Iowa’s current unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, which is the lowest in more than a decade -- good for workers, not great for businesses. But in Mitchellville, a group of women is eager to find work. Robin Vinzant spent her Tuesday morning playing the role of a social service provider, giving central Iowa employers a glimpse into an inmate’s struggle navigating back into society.It’s a struggle Vinzant knows all too well. It’s her fourth time at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women. She’s done the re-entry process before. “No driver’s license, no car, no money,” Vinzant said. “You leave with a $100 gate fee.” And she’s preparing for those obstacles again, but this time, she’s being blunt and asking for a chance. “I have a great personality,” Vinzant said. “If I could get my foot in the door, I’m going to sell myself. But it’s getting passed that checkmark that says, ‘Have you ever committed a felony?’ Yes.”It’s that hurdle that motivated the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women and Central Iowa Works to invite potential employers to this side of the fence. “They assume the identity of an individual that has just been released from prison,” said Pat Steele, Central Iowa Works director. “With a workplace shortage we have now in Iowa, this is an opportunity for individuals to get employment.” This simulation came with a twist. “We have women that are incarcerated running the tables,” Warden Sheryl Dahm said. “You’re seeing the person’s eyes. You’re hearing them, and you’re not just gauging it on a typed resume or background check.” Businesses from various industries heard the message loud and clear. “I’ve been involved in hiring felons before, and I think having gone through this exercise and being at this summit today would allow me an opportunity to work more closely with these women,” said Kris Pruismann, with Story Construction. It inspired employers and inmates to possibly work together one day. The event Tuesday was part of re-entry awareness week. Central Iowa Works and prisons statewide have several more planned this week. A bill recently passed by the Iowa Legislature could help those inmates get trade jobs. The Senate measure would prohibit the Iowa Electrical Examining and the Plumbing Boards from denying trade licenses to felons, but it would not apply to felons convicted for violent or sexual crimes. The bill now heads to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for her signature.