2021 is an exciting year for the Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zones (MSEEZ). As military spouse unemployment skyrocketed to 38% during the pandemic, we are working hard to tackle this issue with efforts like the re-launching the Spokane MSEEZ.
The Spokane MSEEZ Working Group has quickly began working on their task of improving military spouse employment under the leadership of Jessica Kirk, from Greater Spokane Inc. whom is serving as the Chair and main point of contact for the working group.
The Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zones (MSEEZ) are focused on combating the economic impact military spouse unemployment and underemployment have on 21st century military families by facilitating collaboration between local and national employers, educational institutions, and community resources. MSEEZ build robust employment networks for military spouses and develop workforces across The United States.
MSEEZ harnesses the power of local working groups to identify unique challenges that military spouses face in each distinct location. The ultimate focus of working groups will be to hire, train, and advocate for military spouses. Hiring Our Heroes recognizes that different states and regions face different barriers; through this grassroots approach the working groups can develop tailored solutions.
The working groups also act as a network of employers and service providers that can be utilized by the local Military Spouse Professional Networks (MSPN) for career opportunities, training, and an opportunity to expand their local contacts in a new location.
In addition, Hiring our Heroes recently launched an exciting initiative, #DiscoverTheTalent, which engages employer partners to increase economic opportunity for the military spouse community. The initiative encourages businesses to support this demographic by aligning their business as a military spouse friendly employer and later sharing their success.
For more information about how to get involved please visit us online at https://www.hiringourheroes.org/employers/discover-the-talent/
