2025 Fair Chance Symposium - Arouet Foundation

Arouet Foundation's

Fair Chance EMPLOYMENT Symposium

presented by

Thursday, October 16, 2025

11:00AM to 2:00PM

Arizona Biltmore | Grand Ballroom | 2400 E Missouri Ave

SYMPOSIUM NEWS & NOTES

About the SYMPOSIUM

Join Arouet and our community partners this fall for the 2025 Fair Chance Employment Symposium, an impactful event at the world-renowned Arizona Biltmore resort. Attendees will gain invaluable guidance about Fair Chance hiring practices from corporate leaders and policymakers that all businesses must have to become successful Fair Chance employers.

This year’s event will also be celebrating leaders of the Fair Chance Movement. These Fair Chance Champions are thought leaders in Arizona, helping us establish a Creative Workforce as the state’s 6th C. The day will feature powerful stories, testimonials, and presentations from experts and individuals with lived experience.

This incomparable, game-changing event also features:

Fair Chance educational materials from Arouet, including digital resources
Riveting panel discussions with Fair Chance policymakers, influencers & leaders with lived experience
First-rate Biltmore lunch and hospitality

Labor shortages are impacting businesses across the US. But rather than panic, many employers are addressing these shortages by hiring a largely untapped pool of talent while also improving public safety and their communities. And the talent is plentiful: 80 million+ people in America with a conviction or arrest history who only want a Fair Chance to succeed.

In Arizona, our competitive advantage depends on removing the barriers to employment that justice-impacted people face. Those barriers include 45,000+ restrictions and conditions that formerly incarcerated people must maneuver after their release.

It’s time that we overcome Arizona’s increasingly burdensome corrections budget, to which we lose billions in lost tax revenue and other costs to the state, by finally giving everyone a Fair Chance.

Speakers & HONOREES

Arouet’s Fair Chance Employment Symposium proudly features bold thought leaders in inclusive hiring practices.

Honorary Co Chairs

Mayor Kate Gallego is an Arouet 2024 Fair Chance Champion, and through her commitments, she is leading Phoenix into the future. Under her leadership, Phoenix secured billions in technology investments, expanded innovation in bioscience and technology, and became the nation’s most sustainable desert city through bold action, all while focusing on improving the lives of the people of Phoenix.

Jessica brings over 25 years of proven leadership and strategic expertise across energy, economic, and community development. A former Fortune 500 executive and President of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, she continues to advise leaders and give back to the community statewide while serving on the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona Chamber, and Thunderbirds Charities boards.

Keynote

Jeff Korzenik

Jeff Korzenik is the Chief Economist for one of the nation’s largest commercial banks and a nationally recognized advocate for Fair Chance Hiring. With more than 30 years of experience in investment management, Jeff is celebrated for his ability to bring clarity and original thinking to complex economic and workforce challenges. Jeff is the author of Untapped Talent: How Second Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community (HarperCollins Leadership, 2021), a groundbreaking exploration of the business case and best practices for hiring individuals with criminal records. His expertise bridges economic policy, labor market trends, and private-sector solutions for reentry, making him a trusted voice for employers, policymakers, and community leaders.

A Panel Discussion on Impact

At the Fair Chance Symposium, Jeff will draw on his deep knowledge to highlight how inclusive hiring not only transforms lives but also strengthens businesses and communities, and will interview businesses and leaders who are making Fair Chance Hiring practices their competitive advantage.

Honorees

Senator Shawnna Bolick believes that every Arizonan should have the opportunity to succeed, including those impacted by the justice system. Her legislative work has been instrumental in removing barriers and ensuring that all Arizonans have access to opportunity.

Representative Sarah Liguori is dedicated to championing the long-term success and well-being of the community at every opportunity. Servant leadership has been at the core of her professional career, as she advocates for equal opportunities, access, and prosperity for all.

As a leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions, WM is committed to helping its communities thrive. By working to reduce barriers to employment, enhance access to education and career opportunities and protect and provide access to green space, WM supports lasting, positive change in Arizona and beyond.

Mercy Care of Arizona lives its mission every day. When the community is in need, they stand by the people they serve and their partners. Their dedication to fairness and access for all Arizonans is fundamental to building a healthy and prosperous community for everyone.

Schedule

11:00 AM

Registration Opens

11:00 AM

11:30 AM

Welcome remarks

11:30 AM

11:50 AM

Lunch is served

11:50 AM

12:05 PM

Honorees Presentation

12:05 PM

12:50 PM

Call To Action

12:50 PM

1:00 PM

Refreshment Break

1:00 PM

1:20 PM

Keynote Panel
Jeff Korzenik and Fair Chance Employers

1:20 PM

2:30 PM

Closing

2:30 PM

Secure your Spot

Join us for the Fair Chance Employment Symposium!

Partner with us and learn how to successfully implement inclusive hiring policies that will open doors to a dedicated, loyal, and profitable workforce. The event will be attended by policy makers, thought leaders, and community influencers. Each of the below sponsorship levels come with 10 seats (a whole table) for guests of their choice.