Steven Gonzales

My name is Steven Gonzales; I drove over 1800 miles from Arizona to Chicago specifically for the 2010 HACE Career Fair this past August.

Not knowing anyone, and without solid prospects of local employment, my first priority was to find a job in the city. A key part of this plan included networking with local professionals and corporations at the HACE event. I woke early on the 6th of August, after traveling the previous 3 days across the country, and headed to Navy Pier for the start my career search.

The HACE event turned out better than I originally imagined. I was able to network with numerous business and community leaders, along with scheduling several interviews with the employers on hand. Interacting with

the HR managers and professionals who attended the event helped me target my job search on a specific industry. I was lucky enough to find employment as a banker with Bank of America during my first 13 days in Chicago.

The dedication to helping people become successful is very evident in the way HACE conducts its organization, and the resources it makes available to the community. I am strongly convinced that I would not have been able to find employment as quickly without first attending the HACE event. As I continue to connect myself in the Chicago community, HACE will remain a group that will help me develop in to the world class professional I strive to be. Thank you for providing a platform that breeds success in the community.