New African Immigrants Commission

Have you ever been in such an insightful discussion, you ran out of time?????

On behalf of the New African Immigrants Commission (NAIC), thank you to every student, educator, workforce leader, and advocate who joined us for the Calabash Forum on ESOL, Skills Building, & Workforce Integration over the weekend.

Special thanks to our speakers, partners, volunteers, and supporters who continue investing in the future of our communities: Brenda Custodio, Ahmed Abukar Family Services, Dr. Seleshi Asfaw Tewahedo Social Services, Guadalupe Velasquez Vibrant Ohio , Rosaire Ifedi

The Calabash represents shared wisdom, collective responsibility, and community nourishment. Together, we are building bridges to opportunity, economic mobility, and belonging across Ohio.

This conversation does not end here — it is only the beginning.

TODAY, we convene.

The Calabash Forum on ESOL Access & Workforce Integration brings together the people closest to the work—and the systems that define it.

From education to employment, we’re closing gaps by putting the right voices in the same room.

Come ready to:

• Share your experience
• Challenge assumptions
• Help shape policy recommendations for Ohio

This is not a passive event. It’s a working forum.

🗓 Saturday, May 9 | 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Library Auditorium

We’ll see you in the room.

2 days until the Calabash Forum.

Here’s what makes this moment important:

The conversations happening in this room will directly shape policy recommendations for Ohio lawmakers.

From ESOL access to career pathways for internationally trained professionals, this forum is about identifying what’s broken—and what’s working.

Expect:

✔ Honest dialogue across sectors
✔ Community-driven insights
✔ Clear next steps for policy and practice

If you’ve experienced these challenges—or are working to solve them—your voice belongs in this space.

🗓 May 9 | 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Columbus Metropolitan Library

This is where insight becomes influence.

What does it take to truly integrate talent into Ohio’s workforce?

Across Ohio, skilled individuals are being underutilized—not because they lack ability, but because systems aren’t aligned.

This forum is about changing that.

The insights gathered will directly inform the New African Immigrants Commission’s 2026 Issue Brief to legislators—turning community voice into policy direction.

🗓 Saturday, May 9 | 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Library Auditorium

If you care about workforce development, education access, and economic inclusion, this is where you need to be.

What does it take to truly integrate talent into Ohio’s workforce?

On May 9, the Calabash Forum will bring together educators, employers, policymakers, and community leaders to answer that question—through the lens of ESOL access, credential recognition, and workforce integration.

Across Ohio, skilled individuals are being underutilized—not because they lack ability, but because systems aren’t aligned.

This forum is about changing that.

The insights gathered will directly inform the New African Immigrants Commission’s 2026 Issue Brief to legislators—turning community voice into policy direction.

🗓 Saturday, May 9 | 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Library Auditorium

If you care about workforce development, education access, and economic inclusion, this is where you need to be.

Talent isn’t the problem. Access is.

Across Ohio, highly skilled immigrants are being left out of the workforce—not because they lack ability, but because systems aren’t built for them.

The Calabash Forum will focus on:
✔ English language access
✔ Credential recognition
✔ Workforce pathways

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to action.

Be in the room.

Big conversations. Real solutions. Our communities can’t wait.

Join us for the Calabash Forum: ESOL, Skills Building, & Workforce Integration — a space where community, policy, and opportunity meet.

📅 Saturday, May 9

🕑 2:00 – 4:00 PM

📍 Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Branch

We’re bringing together stakeholders to tackle one question: How do we unlock opportunity for New African immigrants in Ohio?

Abdirizak Ahmed Rosaire Ifedi Kefa Otiso Abass Bangura Charity Rysak, Ohio Commissioner Comfort Cole-Kenneh

Charity Rysak, Ohio CommissionerRonald C Todd II Abdirizak AhmedNew African Immigrants Commission and all made the reception memorably historic the Sudan House, Thank you!