At CEL, we believe everyone deserves the chance to share their talents and pursue meaningful employment. That’s why we were so proud to host our first-ever Reverse Job Fair, a unique event that turned the traditional hiring process upside down.

Instead of employers setting up tables, CEL members became the hosts of their own booths. Each person worked in advance with our Employment team to update their resume and create a display that showcased their skills, strengths, and career goals. Potential employers and other community partners were invited to walk the room, meet members face-to-face, and discover firsthand the value they could bring to a workplace.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as prospective employers came to each booth to meet our talented members. For our job-ready participants, this wasn’t just about potential employment, it was also about practicing interview skills, building confidence, and showing off all the hard work they’ve done to prepare for meaningful careers.

Samantha Santiago, Senior Manager of Employment and Catalyst, coordinated the event, spoke about the Employment Opportunities program, and invited Anton, one of many now-employed members, to share his success story. Anton’s friendly personality, work ethic, and love for sports led him to a job he loves at Rally House, a local sports retailer. Anton and his store manager Dawn came back to the event to encourage every business in attendance to be open to hiring someone with a disability.

Dawn had many positive things to say about working with CEL for a “seamless transition” and, most importantly, had a glowing review of Anton, saying, “He has enriched our store to a level that you can’t describe. He gives us ideas and helps us show our strengths in the ways we share them with him. Anton is very patient, takes his time, watches what he’s doing, asks questions, and is just fantastic!”

An important component of the event’s success is that potential employers and community partners were equally enthusiastic to be there. Representatives from Curion (including CEL Board member Keren Novack), Elawa Farm, Cooper’s Hawk, Walgreens, Old Navy, Rally House, Sysmex, and the City of Highland Park joined us to explore opportunities, share advice, and even offer job leads on the spot.

Highlights included:

• Three different members received and accepted job offers from companies they connected with at the Reverse Job Fair (Rally House, Old Navy, and CEL)!
• Members were invited to apply for positions at Cooper’s Hawk and Old Navy.
• Members connected with Rally House, Walgreens, Old Navy, and Curion about open roles, with mini-interviews taking place during the event.
• Members built confidence in their skills, with one accepting a job offer just a few weeks later.
• Sysmex and CEL are actively in discussions about hiring through their Lincolnshire facility
• The City of Highland Park inviting CEL to present to the Mayor and City Council during National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.
• Cooper’s Hawk expressed interest in partnering with CEL beyond employment, including Chefs’ Night.
• Curion offered CEL a tour of their facility and to learn more about open roles

This first Reverse Job Fair proved what we already know: CEL members have so much to offer, and when given the platform, their skills and personalities shine. We are deeply grateful to all of the employers who participated, and to our Employment Team for preparing members so thoughtfully. Together, we’re building bridges to meaningful job opportunities and the independence and confidence that comes with purposeful work.

Missed the Reverse Job Fair, but still interested in hiring or finding a job? CEL can help!