352 | Helping Justice Involved Individuals Get Living Wage Jobs with Rose Velasquez
Rose Velasquez is the CEO of Hiring Hub, an executive recruitment firm specializing in helping high-performing companies find top talent. With over a decade of experience, Rose is passionate about matching individuals with roles that align with their true strengths. She believes the right job can transform lives and drive organizational success. A native of Arizona, Rose relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2002 and built her career around empowering job seekers and employers. Her commitment to building passionate, productive teams has made her a trusted partner for Southwestern organizations, ensuring every hire strengthens a company's culture and long-term success. One of the things Hiring Hub is best known for is it’s Second Chances placements.
This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Second Chances Hiring Interview Transcript with Rose Velasquez
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Key topics Covered in Second Chances Hiring Interview with Rose Velasquez
Podcast Introduction and Guest Background
Podcast Introduction
Mission of the "Awarepreneurs" podcast.
Focus on insights from social entrepreneurs.
Guest Introduction
Rose Velasquez, CEO of Hiringhub.
Focus of her company: Connecting top talent with high-performing companies.
Rose's Background
Over a decade of recruitment experience.
Moved from Arizona to Albuquerque in 2002.
Involvement in community service and belief in a healthy community for business success.
Second Chance Hiring Program
Genesis of the Program
Started in 2022 due to staffing challenges in sanitation roles for a city contract.
Proposal to hire individuals with non-relevant felony backgrounds was accepted.
Successful Outcomes
Resulted in fully staffed departments in historically challenging sectors.
Not Part of the Core Mission
Initially, second chance hiring wasn't a core mission of Hiringhub.
Evolved as an innovative solution to staffing issues.
Support and Resources for Entrepreneurs
Support and Collaboration
Importance of seeking support and resources as an entrepreneur.
Embedded support systems and programs like Thrive, an SBA-recognized MBA-level accelerator.
Incubators and Success Rates
Higher success rates for businesses started in incubators.
Encouragement to leverage such resources.
Networking and Peer Support
Value of Networking
Stress reduction and improved business outcomes through networking.
Benefit of connecting with others in the same industry, even competitors.
Positive Outcomes from Collaboration
Successful collaborations within cohorts like Thrive.
Example of "rising tide lifts all boats" mentality in New Mexico's business culture.
Power of Storytelling and Encouragement
Impact of Storytelling
Testimonial success story of a formerly incarcerated individual.
Importance of sharing these stories to inspire others.
Encouragement to Share Stories
Call to action for sharing impactful stories and testimonials in the entrepreneurial community.
Community Focus and Albuquerque’s Role
City Criticism
Albuquerque's issues with homelessness and crime.
Importance of providing opportunities for people exiting the justice system.
Placement Strategy
Specific placements to avoid community centers and parks.
Focus on best integration locations.
Empathy and Understanding
Empathy in Approach
Understanding the city’s perspective on issues like homelessness and graffiti.
Motivational and empathetic approach for the city's concerns.
Program Goals and Success Stories
Program Objectives
Goals to provide jobs for people leaving jails/prisons.
Addressing the challenges of reintegration into society.
Success Story
Testimonial of a woman transitioning from jail to employment.
Impact of community support and a simple Christmas gift.
Program Scale and Expansion
Current Scale
Involvement of 20-30 companies in Albuquerque willing to hire through the program.
Expansion Plans
Plans to expand to new states, including Arizona.
Business and Community Support
Tax Incentives for Employers
Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring individuals with felonies and veterans.
Hiring Hub’s Unique Role
Broader scope beyond recruitment, including employing individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Community and Business Support
Support for second chances through Hiring Hub's services.
Involvement with Nonprofits
Aligning mission with other Albuquerque nonprofits.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Consulting with Legal and HR Experts
Importance of consulting with an attorney or HR consultant for hiring justice-involved individuals.
Background Checks and Probation Relationships
Ensuring past crimes do not impact current job roles.
Value of building relationships with probation departments for monitoring and accountability.
Addressing Employer Concerns
Motivated Hires and Safety Measures
Placing motivated individuals while ensuring safety and responsibility.
Processes and guardrails to ensure successful outcomes.
Emotional and Motivational Impact
Emotional Fulfillment
Tangible differences the program makes in people’s lives.
Community Giving
Encouragement to give back to the community as a way to invigorate business endeavors.
Listener Engagement and Contact Information
Listener Engagement
Paul Zelizer’s appreciation for listeners and requests for topic/guest suggestions.
Contact Information
Rose invites collaboration and inquiries via her website and phone.
Wider Audience Outreach
Encouragement for listeners, especially from New Mexico, to spread the word about Rose's work.