FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: gpackwood@arouetempowers.org
Arouet’s 2025 Fair Chance Employment Symposium Sells Out at the Arizona Biltmore
PHOENIX, Ariz. (October 16, 2025) — The Arouet Foundation proudly celebrated the resounding success of the 2025 Fair Chance Employment Symposium presented by JPMorgan Chase, a completely sold-out event held in the Grand Ballroom of the historic Arizona Biltmore. The Symposium brought together hundreds of leaders from business, policy, and the community to honor trailblazers advancing fair chance employment and to explore how inclusive hiring strengthens both companies and communities.
This year’s event was led by Honorary Co-Chairs Mayor Kate Gallego and Jessica Pacheco, whose leadership and vision underscore the importance of creating pathways for justice-impacted individuals to thrive. During her remarks, Co-Chair Jessica Pacheco declared on the importance of Fair Chance Hiring Practices for Arizona’s future and competitive edge, “Talent is the new currency.” Emceed by Carey Peña, the program featured a keynote address by Jeff Korzenik, author of Untapped Talent, who inspired attendees with the business case for fair chance hiring and its transformative social impact.
"Talent is the new currency."
The Symposium honored four 2025 Fair Chance Champions for their extraordinary commitment to second-chance employment and community advancement:
- Representative Sarah Liguori
- Senator Shawnna Bolick
- Mercy Care
- WM
These honorees exemplify the power of collaboration across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to expand opportunity and economic mobility for all Arizonans.
Arouet extends deep gratitude to its generous sponsors whose support made this milestone event possible: Presenting Sponsor JPMorgan Chase, along with Banner University Family Care, Mercy Care, Thunderbirds Charities, Checkr, Arizona Commerce Authority, Aventiv, SRP, University of Phoenix, Southwest Gas, Greenlight Communities, APS, WM, Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, Valleywise Health, Axiom Care, WG Consulting, Hensley Beverage Company, EPCOR, Molina Healthcare, Magnus Public Policy, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Axon.
“Fair chance hiring is about more than workforce development; it’s about strengthening families, revitalizing communities, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute their talents.”
“Fair chance hiring is about more than workforce development; it’s about strengthening families, revitalizing communities, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute their talents,” said Alison Rapping, CEO of Arouet. “We are deeply grateful to every partner, sponsor, and attendee who joined us in this mission to create safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities.”
