On Thursday, February 29, 2024, community members, business leaders, and advocates gathered at the Radisson Hotel Cedar Rapids for the Catherine McAuley Center’s second annual Immigration & Business Luncheon. The event highlighted the vital contributions of refugees and immigrants to our community, workforce, and local economy, celebrating their resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and the rich cultural diversity they bring to the region.
Morning Educational Session
The day opened with an Educational Session featuring two impactful panels. The first panel brought together employers who have successfully integrated refugees and immigrants into their workforces, demonstrating the business advantages of embracing diversity and inclusion. The second panel gave voice to refugees and immigrants who shared their personal journeys and experiences navigating employment in the United States. These discussions provided a powerful opportunity to understand the challenges and successes of integrating into the U.S. workforce and underscored the value that immigrants bring to the local economy.
Luncheon & Awards Ceremony
Following the morning session, the Luncheon & Awards Ceremony celebrated individuals and organizations for their contributions to the local workforce and whose efforts have supported and uplifted refugees and immigrants in our community.
Dr. Dau Jok, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for West Des Moines Community Schools, delivered an inspiring keynote address. A passionate advocate for equity, Dr. Jok is the founder of the Dut Jok Youth Foundation, which has empowered over 2,100 youth in South Sudan and beyond. His leadership in education, community development, and diversity continues to inspire positive change across Iowa and internationally.
Celebrating the 2024 Immigration & Business Awardees
Congratulations to the recipients of the Catherine McAuley Center’s 2024 Immigration & Business Awards! We are proud to celebrate these outstanding individuals and organizations whose talent, leadership, and dedication have significantly enriched our community and strengthened our workforce.
EMERGING EMPLOYEE AWARD
Gloire Sabwira, Case Manager, Catholic Charities
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADER AWARD
Aminata Taylor, Founder & CEO, Tailored Tax and Accounting
WELCOMING WORKPLACE AWARD: SMALL COMPANY
Hoover Community School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
WELCOMING WORKPLACE AWARD: LARGE COMPANY
Whirlpool Corporation, Middle Amana, Iowa
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this event possible! Your generous support has created a meaningful platform to honor the contributions of refugees and immigrants in our community and workforce, fostering engaging conversations and building valuable connections between the Catherine McAuley Center and the broader community.
Presenting Sponsor
Participating Sponsor
Keynote Address Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Table Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsors
David Maier, Cedar Rapids City Council
Jan & Mark Watson
Hands Up Communications
Hanna Plumbing & Heating
ImOn Communications
Sister Shari Sutherland, RSM
Sisters of Mercy
UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids
Van Meter Inc.
KCRG-TV9 Show You Care
Mercy Medical center
