BIPOC Professionals

Young BIPOC interns and professionals working in Maine companies this summer gathered at Apres in Portland in late June at an event co-sponsored by The Third Place, Maine Career Catalyst, Unum, and Martin’s Point Health Care.

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The Third Place Founder and Executive Director Adilah Muhammad said, “The intention of this event is to ground [the young professionals] in community and be able to have other resources and extend their social capital.”

Cynthia Kamikazi, who recently moved to Maine from Texas for a job offer, said the networking opportunity was valuable to her. “This kind of event pushes people to go out of their shell, explore, and market themselves. People who meet you here will literally keep you in mind when an opportunity pops up.”

“I love coming to these events, especially seeing young people,” said Rose Barboza, founder of Black Owned Maine. “As someone who grew up in Maine, we didn’t have these sorts of events. You didn’t see people who look like you or have different cultures. So it’s beautiful to come together. We see all generations, professionals, business people, and we can come together in one kind of safe, welcoming space to connect and get to know each other.”