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 June 2026
June offers us both celebration and reflection. As we honor Juneteenth and the resilience of Black communities, we are also reminded of the work still ahead to ensure inclusive pathways to employment. This month’s updates showcase the strong collaboration happening across our region, from new tools for employers to events that connect job seekers with meaningful opportunities.
- Catrice O'Neal, WIB Executive Director
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 Juneteenth, celebrated every year on June 19, marks the moment in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States finally learned they were free - more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Here in Ramsey County and throughout Minnesota, Juneteenth is a time to come together in reflection, celebration and unity.
Juneteenth events are happening in Ramsey County and across the metro area, including:
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Juneteenth 2026 - The Reckoning - June 19, noon-6 p.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol. The Reckoning, hosted by The Anika Foundation, hosts its annual family-friendly Juneteenth celebration. The free outdoor gathering typically features live music, local food vendors, games and community speakers.
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Feeding Our Souls: The Essence of Juneteenth Joy - June 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Saint Paul College. This inspiring evening celebrates the joy, music, food and traditions rooted in Juneteenth commemorations. Local Black chefs will share tasting stations and discuss the inspirations behind their cooking. Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz III of VocalEssence will also join the program for a conversation on the impact of African American music, followed by a special performance.
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Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story - June 26, 2-4:30 p.pm at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine’s University. Written by Rose McGee and produced by Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, this production explores the history surrounding the Emancipation Proclamation and has become an annual family and community tradition. This special 30th anniversary performance will feature guest appearances from former cast members.
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Documentary Film: The Making of America- June 28, noon-4 p.m. at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This year’s documentary, examines how systems of art, science, architecture and cartography helped shape racial slavery, territorial extraction, and Indigenous dispossession in early America.
On Saturday, May 16, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions hosted the 4th annual Youth Job & Resource Fair at Maplewood Mall.
More than 100 young people attended the event to connect with 19 community partners offering employment opportunities, workforce resources and supportive services for youth and families. Participating organizations shared information both in person and through online resource links to help ensure broad access to summer opportunities.
In addition, eight Maplewood Mall storefront businesses participated by sharing current hiring opportunities for young people.
Thank you to all of the partners who participated, shared resources and helped support young people across Ramsey County as they prepare for summer employment and career exploration opportunities.
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 There are countless career pathways an individual might embark upon. For example, after graduating from high school, one might explore a four-year degree or find employment in the labor market right away. Another might join the military, and yet another might start an apprenticeship. Some choose to continue their education by enrolling in a community or technical college or a university. We could do an endless blog series just about all the established and unique pathways a person living in the Twin Cities Metro Area might do as they journey from education into a career. For this blog, let's just look at occupations requiring a two-year degree in the region.
Continue reading the Local Look blog.
Workforce Solutions and the WIB continue to support employers in creating welcoming, inclusive workplaces where all employees feel valued. One key resource in this effort is the Inclusive Employer Toolkit, designed to help organizations strengthen inclusion across recruitment, hiring, onboarding and retention. The toolkit offers practical strategies and guidance to help employers build environments where every worker can succeed.
Newly added updates expand the toolkit’s reach even further. Employers can now find information on Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave law, as well as fresh resources on supporting justice impacted workers and promoting mental health in the workplace. These additions provide timely, relevant tools that help employers adapt to changing workforce needs and ensure that all employees, regardless of ability, caregiving responsibilities or mental health needs, have the support necessary to contribute and thrive.
Learn more about the Toolkit.
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The Ramsey County Workforce Partner Directory is an online tool that highlights the wide range of organizations working together to support Ramsey County’s workforce. The directory makes it easy to find partners by service area, program type, or population served, helping residents, employers and community organizations quickly connect to the right resources. Whether you are looking for training providers, employment services or community-based support, the directory is a one-stop resource to navigate Ramsey County’s workforce network.
Thank you to all of our partners for the critical role you play in building opportunity and supporting our community.
Visit the Workforce Partner Directory webpage to learn more.
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Ramsey County has launched a redesigned website to better serve residents, businesses and partners with improved navigation, accessibility and mobile responsiveness.
