Laid-off federal workers flock to career fair for new opportunities

The fair was a chance for people, who have lost their federal jobs in recent weeks to explore new opportunities and connect with industry experts.

LaWana Brown is among the thousands of government employees that have been laid off under the Trump administration. She worked at the Department Of Health and Human Services and was let go in February via email. 

“I left a job I was at for 18 years to come to the federal government," Brown said. "Only to be let go in less than two years because they thought I’m not good enough." 

Walter Simmons, the CEO and vice president of Employ Prince George’s, said there has never been a bigger need for a job fair. Since January, more than 5,000 people have filed for unemployment in the state of Maryland.

“We’ve seen that number grow since January, from 200 to 300 up to 500 people per week," Simmons said. "We see these numbers escalating. In one week, we saw 400 people be laid off." 

Hanan Ayodeji, a college senior, told WUSA9 he's also feeling the layoff impacts. He's searching for a job in government, but it's been harder than usual because of how many people are also looking for work. 

“I’ve been applying to other jobs I normally never apply for," Ayodeji, said. "It’s humbling. The whole job process is humbling.” 

With over 70 employers, the job fair was a chance for people to connect with hiring managers and learn about training programs. Simmons said it's also a chance to let people know they're not alone navigating through the transition.

"As we're emailing these people, they are telling us they don't have hope," he said. "They are lost and they don't know what to do and so we got people walking in today and they walked with heavy hearts." 

Prince George's County Council woman Krystal Oriadha is hosting a job fair on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Suitland Community Center, 5600 Regency Lane, District Heights. You can sign up here.

The District will also host a job fair featuring different positions in D.C. government and private employers across the city on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kellogg Conference at Gallaudet University at 800 Florida Ave. NE. D.C. resources can be found here.