Illinois jobs hiring: Conference at University of Illinois Chicago seeks to narrow racial wealth gap

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago has money on its mind: There's an event this weekend to get people living in the city in a better place financially.

This is the first year for the Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow conference at University of Illinois Chicago. It's organized by city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin.

One of the big draws is the job fair at UIC forum.

It features more than 60 financial services companies looking to hire.

Vito McCord and Angel Ugalde recently graduated from a 10-week banking program with the non-profit, the Association House of Chicago.

"There's plenty of people here and plenty of banks," Ugalde said. "I have been talking with a lot of people getting to know them."

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The event will also feature career readiness workshops, resume reviews, mock interviews and professional headshots.

The city treasurer spoke Friday morning about some of the wide disparities in the Chicago area in terms of wealth. And she said that's what this event is all about, helping families change their finances.

"The racial gap, as far as disparity of wealth is just truly unbelievable, and I feel that for me as treasurer of Chicago, my role is to help break that gap," she said.

That's one of the goals of event sponsor BMO Harris, making sure their workforce reflects the diversity of the community.

"There are a lot of people here that are hungry that are eager to succeed and showcase their skillset," said BMO Harris Bank manager David Delgado.

Recent college graduate Naomi Perry is hoping to land an accounting job.

"This is great opportunity for me to put my foot in the door," Perry said.

The event picks back up Saturday at 10 a.m. It will feature workshops and panels on financial planning, credit building, homeownership and money management.

It is free. Parking is free, as well.