KRA's The Hub KRA Corporation

Welcome back for part 2 of KRA's The Hub special series recorded live at the 2024 NAWB Forum in Washington, D.C. In this episode, host Jonathan Overall continues the engaging discussions started in part 1, sitting down with influential workforce development leaders. Guests include Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director at WorkSource Montgomery, Jaime Cruz, Executive Director for Workforce Connections in Southern Nevada, Mike Fazio, Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, and Melissa Robbins, CEO of NAWDP. Building on insights from the previous episode, they dive deeper into key takeaways from the conference around this year's theme of "Forging Tomorrow's Workforce Today", share strategies for proactively preparing for the future of work, and emphasize the crucial role of continuous innovation and professional development in the evolving workforce development landscape. Be sure to listen to part 1 if you missed it!

In this special two-part series from KRA's The Hub podcast, host Jonathan Overall sits down with influential leaders in the workforce development space at the 2024 NAWB Forum conference in Washington, D.C. Hear insightful conversations with George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook County Workforce Development Board, Drew Hubbard, Executive Director of the D.C. Workforce Investment Council, and Deb Giordano, NAWB Board Member. They discuss the conference theme of "Forging Tomorrow's Workforce Today", sharing their perspectives on embracing generational change, breaking down barriers through partnerships, and the importance of intentional skilling, credentialing, and inclusion initiatives. Tune in for thoughtful reflections on the challenges, innovative solutions, and future of workforce development.

Our special guest for this episode of KRA's The Hub is Kyla Guyette, Director of Strategic Partnerships at KRA. Kyla shares her journey in the workforce development field, from her early experiences helping Hurricane Katrina victims, to her current role at KRA and on the board of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). She discusses the challenges facing the workforce development sector, the importance of aligning ecosystems, and the need for organizations to adapt to the changing landscape. As a woman in leadership, Kyla reflects on the challenges she has faced throughout her career, and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in workforce development.

This episode features a conversation with John Helton, President and CEO of CareerRise, as John discusses the critical role of workforce intermediaries in driving economic mobility and equity. He also shares insights on how CareerRise serves as both a funder collaborative and convener to support workforce development in the Metro Atlanta region. Discover CareerRise's initiatives, including industry partnerships, capacity building, and racial equity priorities. John also offers advice for leaders looking to expand their focus and partnerships to drive greater impact in workforce development.

This episode features an interview with Terrance Bowens, Program Manager for KRA, as he discusses workforce development and customer-centered design. Terrence provides background on his experience in workforce development and what drew him to the field, as well as details on the Northern Nevada region where he currently works. He outlines KRA's role as a one-stop operator facilitating connections between job seekers and employment programs and services and reveals principles of customer-centered design that shape their approach. Terrence also touches on some future goals, like enhancing systems and focusing on the aesthetic experience for customers.

Tune in for a conversation with Dawn Karber, Director of SkillsFWD and Owner of Talent Growth Group, about driving innovation in workforce development. Dawn shares tips for embracing innovation, building strong partnerships, and overcoming common barriers like fear of failure, and skills-based hiring. She also offers insights from her extensive experience in equipping leaders to be proactive change agents to prepare their organizations for the future of work.