Resource Center. 

In 2019 she launched IntWork, a recruiting, executive search, and outplacement agency that matches employers with diverse candidates who want to live and work in Maine.

Mahmood Omar, Refugee Employment Specialist, Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services

As a Refugee and Immigrants Employment Specialist with the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine, Mahmood helps refugees and immigrants develop employment service plans aimed at achieving self-sufficiency. This includes enrollment in education and English programs and obtaining driver’s licenses. He also works as a community interpreter in Arabic, Kurdish, and Turkish with Augusta Adult & Community Education. Mahmood holds a BA in Education & Human Science from Kirkuk University in Iraq. Since immigrating to the U.S. in 2017 through the SIV program, he’s worked with AmeriCorps and Portland public schools. His passion is to help refugees and immigrants succeed in America.

Leopold Ndayisabye, CEO / Owner, OneLove HomeCare, LLC.

Leo is originally from Rwanda. He was born in Burundi and grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2011 he immigrated to the US and worked as a Case manager for 7 years before  opening his own business in 2019. Leo holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling earned in 2016 at The Southern New Hampshire University. He is currently a CEO and owner of OneLove HomeCare, LLC.

Emily Machesney, Human Resources Manager, Pratt Abbott Garment Care

Emily Machesney is the Human Resources Manager at Pratt Abbott Garment Care. She represents the third generation of the Machesney family at Pratt Abbott. In her role she oversees recruitment, training, development, and company culture. Emily is an alumna of Cheverus High School and Emory University and holds a SHRM-CP designation. She lives in South Portland with her dog Sky and enjoys skiing, hiking, and kayaking in her free time.