Hopeworks’ Second Annual H.O.P.E Summit Equips Young Adults with Skills and Opportunities for Success 

Leaders from The Campbell’s Company, Subaru, LinkedIn and more came together to advise aspiring professionals on their goals and forge new career paths

Camden, NJ, March 25, 2025 – On March 21, Hopeworks, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering young adults to establish living wage careers, hosted its second annual H.O.P.E. Summit at the headquarters of long-time partner, The Campbell’s Company. The event brought together young professionals, industry leaders and educational institutions to provide career development resources, networking opportunities and expert-led workshops aimed at preparing the next generation for success. By equipping attendees with the knowledge, resources and connections needed to thrive, the event helped to cultivate a dynamic workforce that drives economic growth and innovation.

The 2025 H.O.P.E. Summit kicked off with inspiring remarks from The Campbell’s Company President and CEO, Mick Beekhuizen, and featured interactive sessions on personal branding, cybersecurity, self-care and AI, as well as an engaging panel discussion with industry leaders, Hopeworks alumni and corporate partners. Attendees connected with professionals, including Wil Reynolds, Founder and CEO, Seer Interactive; Brian Roberts, Cybersecurity Awareness Manager, The Campbell’s Company; MG Pinizzotto, IT Director - Governance, Subaru of America; and Shar Scott, Talent Attraction Content Manager, LinkedIn. The event also included networking opportunities, complimentary headshots, mock interviews and more. 

“What an incredible experience! I had such a great time learning in such a positive environment – especially diving into cybersecurity and AI,” said Aaron Torres, a trainee at Hopeworks. “It was so cool meeting people from different departments and catching up with my Hopeworks family. Honestly couldn't have asked for a better time!” 

 “We are monumentally grateful to the industry leaders, community partners, and Hopeworks staff who came together to pave the way for prosperity for young adults by providing them with the tools and connections necessary to excel in today's competitive job market,” said Angel Serrano, Senior Director of Development at Hopeworks. “We’re thrilled to have successfully hosted our second annual H.O.P.E. Summit alongside our partners at The Campbell’s Company. The summit is more than just an event; it actively empowers young adults to seize opportunities and forge meaningful careers, while connecting them with businesses seeking fresh talent and innovation.” 

The Campbell’s Company, a steadfast Hopeworks partner for 25 years, served as the Headline Sponsor for this year’s event. Since awarding Hopeworks a foundational grant in 2000, Campbell's commitment has consistently reinforced Hopeworks’ mission to empower young adults across Camden, Philadelphia, and beyond. Together, Campbell's and Hopeworks have worked to uplift the Camden community and enrich the lives of young adults in the Hopeworks program. These collaborative efforts include skills-based volunteering, organizing professional attire drives, and hosting interview preparation sessions, all designed to equip young adults with the essential tools and confidence needed for success.

“Our team was proud to host the H.O.P.E. Summit at Campbell’s headquarters and support young professionals in Camden,” said Kate Barrett, President of The Campbell’s Foundation. “We value our longstanding partnership with Hopeworks and are inspired by their visionary work to uplift and support young people in Camden with pathways to employment and opportunity."

The event was sponsored by The Campbell’s Company, Truist, Holman, Seer Interactive, Subaru, CDW, NJM Insurance Group, and VoIP Doctors Business Telecommunications.

For more information about Hopeworks, please visit www.hopeworks.org and follow Hopeworks on Facebook, Instagram, and X.  

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About Hopeworks

Hopeworks is a social enterprise that uses technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives. Hopeworks’ unique mix of training, trauma-informed care, and real-world experience is what leads to extraordinary results. The approach, combined with high-demand, high-wage technical training and paid work experience is helping to build a workforce that can not only get the job, but keep it, transforming their lives and the lives of their families.

To provide this experience, Hopeworks runs real businesses, providing technology solutions for businesses in web design and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and trauma-informed solutions through training and consulting services with the Hopeworks Training Team. These businesses help generate over 100 jobs a year, and lead to high-wage, permanent opportunities for young adults in a growing tech industry.

Hopeworks’ unique combination has led to extraordinary results, with over 85% of young adults earning high-wage jobs at the end of their work experience with Hopeworks, and a 12-month retention rate of almost 90% at those jobs. Young adults entering Hopeworks are typically earning an average of $400 per year and after going through the training program, they have the opportunity to make a livable and comfortable wage, earning over $42,000 annually.

Media Contact:
Red Thread PR on behalf of Hopeworks 
Gillian Scott: Gillian@redthreadpr.com