Press Releases
March 6, 2008
HARRIS ROSEN NAMED HONORARY CHAIR OF DISABILITY MENTORING DAY 2008
Hotel Mogul and Community Leader to Help Raise Awareness of Statewide Events for Students and Job Seekers with Disabilities
Harris Rosen, president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, was named honorary chair of Florida Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) 2008 by The Able Trust. Known for his commitment to ensuring the best quality in his hotels, Rosen is a community leader who is committed to family and education, as well as to those people with disabilities in Florida.
“I am honored to be the chair for the 2008 Florida’s DMD events this year,” Rosen stated. “Individuals with disabilities are a valuable asset within our industry – as associates as well as guests. We have witnessed the fine work DMD has done to assist students and job seekers with disabilities better prepare for the workplace. I am extremely pleased to take our strong commitment to this event to the next level.”
DMD is a national event held each October that allows students and job seekers with disabilities the opportunity to be mentored in career fields that interest them. As the honorary chair, Rosen will work with The Able Trust and other DMD supporters to encourage more Florida employers to participate in DMD events and open their doors to people with disabilities that are interested in getting first-hand experience in the workplace.
“Mr. Rosen was one of the first sponsors that helped us expand Disability Mentoring Day activities into a statewide endeavor. We are very excited that he is going to help us spread the word about this valuable program which works to break down barriers for people with disabilities that want to work,” said Kristen Knapp, vice president of public relations for The Able Trust and chair of the Florida DMD statewide committee.
Florida DMD activities will kick off on Thursday, October 2nd with a celebration and career fair for high school and college students with disabilities. The career fair is free to participating students and will take place at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. Employers will be invited as exhibitors to network with students throughout the event. In addition, the career fair will offer students resume and interview skills building activities, keynote sessions and workshops that address career development and other topics about preparing for the workforce.
Disability Mentoring Day will be officially commemorated across Florida and the nation on October 15, where students and job seekers with disabilities can connect with volunteer mentors at their place of business for the one-day job shadowing experience. Last year Governor Charlie Crist served as the honorary chair, and Florida was recognized as the national kick-off site for DMD by the American Association of People with Disabilities. More than 1,100 students and mentors participated in DMD in over 60 cities across the state. DMD helps students and job-seekers with disabilities develop the necessary skills and experiences they’ll need to compete in today's competitive workforce.