Cincinnati Compass

Cincinnati’s growth story is being shaped by global talent—and the data makes it clear why that matters. Over the past five years, 78% of our region’s growth has been driven by international migration, helping Cincinnati stand out as many Ohio communities face population decline. As workforce shortages rise and economic competition intensifies, attracting and retaining immigrant and international talent isn’t just important—it’s essential. New research shows regions with growing foreign-born populations see stronger job growth, higher productivity, and increased wages—benefiting everyone. Here at home, that translates to a stronger workforce, more innovation, and a more resilient regional economy. As we look ahead, one thing is clear: if we want Cincinnati to grow, compete, and thrive, we must continue investing in strategies that welcome global talent and support long-term opportunity for all. Read more in this month’s newsletter. #CincinnatiUSA #EconomicGrowth #WorkforceDevelopment #GlobalTalent #DataDriven #RegionalGrowth

The data tells a clear story: immigrants are essential to economic growth, workforce stability, and debt reduction. From health care and manufacturing to professional services and entrepreneurship, immigrants power the labor force and keep communities growing. Immigrants are essential to economic growth, workforce stability, and debt reduction, powering the labor force and keeping communities growing. Since 1994, immigrants reduced federal deficits by $14.5 trillion, consistently paying more in taxes than benefits received and helping keep public debt significantly lower than it would be otherwise. Immigration drives labor supply growth, accounting for about half of labor force growth over the past three decades. With an aging population and lower birth rates, immigrants—who are more likely to be working age—are integral to meeting workforce needs. In the Cincinnati region, 80% of immigrants are of working age compared with 62% of U.S.-born neighbors. Immigrants are also key drivers of innovation, making up a significant share of the workforce in strategic industries while contributing disproportionately to patents. In the Cincinnati region, 47% of immigrants have a bachelor’s degree or higher, though many are underemployed, highlighting the need to better utilize this talent. Together, these trends show that immigration is central to economic growth, innovation, and workforce development. By continuing to foster a welcoming region—one where people from every background can contribute, lead, and belong—we strengthen not only our economy, but the shared future we are building together. #CincinnatiCompass #Cincinnati #workforce #ecosystem #economic #enterprises #advancedmanufacturing #technology #lifesciences #business #talent #events #services

Immigrants and international students are playing an increasingly essential role in the economic trajectory of the Cincinnati region. Their impact is measurable, strategic, and directly tied to our region’s competitiveness. In 2023 alone, immigrants launched nearly 1 in 5 new businesses, contributing to growth across Main Street enterprises, advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and business services. Their entrepreneurial activity continues to create jobs and address critical workforce shortages. The data is clear: • Over half of U.S. companies valued at over $1B have immigrant founders. • Nearly two‑thirds of American unicorn companies were founded or co‑founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. • International students represent almost half of STEM master’s graduates and over half of STEM doctoral graduates—strengthening talent pipelines in industries that fuel regional innovation. Cincinnati has strong assets that position us for continued progress: a robust startup ecosystem, nationally ranked research institutions, and a growing reputation for global connectivity. To maintain this momentum, our region must remain committed to attracting and retaining global talent. Welcoming newcomers is not only a matter of values—it is an economic imperative. Talent attraction strengthens workforce stability, drives innovation, and enhances our long‑term competitiveness. As we look to the future, the question is not whether we benefit from immigrant and international student contributions. We already do. The real question is: Will we continue to invest in policies and systems that allow this talent to thrive here? A more welcoming Cincinnati is a more prosperous and resilient Cincinnati. #CincinnatiCompass #Cincinnati #workforce #STEM #ecosystem #economic #enterprises #advancedmanufacturing #technology #lifesciences #business #talent #events #services

As we move forward in 2026, our region's continued growth tells a powerful story about the vital role immigrants play in our community's prosperity. The data speaks clearly: population growth in our region is being driven by immigrants choosing to call Cincinnati home. This matters more than ever as our population ages and key sectors like healthcare need talented workers to serve our communities. The Impact: 🔸 47% of immigrants arriving hold bachelor's degrees or higher 🔸 International students contribute $270 million and support 2,500 jobs 🔸 Immigrant entrepreneurs generate nearly $166 million in annual business income 🔸 Immigration is essential for workforce growth—without it, the U.S. population is projected to shrink by 2030 With our aging population, attracting and retaining immigrant talent isn't just good policy—it's essential for our region's future. Cincinnati's strength lies in being a welcoming region that attracts top talent. That's our strategic advantage. #CincinnatiCompass #Immigration #EconomicDevelopment #Cincinnati #WorkforceDevelopment #community #growth

Finding Hope in Community: Cincinnati's Path Forward Throughout the challenges of 2025, we have found hope. All year, we've grappled with complex immigration policies, and for many immigrant and international families, uncertainty has been constant. Yet something powerful continues to rise: people and organizations choosing collaboration over division, and community over fear. Progress is built through trusted relationships—neighbors, service providers, businesses, educators, and advocates working side by side to ensure newcomers are seen, supported, and valued. The Opportunity Ahead The Cincinnati region can deepen its role as a welcoming hub by: ✓ Expanding pathways for internationally trained professionals ✓ Increasing support for immigrant entrepreneurs ✓ Strengthening cross-sector partnerships Why It Matters Immigrants drive population growth in our region, possess $4.9 billion in spending power, and fill crucial workforce needs. We know the data—now we need meaningful investment to support strong partnerships that welcome and retain talent. Join Us in 2026 🔹 Learn – Build capacity to attract multilingual talent 🔹 Volunteer – Support jobseekers or mentor small businesses 🔹 Share Stories – Highlight success stories in our community 🔹 Donate – Expand our civic engagement, workforce, and small business programs By continuing to build trust and collaborate across differences, we can create a region where everyone has the opportunity to belong and contribute. Let's build a welcoming Cincinnati together. Reach out to collaborate. #WelcomingCincinnati #Immigrant #Entrepreneurs #WorkforceDevelopment #CincinnatiCompass #CommunityBuilding #Cincinnati #Together

