Now in its 16th edition, the People Of Color Career Fair ® will return on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saint Paul RiverCentre, bringing together 40 Minnesota employers, 1,000+ professionals and 10 professional Twin Cities organizations.

Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, Founder of the People Of Color Career Fair® and CEO of the Rae Mackenzie Group, reflects on why it’s more important than ever that our region’s professionals and employers are in the room.

“Sometimes we lose sight of how diverse Minnesota really is: One in four Minnesotans is a Person of Color. And here in the Twin Cities, that number is 35 percent. To break it down even further, Minneapolis alone is made up of 40 to 42 percent People of Color,” said Smith-Akinsanya. “So it’s more important than ever that employers find a way to maintain their competitive edge by building deeper relationships with the fastest-growing talent markets here in Minnesota. And that’s exactly what the career fair provides.”

Attendance is free to all professionals thanks to the support of premier sponsors, U.S. Bank, Andersen Windows & Doors, and Midco, as well as major sponsors, including Best Buy, Target, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, and Ecolab.

Professionals can also take advantage of several free resources at the career fair, including:

• Free professional headshots, courtesy of Best Buy.
• On-site interview and resume workshops led by Project for Pride in Living.
• Networking with more than 1,000 fellow Twin Cities professionals.
• Connection to 40 Minnesota employers hiring across functions and career levels, some of which will also offer on-the-spot interviews at the career fair.
• Engagement with professional organizations offering career development opportunities and ways to stay connected to the culture in the Twin Cities.
• Free ride passes to and from the career fair, thanks to Metro Transit.
• Networking breakfasts that take place in the morning, offering intimate networking between professionals, senior executives and hiring managers across three major industries: Financial Services, Digital & Tech, and Emerging Leaders.

With a continued focus on making the People Of Color Career Fair® more accessible to all attendees, Andersen Corporation will also once again provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and guided access support for professionals who are blind or have low vision, helping to ensure everyone has the opportunity to connect with our region’s employers.

To learn more about the People Of Color Career Fair® and to register to attend, professionals can visit peopleofcolorcareerfair.com.