CityWorks DC Connects Job-Ready Residents with Careers in Two of DC’s Largest Industries

Twenty-six candidates participated in approximately 70 mock interviews with top employers in the hospitality and construction sectors 

Washington, DC – CityWorks DC, a leading collaborator in the DC education-to-employment ecosystem, in partnership with Hire Local DC, a coalition of employers and employer organizations working together to ensure that DC residents obtain DC’s good jobs, and Donohoe Hospitality recently hosted mock interviews connecting job-ready applicants with construction and hospitality industry employers. The organizations hosted the mock interviews as a part of a Hospitality Talent Pipeline Pilot program they jointly lead. 

This collaborative event brought together employers from two of DC’s largest and most important industries to offer candidates the opportunity to network and participate in mock interviews with members of the management teams from top local companies. 

“We have amazing talent in our city,” said CityWorks DC VP of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Erin Ward Bibo. “Today is about providing a space for job-ready candidates eager to work in hospitality and construction to connect with top local companies.” 

Twenty-six candidates representing graduates from DC Public Schools, BuildWithin, LAYC Career Academy, and UPO participated in the event. Fifteen leaders from the hospitality and construction industries, including Donohoe Hospitality, Complete Building Solutions, Gilbane Construction, and several local hotels, conducted approximately 70 interviews with candidates. 

“We’re committed to growing the next generation of leaders right here in our city, and the Hospitality Talent Pipeline PIlot is proving to be a promising vehicle to achieve that,” said Donohoe Hospitality President Thomas Penny. “If you’re willing to work hard in this field, anything is possible.” 

“What drives me as a business leader is uplifting our city’s talent and preparing them for careers that will bring lifelong success,” said Enlightened, Inc. CEO Antwanye Ford. “Events like these, where we get the opportunity to plant the seed that will one day bloom into successful careers are so important as we continue to invest in our incredible local talent that will make our city stronger.” 

Each participant engaged in up to two rounds of group and individual interviews, thoughtfully matched to their career interests. Employers provided constructive feedback to empower the candidates in their quest for future success. 

“This is my first time coming to this kind of setting since moving to this country from Nigeria,” said participant Opeyemi Adeboye. “Employers shared recommendations to work toward my goals. It was a great experience.” 

"I'm always happy to be a part of something like this because, at one point, I was on the opposite end of this table," said Michaiah Parson, Front Office Manager of the Courtyard Chevy Chase. "In high school, I entered a program that allowed me to join this industry. Now I'm the front office manager, so presenting opportunities and helping bring in the next generation of hospitality leaders is amazing." 

“In addition to a great day of mock interviews, we’ve heard from several participating employers that they are making job offers to the candidates they interviewed because they were so impressed.” Bibo continued. “In the meantime, the CityWorks DC team will continue preparing candidates for more applications and interviews.” 

Visit cityworksdc.org for more information on the organization’s programs and partnerships. Visit hirelocaldc.org for more information on the coalition and its efforts.