Beyond Getting a Job:
What's Keeping Refugees from Accessing Economic Stability?
For nonprofits and resettlement agencies, placing refugees in jobs is often treated as the finish line. But what kind of jobs are refugees getting into? This presentation draws on national survey data and in-depth interviews with resettled refugees in King County, Washington, to examine the barriers that keep refugees stuck in low-wage, precarious work, and the conditions under which programs like job training, ESL instruction, and government assistance actually help or hinder refugees' access to better employment. The main findings of the empirical study offer concrete, evidence-based takeaways for service providers and policymakers, including where the current infrastructure is leaving people behind, and what structural changes are needed to move refugees from survival jobs to lasting economic stability.
Presenter:
Mehr Mumtaz, Doctoral Candidate, College of Arts and Sciences Department of Sociology- The Ohio State University
Part of Refugee Community Building Conference ‘26
Conference Registration
Early Bird Registration: We are pleased to offer a limited number of free tickets. If you are interested, please fill out the scholarship form.
For group registration and scholarship requests, please email events@naapr.org or udita@naapr.org.
Regular Registration: Regular online registration is open from July 1 to September 1 at 5:00pm PT. The registration fee is $120 for all attendees. Register online before September 1, as online regular registration closes then.
For group registration please email events@naapr.org or udita@naapr.org.
For scholarship requests, please click the link below:
Conference Schedule
Friday, September 18, 2026
8:30-9:30 am
Registration and Breakfast
9:30- 10:15 am
Welcome, Opening Keynote, and Ethnic Entertainment
10:30 am- 12:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
12:15 pm Lunch
1:45- 3:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions
3:15- 4:00 pm
Visit the Resource Room and Networking
4:00 – 4:30
Closing Remarks & Door Prizes
Hotel and Parking
Our 2026 Refugee Community Building Conference will be held at:
Seattle Airport Marriott Hotel
3201 S 176th St, Seattle, WA 98188
On-Site Parking
The hotel offers discounted parking for $18 per day plus tax (Port of Seattle and State tax).
Parking is limited. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Valet
Daily: $41.00
Visit Marriott’s website for most accurate parking information.
Accessibility
Click here to view accessibility information on Marriot’s website
Notice of Photo and Videotaping
We will be taking photos and video throughout the conference for use on websites, in social media, and other materials. Your attendance at the conference constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded without compensation.