Reform Alliance and Roc Nation organized a job fair in Richmond that connected job seekers with over 1,500 open positions from various employers last week.

The event, held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, aimed to remove employment barriers for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, particularly those on probation or parole.

Thirty-six employers participated, including Amazon, Starbucks, Foot Locker, Goodwill and Crunch Fitness, as well as local employers from the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Hundreds of positions were available from state and local government agencies, including the Virginia Department of Corrections, Virginia Department of Transportation and the City of Richmond.

The event drew significant interest from more than 2,000 job seekers. Attendees had the opportunity to interview on site for open positions and receive valuable reentry support services, such as makeup, barber or hairdresser services, free suits and other professional attire, and résumé review and interview preparation. Law firm Reed Smith provided expungement education and services with support from law students at the University of Virginia and community organization Nolef Turns Inc. Thirteen community organizations, including Q.E.D. Systems and Neighborhood Resource Center, provided support to ensure job seekers felt confident as they approached employers and advanced their careers.

“It’s been a struggle to find work since I came home, but this was an incredible event — one of the best things I’ve done,” said Jessica S., who interviewed with Amazon and Foot Locker and was recently released from incarceration. “Since my release in August, I’ve been actively looking for a job and struggled to get hired. I was amazed to see so many employers ready to give opportunities to formerly incarcerated people here.”

Amazon and Foot Locker invited her back for second-round interviews following the job fair.

Virginia has been grappling with a severe workforce shortage, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, with nearly twice as many open positions as available workers. This job fair provided a solution, matching untapped talent — many of whom were locked out of the workforce due to a criminal record — with employers actively hiring.

The job fair is part of Reform’s commitment to creating employment pathways and supporting people on probation or parole in Virginia and nationally. In addition to hosting job fairs, the alliance regrants a portion of its funding annually to support local organizations that provide critical services to people returning home from incarceration or otherwise impacted by the criminal justice system. 

The organization also formed the Virginia Safety Coalition, a diverse, bipartisan group committed to improving Virginia’s supervision system and increasing access to second chances.

“Reform is proud to be a part of the community here in Virginia and open doors for justice-impacted individuals,” said Jessica Jackson, CEO of Reform Alliance. “When we invest in people, especially those who have faced barriers due to probation, parole, or a criminal record, we strengthen not just individual lives but entire communities. Every job secured today is a step toward breaking the cycle of recidivism and creating more just and safe communities.”