Throughout the challenges of 2025, I have found hope. All year, we have grappled with complex and shifting immigration policies. For many immigrant and international families, uncertainty has been constant. Yet in the midst of these challenges, something powerful continues to rise: people and organizations choosing collaboration over division, and community over fear. In welcoming cities, progress is built not through isolated efforts, but through trusted relationships—neighbors, service providers, businesses, entrepreneurs, educators, and advocates working side by side to ensure that newcomers are seen, supported, and valued. 

I have maintained hope this year, seeing organizations across multiple sectors come together to respond to urgent needs, expand access to resources, and create pathways for belonging. These collaborations are not just about delivering services; they are about building trust over time—listening to immigrant leaders, centering lived experience, and creating systems that work with communities, not just for them. What brings us together is the vision of a stronger, better region. 

Looking ahead to 2026, the Cincinnati region has a real opportunity to deepen its role as a welcoming hub for immigrant and international talent by growing in several key ways: 

• Expand pathways for internationally trained professionals to connect with local employers, reduce barriers to credential recognition, and creating clearer workforce on-ramps. 

• Increase support for immigrant and international entrepreneurs through access to capital, technical assistance, and community-based business incubators. 

• Strengthen cross-sector partnerships that connect education, workforce development, and community organizations so immigrant and international talent can thrive and lead.   

We know that immigrants are the key drivers of population growth in our region, that they possess $4.9 Billion in spending power to reinvest in the region, and fill crucial workforce needs in critical sectors that grow the region. We know the data; we need meaningful investment to support the strong partnerships we have to continue to welcome and retain immigrant and international talent. 

Even in a year marked by policy challenges, the collective work of this community has shown what is possible. By continuing to build trust, invest in relationships, and collaborate across differences, we can move forward as a region where everyone has the opportunity to belong and contribute. 

We invite you to reach out to collaborate:  

• Learn: Want to build your capacity to attract and retain multilingual talent? Want to make sure your services reach immigrant and refugee communities? Are you trying to make sense of the changing immigration landscape? We are happy to work with you to build strategies for welcoming and supporting immigrant, refugee, and international student talent, connecting you to many providers across the region.   

• Volunteer: Support Cincinnati Compass or one of our many partners through volunteering. Are you a part of an ERG/ARG/BRG and looking to support community members in the region? Help a jobseeker connect to professional networks and gain career guidance. Mentor a small business. Help a newcomer connect to local communities and resources.   

• Share stories of success: Are you or do you know an entrepreneur adding vibrancy to a neighborhood business district; an international student who founded a company; a rising civic leader; or an employer who understands the value of hiring multilingual talent?   

• Donate: Make a contribution to help us expand our programs in areas of civic engagement (Compass Community Council), workforce development (employer engagement and support of internationally trained professionals) and small business development (entrepreneur roundtable).