KC job fair explores how AI can be a tool for women job seekers, not another workforce threat

For women competing within today’s hiring landscape — an environment riddled with opportunities and challenges linked to artificial intelligence — it’s critical to master cutting-edge job application tools, said Erin Cole.

“It’s about accessibility,” said Cole, chief development officer for Women’s Employment Network (WEN), a partner of the OneKC for Women alliance. “WEN is built on meeting a client where they’re at. We see AI as a potential benefit, but it also could be a barrier.”

Erin Cole, Women’s Employment Network (WEN)

Presented through a partnership with Jobscan (a leading AI-powered job search platform), WEN’s AI-driven KC Job Fair is set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center.

The event is expected to feature job opportunities, employer connections, and education on how WEN is using AI to support job seekers all while helping employers find qualified talent more efficiently, according to the organization.

It’s all about leveling the playing field for job seekers who might be intimidated by the latest technology, said Cole.

“We have clients who come to us that AI is not even on their radar,” she continued. “So even that exposure is so important. And depending on where our client is at in their journey, there’s a lot of concern and fear with AI, which I don’t think is necessarily unfounded. But I think we can be a helping hand to help introduce the topic and then see if they’re interested in learning more. We need to be there to ensure that access and equity to our clients.”

WEN — which has been committed to supporting individuals in their employment journeys through professional development, career coaching, and networking opportunities for more than 38 years — is the only nonprofit organization in Kansas City offering the job search platform to its clients for free. 

The Women’s Employment Network offices in Westport; courtesy photo

“At Women’s Employment Network, we are always looking for innovative ways to meet our clients where they are and prepare them for where they want to go,” said Sherry Turner, WEN president. “AI is transforming the hiring process, and it’s critical that the women we serve are not left behind. By integrating tools like Jobscan into our programming, we’re giving our clients a competitive edge — empowering them to present their skills with confidence and clarity in an evolving job market.”

Amy Coleman-Miller, Women’s Employment Network (WEN)

Jobscan’s innovative technology helps job seekers tailor their resumes to match employer expectations by analyzing job descriptions and identifying key skills and keywords, noted Amy Coleman-Miller, WEN digital workshop coordinator.

“By aligning their resume with a job description, job seekers can better target the role and improve their chances of getting past ATS (applicant tracking system) filters — so their resume actually makes it into the hands of a real person,” she explained. “So often, people send out dozens of applications and never hear back. It’s crickets — and what they don’t realize is that their resume may never have been seen by a human being.”

Then through workshops, WEN clients will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with basic AI tools at their own pace, said Coleman-Miller, who has a background in AI. The organization also plans to expand the workshop offerings in the future.

“Our goal is to give people access to the tools and resources they need to take control of their careers,” she continued.

“I don’t think women are afraid of technology — it’s just been a male-dominated field for so long that many women don’t feel like it’s something they can jump into,” she added. “That’s why it matters to have a supportive, women-centered space like WEN. We’re mindful of the time people have to learn something new and the different ways we all learn. We work hard to keep the door open to as many opportunities as possible.”