As part of this update, the county’s web address has changed from ramseycounty.us to RamseyCountyMN.gov. Be sure to update your bookmarks and links to reflect the new RamseyCountyMN.gov URL.
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Members of the WIB are key decision makers within their organizations and experts in the workforce arena appointed by either the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners or the city of Saint Paul mayor. This month, the board welcomes Alex Merritt.
Alex is the Vice President of Program Operations at Twin Cities R!se. She has experience growing programs that support people returning from incarceration, experiencing long-term unemployment and facing other systemic barriers to work. She’s especially passionate about building coordinated workforce pathways that open up fair and meaningful employment opportunities for all.
We are excited to welcome Alex to the WIB!
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Employer of the Day
Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m., at the Roseville Library
Looking for a new job? Every Tuesday, employers will visit the Ramsey County Library in Maplewood to talk about job opportunities in their organization. Bring your resumé and your best first impression to get hired.
Featured employers:
Community Partner of the Day
Thursdays, 3–5 p.m., at the Roseville Library
Discover something new each week at Partner of the Day! Meet local organizations, explore helpful services and make meaningful connections in a fun, welcoming drop‑in experience. Visit the Partner Directory to learn about local workforce programs and services.
Featured partners:
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 Who is MAWB? An Inside Look at Minnesota's Workforce Development Board
June 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (MAWB) and its role within the state's workforce development system. We will explore how MAWB collaboration with state agencies and community partners supports job seekers while meeting the needs of Minnesota's employers. We will look at the structure, responsibilities, and impact of the workforce development board system, offering insight into how MAWB helps shape policy, drive innovation, and ensure a skilled and competitive workforce across the state. Panelists include:
- Cate Duin - Executive Director, Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards
- Mark Jacobs - Director, Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board
- Tammy Stark - Executive Director, Career Solutions
- Elena Foshay - Director, City of Duluth’s Workforce Development Department
Workforce Wednesday webinars require no registration fee and are free to attend.
Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund Information Session
June 17, 2-3 p.m.
Discover how the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more accessible workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.
Attend an informative and engaging session to learn about:
- the benefits of workplace accessibility for your business.
- how ERAF simplifies providing accommodations and supports your bottom line.
- real-world examples of accommodations that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
Gain actionable insights and make your workplace more accessible by registering today.
 Midway Area Job Fair
June 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Are you looking to get back to work or advance your career? Bring your resume and your best first impression to this in-person job fair! Connect with local employers that have current job openings as well as community resource providers. The fair will be held outdoors. In case of rain, event will move to July 22.
Employers:
- ACR Homes/ACR Healthcare
- Bay West
- Blaze Credit Union
- City of Saint Paul Public Works
- Delta Dental of Minnesota
- Episcopal Homes
- Fairview Health Services
- Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op
- Olympic Companies, Inc.
- Saint Paul Public School
Community resources and trainings:
- Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association
- Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
Learn more about the Midway Area Job Fair.
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For nearly 60 years, Hired has given individuals hope for bright futures by overcoming barriers to employment through career development, training and support services.
“Employment is the end goal, but we know there’s a lot more that goes into supporting people on that journey,” said Leah McNamee, Adult Service Program Manager at Hired. “We’re incredibly relationship-based in the work we do.”
Today, the organization has a vital role in Ramsey County’s workforce ecosystem by connecting residents to meaningful employment opportunities and supporting their overall needs, which impact long-term success.
Hired is present for youth and adults, meeting them at their current circumstances to help them move forward. That includes those entering the workforce for the first time or those seeking to re-enter after a period of separation for a multitude of reasons. Through individualized coaching, career counseling, training opportunities and community partnerships, Hired helps people overcome barriers such as housing instability, poverty, or involvement with the justice system.
Continue reading the Hired feature story.
This article marks the second in a series highlighting Ramsey County Workforce Solution’s partners. These community-based organizations deliver specialized employment and training services on behalf of the county. Their efforts expand access to workforce programs through career exploration, job-readiness training and paid work experiences for individuals facing barriers to employment. They are integral in strengthening the local workforce ecosystem and helping residents move toward stable, long-term employment.
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