CHICAGO, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- To help increase the visibility of and access to diverse professionals in Massachusetts, Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (Nasdaq:IPDN) and Commonwealth Compact will host a 'Diversity Networking Conference.' The event will take place on April 30, 2014 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02199 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. EDT. There is no cost to attend and early registration offers candidates an opportunity to pre-interview with potential employers. To register, visit www.prodivnet.com/events/boston-networking-conference.

In a departure from traditional job fairs, the conference employs an innovative "professional networking" format and features guest speakers, expert advisors, and career resources for active and passive job seekers.  Recruitment leaders from companies such as Amazon, Tek Systems, Eastern Bank, Mass Electric, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Lightower Fiber Optics will participate.  Sponsors include leading diversity organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Hispanic MBA's, the Association of Black MBA's, the Asian American MBA Association, the National Association of Black Accountants, the NAACP, and the National Urban League, among others.

"Through our partnership with Professional Diversity Network, we are proactively connecting the dots for employers who believe diversity is critical to maintaining a competitive edge," said Velda McRae-Yates, interim deputy director of the Commonwealth Compact.  "When it comes to diversity in the workplace, Massachusetts has a storied history, so it's exciting to see our mission come to life through an event of this caliber."

"As we continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of our 'networking' approach, the question from employers is no longer 'why' but rather 'how' to improve their diversity efforts," said Kevin Williams, chief marketing officer, Professional Diversity Network.  "Through partnerships with organizations like Commonwealth Compact, we are empowering businesses with tools and resources to meet and ultimately exceed its diversity goals."

Although the total unemployment rate in Massachusetts improved in March, minorities continue to have higher rates of unemployment and lower median incomes.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Massachusetts added 8,100 jobs in March and the total unemployment rate dropped to 6.3 percent.

For employer and sponsorship information contact events@prodivnet.com or call 800-390-5561 ext. 105.

About Commonwealth Compact
Commonwealth Compact's mission is to establish Massachusetts as a uniquely inclusive, honest and supportive community of - and for - diverse people; to acknowledge its mixed history in this effort, and to face squarely the challenges that still need to be overcome; and to understand that the growing diversity of the state must be tapped fully in order to achieve its economic, civic and social potential.

About Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
Professional Diversity Network (PDN) develops and operates online networks dedicated to serving diverse professionals in the U.S. and providing them with access to employment opportunities. PDN offers employers who value diversity an online platform in which to identify and acquire diverse talent for their hiring needs. Headquartered in Chicago, the company owns and operates professional networking communities including: iHispano.com for Hispanic professionals, BlackCareerNetwork.com for African American professionals, WomensCareerChannel.com for women, Military2Career.com for veterans, ProAble.net for professionals with disabilities, OutProNet.com for professionals in the gay community, and AsianCareerNetwork.com for Asian professionals. For more info, visit prodivnet.com.

SOURCE Professional Diversity Network, Inc.