We value the important work of the Ohio Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs and honored they recognized our Executive Director, Bryan Wright, PhD as a Nuestra Familia Award recipient. Congratulations to all of the award recipients!

Belonging isn't just a concept—it's something we build together. Last month, we explored what belonging means. This month, we want to spotlight three Cincinnati organizations showing us what it looks like in practice. At the African Professionals Network (APNET) panel, we discussed how representation in leadership, recognition of excellence, and mentorship create pathways for people to truly belong—not as participants, but as architects of their own stories. On November 15th, Empowering Spaces hosts "Cultivating Community: Coffee, Cuisine, and Culture"—a half-day immersion designed around a powerful truth: genuine connection builds trust and empathy across differences. And Women Walking West's upcoming RISE Gala centers recognition as transformation—honoring women's skills and potential while helping them leverage their experience in their new home here. What connects these three? They're all led by community members, not for them. They create spaces for authentic encounters where people bring their full selves and find mutual respect. True inclusion doesn't happen through programs imposed on communities. It happens when we honor agency, invite real dialogue, and build together. We encourage you to engage with, learn from, and support these organizations. They're not just creating events—they're creating the conditions where belonging can take root and thrive. #CincinnatiCompass #CommunityBuilding #Belonging #Inclusion #Leadership #CincinnatiNonprofits

The Power of Belonging: Beyond Welcome to True Leadership This month, we're reflecting on what belonging truly means—especially for immigrant and international residents in our region. Belonging isn't just about feeling welcome. It's about being seen, heard, and valued for who you are and what you bring to our community. For those who've made Cincinnati home, belonging means having a voice in decision-making, access to leadership opportunities, and the power to shape our region's future. But we must ask ourselves: What are we inviting people to belong to? Who decides when and how someone belongs? Leadership That Transforms Across Greater Cincinnati, we're witnessing inspiring examples of immigrant leadership: 🌟 Entrepreneurs revitalizing business corridors 🌟 International students driving innovation and research 🌟 Community leaders serving on nonprofit boards and leading advocacy efforts When immigrants lead, they bring invaluable global perspectives, cultural fluency, and firsthand understanding of the challenges newcomers face. Their voices ensure our policies, programs, and initiatives reflect lived realities—not assumptions. The Power of Authentic Storytelling When immigrants and refugees share their own stories—grounded in lived experience and supported by data—they reveal both the human and economic impact of migration. They show us that their stories don't end with the journey here. They're here to give, innovate, create, and build alongside all of us. At Cincinnati Compass, we believe authentic storytelling is at the heart of building belonging. By amplifying immigrant voices, highlighting leadership, and sharing data-driven narratives, we create space for true understanding and collaboration. Let's commit to nurturing belonging for everyone. When every voice is valued and every story is heard, our region becomes not just more diverse—but more connected, compassionate, and strong. #CincinnatiCompass #Cincinnati #NKY #BelongingMatters #ImmigrantLeadership #CincinnatiCompass #InclusiveCincinnati #DiversityAndInclusion #CommunityLeadership

Cultivating community through authentic interactions and meaningful conversations. We are really excited about this inaugural program from Empowering Spaces and hope you can attend. The immersive half day experience is a great way to build lasting connections while enjoying and learning about coffee, culture, and cuisine. #community #conversation #food #coffee #welcoming #representation

Cincinnati Rhythm 2025: Celebrating Community, Culture, and Connection 🎵 What an incredible evening we had at our 5th annual Cincinnati Rhythm! This celebration perfectly embodied what makes our region special – the power of music, dance, and food to unite communities and build lasting connections. Congratulations to our award recipients: 🏆 Lourdes Ribera (Legacy Award) ⭐ Laura Castillo (Rising Star) 💼 Edouard Tende (Business Leader) 🤝 Koji Sado (Community Leader) The evening reinforced a fundamental truth: immigrants come here to give, innovate, and build thriving communities. Their economic impact, cultural vibrancy, and entrepreneurial spirit don't just enrich our region – they are our region's strength. Huge thanks to our cultural performers (Cultural Centre of India, Ijo Ugo, Son del Caribe), Findlay Kitchen members who shared cultures through food, and the President of the Hamilton County, Ohio Board of Commissioners, Denise Driehaus, for sharing an inspirational and timely message about the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and inherent dignity.  We left profoundly reminded of how strong our region is and how committed our community is to creating a place where all may thrive. We have the foundation to be a true choice destination for global talent. See you next year at Cincinnati Rhythm 2026! 🎉 #CincinnatiCompass #CincinnatiRhythm #Cincinnati #culture #growth #NKY #CommunityBuilding #Immigration #Inclusion #Global #Talent