ACAA: A Candid Conversation on Immigration and Regional Growth

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ACAA: A Candid Conversation on Immigration and Regional Growth

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Description

What the data shows and what it means for employers in our regionImmigration isn’t a theoretical issue for employers. It’s tied directly to workforce availability, business growth, and the long-term strength of our regional economy.

This regional summit brings together business leaders, policymakers, and industry voices for a clear, data-driven look at how immigrant populations play meaningful roles in our regional workforce and economy.

Held on June 18 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Embassy Suites Akron-Canton Airport, the summit will highlight findings from a new report by the American Immigration Council and the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance.

The report breaks down where immigrant populations are contributing to our economy, operating within key industries, impacting population trends, and fillings gaps in our region’s talent pipeline.

A panel of business and policymakers will react to the findings and discuss what they mean for employers, economic competitiveness, and the region’s ability to grow.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with light breakfast, coffee, and networking available from 7:30–8:30 a.m. The program will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Speakers

Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13)

Representative Emilia Sykes

For 8 years, Emilia served as the State Representative for Ohio House District 34, otherwise known as the “Birthplace of Champions.” During that time, she served for four years in Democratic leadership, including three years as the House Minority Leader. In her first year as the leader of the House Democratic caucus, despite serving in the minority, the percentage of bipartisan bills passed in the Ohio House was nearly double each of the previous four years combined.

In 2022, Congresswoman Sykes became the first Black person elected to represent Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, where she has committed to fighting for economic opportunity, safer communities and affordable healthcare for Northeast Ohioans, bringing along a spirit of bipartisan cooperation to get things done for those she serves.

Congresswoman Sykes has received numerous awards for her advocacy, including the EMILY’s List national Rising Star award, Legislator of the Year from the Ohio Minority Business Enterprise, the Champion for Children award from Summit County Children’s Services, and 30 for the Future award from the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce. Outside of elected office she engages her community as a lifelong member of her church, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a life member of the NAACP.

Congresswoman Sykes graduated with high honors from Kent State University with a B.A. in Psychology and later went on to the University of Florida, where she earned a Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Family Law and a Master of Public Health.

Congresswoman Sykes is a newlywed, married to Kevin Boyce and enjoys spending time with family, engaging in the arts, and enjoying the many blessings of life.

Juan Avilez, State and Local Policy Associate

Juan Avilez