About SPEAKHIRE: Building leaders
SPEAK stands for Support Prepare Empower All Kind
SPEAKHIRE develops the social and cultural capital of individuals, primarily serving those from immigrant families, to become leaders in the workforce.
Our objective is to
Support
by pooling community resources, increasing impact and stimulating community development from within
Prepare
by creating and promoting projects and programs that empower individuals from immigrant families to identify and pursue opportunities
Empower
by creating and inspiring a network of professionals to facilitate dialogue with key players who guide individuals
SPEAKHIRE Ecosystem
We bring together community resources, a network of professionals to facilitate and empower individuals from immigrant families.
Theory of Change
Increase Quantity and Quality of Relationships
Career guidance and support through innovative social capital and network development expands the circle of opportunities for individuals and forms the critical connections they need to make realizing those opportunities tangible.
Opportunity for Change
>70%
jobs are identified primarily through network connections.
45%
of those network connections are family connections (immigrant families don't have as strong connections)
>50%
of all first jobs are received through internships people hold -- but, our population of individuals do not hold these internships.
85%
of internships are identified through network connections
1:600
is the average school counselor to student ratio reach, especially in high needs schools, when the recommended is 1:250
1:250
counselor to student ratio results in an 18 point increase on each SAT section and lower ratios result in first-gen college going students applying to and accepted into more target colleges than continuing-gen peers in higher ratio schools
Why the new name?
SPEAK Mentorship to SPEAKHIRE
Individuals from immigrant families struggle with getting the skills needed to prepare for their careers. As a result, many settle for jobs they are overqualified for, earning about $30,000 or less than where they could be starting. More than 80% of internships and first jobs are landed through networks, yet only 3% of students report that counselors have any real impact on their career pathway choice. SPEAK has always been about mobilizing the next generation of workforce leaders and we’ve moved beyond mentorship to do that. We thought our name should better reflect our goal. SUPPORT PREPARE EMPOWER ALL KIND...towards economic opportunity through the connections we make, the relationships we build, and the conversations we help initiate, so our future leaders can get greater opportunities like applying to the right colleges, getting into internships, and the highest paid first job that leads to career satisfaction. We want our future leaders to get HIRED by having us SPEAK higher for them and propel them towards successful career pathways.
Partner with us to help future talent succeed
Your support helps individuals from immigrant families build the confidence.
Meet the visionaries behind SPEAKHIRE
Dedicated to empowering immigrant leaders, our passionate team works together to transform lives and build stronger communities.
SPEAKHIRE Magazine
Explore our latest issues
Latest news
Stay informed with the latest stories, achievements, and updates from SPEAKHIRE. Explore how we’re empowering immigrant leaders, celebrating successes, and making an impact in communities nationwide.
#SpeakingMyName campaign to raise awareness about importance of name
Jani (whose name is pronounced Heh-thul Jah-nee) experienced first-hand how often times people wouldn’t even try to say her name properly from an early age.
Through our activities, individuals:
develop a network of culturally responsive peers and champions- gain internship experience and learn career and leadership skills
- get a head start on the college and career process
- develop social-emotional skills and improve academic performance
- possess more self-agency
- help uplift communities
Donate today to Change a Life Forever
Your support helps individuals from immigrant families build the confidence, skills, and networks they need to thrive in the workforce. Every contribution counts.
