Parallax Advanced Research and Ohio Aerospace Institute Lead Talent Fair to Strengthen Ohio’s Aerospace Workforce
CLEVELAND, OH — Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute led the Aerospace Talent and Resource Fair on June 13 at the International Women’s Air & Space Museum. The event was designed to engage students and young adults that are interested in aerospace careers, providing them with a glimpse of the varied possibilities within the field. The fair brought together more than 100 students, employers, educators and workforce professionals to expand opportunities in Ohio’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Planning for the event began months in advance, with Parallax/OAI playing a strategic role in organizing the fair, engaging partners across education and industry, and aligning the program with regional goals to diversify and strengthen the talent pipeline. 53 students and young adults participated, engaging directly with 11 employers and representatives from 19 education and workforce organizations. These included FlexJet, the U.S. Air Force, Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University and the National Society of Black Engineers.
“The Aerospace Talent Fair shows what’s possible when regional partners come together with a shared mission,” said Anthony Gillespie, director of Strategic and Technology Based Partnerships and Technology Transfer Office at Parallax/OAI. “This event was not just about exposure. It created real, hands-on connections that can lead to long-term careers.”
Highlights from the day included a keynote titled “Hidden Figures in Aerospace,” delivered by Alexandra Lausin, collections manager at the International Women’s Air & Space Museum, honoring the contributions of underrepresented professionals in aerospace history. The program also featured a panel on aerospace career pathways, a workshop on inclusive hiring practices, and drone demonstrations in partnership with DriveOhio and UAVistas.
Throughout the event, students were encouraged to engage directly with professionals and organizations at resource tables and hands-on exhibits. Resume coaching was provided by the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, and many students arrived independently, demonstrating a strong interest in aerospace and STEM-related fields.
This work aligns with Parallax and OAI’s broader mission to connect research, talent and innovation across sectors. Through programs such as the Aerospace Talent and Resource Fair, and their management of the Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC), the enterprise strengthens its position as a collaborative partner dedicated to inclusive economic growth.
“The event wasn’t just about aerospace—it was about opening doors,” Gillespie said. “And with continued collaboration, we can create even more of those opportunities for students across Ohio.”
To learn more about workforce development initiatives from Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute, visit: https://parallaxresearch.org/tech-based-economic-development/education-workforce-development
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About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is a private advanced research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements across Ohio and the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development. More information can be found at parallaxresearch.org and oai.org.