City of Tulsa

Tulsa Professional Connector Program

About the Program

The Tulsa Professional Connector program is a program of the City’s Tulsa’s New Tulsans Initiative that is helping our city have a more robust, diverse, and inclusive workforce. The Tulsa Professional Connector program is a unique and innovative workforce development initiative to support the growth and development of a more highly skilled workforce and foster connections between immigrants and long-term residents.

Tulsa Professional Connector program is a simple, effective, no-cost referral process that puts internationally skilled immigrants in touch with highly networked individuals and professionals. Through these connections, internationally trained immigrants connect to the local workforce, build their professional network, and settle more successfully in our community. This informal networking session between the “Connectee” and “Connector” is as simple as having a cup of coffee and a chat, and then the Connector commits to making three referrals within their network. As a result, a Connectee’s professional network is expanded and through one-on-one meetings, the Connector and Connectee discover opportunities together.

How Does it Work?

Tulsa Professional Connector program helps internationally skilled immigrants (CONNECTEES) to build their network in just 3 simple steps:

Match: You will be matched with a Connector. Once the connection has been made, you'll receive an introduction email to set up a meeting with your Connector in-person, online, or over the phone.

Connect: You will meet with your Connector for 45 to 60 minutes in-person or online to discuss industry trends, skills and areas of expertise, related news, and current market demands.

Refer: Your Connector will refer you to a minimum of three people in their network. These referrals may be other potential employers or influential leaders within their industry.

If you have questions or need additional information, please email Tulsa Connectors.

Become a Connector

If you would like to help newcomers access career opportunities and contribute to making Tulsa a more inclusive and welcoming city, please consider becoming a Connector.

Toolkit for Connectors

Connector Application Form

Who Should be a Connector?

Connectors are successful professionals with well-established professional networks within the community and Tulsa area, who:

Know large numbers of people
Enjoy making introductions and connecting people
Are effective communicators and can give supportive and constructive feedback
Have a desire to support immigrants and refugees in Tulsa with building their network

What is the commitment?

As a Connector you commit to:

Meet with a Connectee for an informational session for at least 45 - 60 minutes.
Listen, ask questions, and share knowledge of current market demands and the skills that are required for a career in your field
After meeting with a Connectee, introduce them to three other relevant contacts in their industry of interest, essentially helping them with creating a basic professional network.

What are the benefits of being a Connector?

By getting involved in the Tulsa Professional Connector program you are opening doors for newcomers and helping them succeed and stay in Tulsa. By becoming a Connector, you will also benefit from:
Building brand awareness about your organization
Making TULSA a more welcoming and diverse community and contributing to talent retention
Growing your own network as well as demonstrating you are an industry leader and professional by sharing your knowledge and expertise.

Become a Connectee

If you are a newcomer to Tulsa region and have training, an educational degree, or credential earned outside of the United States, you are eligible to be a Connectee.

Toolkit for Connectees

Conectee Application Form

What are the benefits of becoming a Conectee?

Better understanding of your career sector, field of interest, and the local job market
Practice sharing details about your experience and expertise
Receive Valuable feedback about your job search strategy and career path
Build a professional network by connecting with local businesses and professionals of your perspective fields

Who can participate?

Internationally skilled and trained immigrants in Tulsa.
Eligible to work in the U.S.
Living or working in Tulsa
Conversational English proficiency
Have training or education from outside of the U.S.
Identify as an immigrant, refugee or international college graduate
Have a LinkedIn profile or a resume

Tulsa Professional Connector Program Partners List

ESL at TCC

ESL@TCC is dedicated to assisting you in improving your American English skills and gaining the necessary skills to thrive in both college and the workforce. We believe in fostering a holistic approach to education, and our services are designed to support you in every aspect of your academic and personal development.

inTulsa

Meet inTulsa! We connect innovative companies with diverse talent to grow Tulsa into a vibrant and inclusive community.

ACT

Afghan Community in Tulsa was founded in 2023 to bring together Afghans living in Tulsa, ensuring they are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their ethnicity, race, religion, gender, or language. Our community embraces the rich traditions and cultures of both the United States and Afghanistan. We are dedicated to uniting Afghans in Tulsa by addressing their social and cultural needs.

TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)

TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at Tulsa Community College helps eligible students overcome barriers to higher education across all colleges and universities. We provide guidance and support to students who are traditionally underrepresented in college, including recent immigrants with FAFSA eligibility. Our services include:

Navigating the college application process: We assist students with exploring college options, completing applications, and understanding admission requirements.
FAFSA assistance: We provide step-by-step guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and understanding financial aid options.
Scholarship search and application support: We help students identify and apply for scholarships to fund their education.
Academic advising and career counseling: We offer guidance on choosing a major, developing study skills, and exploring career paths.

EOC is committed to empowering recent immigrants and helping them achieve their educational and career goals, regardless of the college or university they choose.