The Second Chance Hiring Network Meeting is designed for employers who want to move beyond intention and into practical, sustainable second chance hiring and retention practices.
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, TalentFirst and Calvin University, along with host Cascade Engineering, are convening employers from across West Michigan to focus on what it truly takes to hire and retain formerly incarcerated individuals—honestly, effectively, and at scale.
This meeting is part of a community of practice where employers learn from one another, surface real-world challenges, test ideas, and hold each other accountable for progress.
Why Employers Attend
Employers engaged in second chance hiring often face similar questions—regardless of industry or size. This meeting is built to help you:
- Learn directly from employers who are doing this work
- Hear candid stories about real barriers
- Share your own practices, wins, and challenges with peers
- Leave with at least one solution to test and new connections to support your next step
What to Expect
- Small-group peer discussions to surface what’s working and where employers are getting stuck
- Facilitated debrief and networking focused on action, accountability, and follow-through
- An employer panel featuring leaders who have implemented second chance hiring in West Michigan—and are willing to talk openly about lessons learned and missteps. Panelists include:
This is not a presentation or a one-way training. It’s a practical convening designed to help employers make real progress—together.
Event Details
Second Chance Hiring Network Meeting
📍 Cascade Engineering
📅 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
⏰ 9:30–11:30 AM
👥 Audience: Employers across West Michigan exploring, doing, or expanding second chance hiring
Whether you are new to second chance hiring, actively hiring returning citizens, or looking to strengthen retention and internal alignment, this convening is designed to meet you where you are—and help you move forward.
Questions?
Contact Carly Smyly at c.smyly@talentfirst.net.
