Urban League of Portland’s 41st Annual Career Connections Job Fair Unites Hundreds of Job Seekers and 40+ Employers, Marking the Largest Event to Date
Hundreds of job seekers filled the Crowne Plaza Hotel on April 14, 2026, as the Urban League of Portland hosted the 41st Annual Career Connections Job Fair, connecting more than 700 attendees with 40 employers and a network of community leaders. The event comes amid a year-long commemoration of the organization’s 80-year history empowering Black communities across Oregon.
“It’s important that young adults have opportunities to learn how to position their skills, experiences and educational training in a way that attracts career opportunities,” said Nkenge Harmon, President and CEO of Urban League of Portland. “Our young people are bright, well-rounded and offer valuable insights to employers and mid-career participants, particularly in how they use today’s technology and AI. It was powerful to see traditional job seekers and high school students come together for an intergenerational exchange at the fair.”
The event brought together an extremely diverse group, all interested in furthering their employment opportunities. More than 40 employers and companies from the technology, healthcare, education, government, transportation, finance and nonprofit sectors had booths at the event. Recruiters screened, interviewed and — in some cases — extended job offers on the spot.
This year’s theme, Success in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, guided a range of hands-on resources and opportunities designed to meet job seekers where they are, including:
- Resume and LinkedIn profile reviews, with guidance on navigating AI screening tools
- Free professional headshots
- On-site job seeker screening and interviewing opportunities
- Mock interviews with real-time feedback
- One-on-one advice from experienced career coaches
For the first time in Urban League of Portland’s history, hundreds of high school students looking for entry-level opportunities attended. This initiative, which included students and young adults, was a priority for Harmon, who has made finding career opportunities for young people a priority during her tenure.
“I’ve been able to see what's going on, see what jobs are available,” said Anthony Mack, a job seeker who attended the event. “I was able to talk to a few people and see what careers they offer, how their programs work. I also got some encouragement, some direction, some leads. I’m actually looking forward to getting an interview here shortly. It’s been a good atmosphere. It’s been a place where I feel comfort.”
While the 41st Annual Career Connections Job Fair has come to a close, the momentum continues throughout the year as we continue to commemorate 80 years of serving our community.