City Startup Labs, Inc.

You've applied to a job, now what? Before the callback comes, there's one more step: make sure your voicemail and inbox are ready to make a good impression too!

Happy Juneteenth from City Startup Labs!

Stories of the System highlights movies and shows that expose, reflect, and challenge the justice-impacted experience. First up: Sing Sing (2024), now streaming on HBO Max.

Don’t overlook fantastic candidates. By giving people a fair chance, you can build a stronger, more diverse workforce!

One year ago, an idea became a storefront.

ReConnex opened its doors on Juneteenth 2025 as a digital device repair shop powered by people who know what a second chance is worth. Founded by City Startup Labs, owned and operated by CSL's Reentry Entrepreneurship graduates, serving the community with certified technicians who take pride in what they have built. We've got big things in store for the Charlotte community. Come along with us!

ONE YEAR IN AND WE'RE GIVING BACK!

To celebrate ReConnex's first anniversary — anchored to Juneteenth — we're offering $100 repairs for a limited time! But act fast — only 50 spots available and they are filling up FAST!

📅 May 25–31 | 📍 5430 N Tryon St, Suite 11, Charlotte
📞 Call to secure your spot with just a $20 deposit!
When you choose ReConnex, you're not just getting quality tech repair — you're supporting a social enterprise staffed by talented technicians who are returning citizens rebuilding their community. Every repair funds a mission worth believing in.
All month long we're celebrating with deals, discounts, and more — so stay tuned! 👀
[email protected] | (980) 207-4054

This August, we are launching our NEW RP Electrical Readiness Program, a 5-week workforce and pre-apprenticeship readiness cohort designed specifically for justice-impacted adults seeking long-term opportunity in the skilled trades.

Participants will develop:
- Electrical trade foundations
- Safety culture & jobsite professionalism
- Hands-on training exposure
- Apprenticeship readiness
- Workforce communication & accountability skills

This program was built to prepare participants not just for a job, but for long-term career sustainability.

- Launching August 3, 2026
- Charlotte, NC

Applications are open now. Seats are limited.

Visit our website to learn more and apply! https://citystartuplabs.com/restorative-pathways-program-overview/

Come out to the next CSL Toastmasters Club meeting!

May 27th 6:15pm
UNCC Main Campus (PORTAL building)

See you there!!

In March, we officially welcomed Barbara Ellis to the CSL Team as the REEP Program Operations Lead. A native of New York City, Barbara earned a B.A. in Commercial Art at the City University of New York. She relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2004. Her decades long career includes experience in advertising, publishing, financial services, law school admissions recruitment. Barbara is also a Fine Artist and is an active member of the Charlotte arts community. She enjoys arts & culture, travel and spending time with her husband and family. And fun fact, Barbara is the wife of our Executive Director, Henry Rock! She has been a CSL supporter since the beginning!

Shaheedah Ross, our Director of Restorative Pathways, serves up sweets from her company Good Portions Italian Ices! 🍧