This month we celebrate Women's History Month and hope you can participate in the many regional celebrations. As part of these celebrations, it is essential to recognize and honor the immigrant and international women who contribute profoundly to the Cincinnati region’s economic vitality and social richness. Their entrepreneurial ventures create jobs and drive innovation, while their leadership in the nonprofit sector addresses critical issues and fosters a more inclusive community. Supporting and uplifting these women not only acknowledges their achievements but also strengthens the fabric of our entire region. 

Nationally, immigrant and refugee women make up 16% of the labor force and earn more than $280 billion. There are an estimated 1.5 immigrant women entrepreneurs in the US, meaning more than 11% of employed immigrant women in the US run their own business.  

Locally, immigrant women across southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky have established themselves as dynamic entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders, generating employment, enhancing local economies, and addressing crucial regional needs. Consider Mouna Falls’ efforts to address a critical regional need- childcare- with her new business JJ’s Playhouse Childcare and Learning Center. Also in northern Kentucky, Farduwsa Hassan is addressing critical local health needs through her business Leila Community Care. In the immigration law space, Mayra Jackson leads the Immigrant & Refugee Law Center to provide individuals with quality legal services and assist employers and organizations with the necessary knowledge to navigate current immigration policies and regulations.  

Last month, we collaborated with the Immigrant & Refugee Law Center to offer a training- the ABC’s of Immigration-  to employers and workforce development providers through a partnership with NKY Works and the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD). If you are an employer, workforce development provider, or talent acquisition specialist, and would like to learn more about compliance issues, work authorization, ways to protect your business and your employees while continuing to attract and retain immigrant and international talent, please reach out to us. 

Collectively, immigrants in the region boast a total household income of $4.1 billion, with a spending power of $2.9 billion. They contribute approximately $385 million in state and local taxes, underscoring their significant role in bolstering public services and infrastructure.