Working Together: Collaborating for a Future-Ready Workforce

Oregon Workforce Partnership
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Welcome to The Working Together Podcast, hosted by one of Oregon's local workforce development board directors, Ashley Espinoza, and powered by the Oregon Workforce Partnership. Every episode is thoughtfully curated to shine a light on the good work being done across Oregon's nine regions—from the mountains to the coast—showcasing workforce innovation, economic growth, and the complexities shaping our communities. Stay inspired as we highlight powerful partnerships and transformative initiatives driving Oregon's future.

  1. APR 29

    E14: Clean Slate, Fresh Start: Transforming Lives After Incarceration

    Discover how innovative expungement programs are transforming lives and strengthening communities in this episode of Working Together. You'll learn how Clean Slate Clackamas is breaking down barriers for individuals with criminal records, creating pathways to employment, housing, and self-sufficiency. Through partnerships between workforce boards, legal advocates, and community organizations, this conversation explores the power of second chances, the importance of access to justice, and why investing in these programs benefits not only individuals but entire communities. Tune in to hear real-world success stories and gain insight into how collaborative solutions are shaping a more inclusive future.

    24 min

  2. MAR 30

    E13: Collaboration and Innovation in Workforce Development: A Conversation with Jaime Cruz

    In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Cruz, Executive Director of Workforce Connections, Southern Nevada's Local Workforce Development Board. Jaime shares his insights on the vital role collaboration plays in workforce development, discussing how partnerships between businesses, education, and community organizations drive effective solutions. He dives into the transformative potential of technology in upskilling workers, highlights the importance of soft skills, and explores the future of workforce development in a rapidly changing landscape. Tune in for a conversation full of practical strategies and inspiring ideas for shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

    22 min

  3. FEB 24

    E12: From Expert to Coach: Reimagining Workforce Development Services

    Tune in for a conversation with Tiffany Grimes, founder of Empower Coaching and Training, as she discusses bringing coaching methodologies to workforce development. Tiffany, with 16 years of experience in the workforce sector, discusses how her organization helps workforce professionals and job seekers develop "soft skills" that account for 75% of job success. The discussion covers empowering clients through coaching rather than consulting or advising, the neuroscience behind behavior change, and how this approach prevents burnout among workforce professionals while creating employment outcomes for job seekers. Tiffany also shares her partnership with the Oregon Employment Training Association (OEDA) and her mission to "infiltrate workforce development with coaching" to create human-centered employment services.

    26 min

  4. FEB 24

    E11: Embracing AI and Automation: How the Rogue Workforce Partnership is Transforming Operations

    In this episode, we are joined by Heather Stafford, the CEO and President of the Rogue Workforce Partnership. Heather shares her unique perspective, having come from a background in the private sector and startups. She discusses how the Rogue Workforce Partnership has embraced innovation and technology to transform their operations, from automating administrative tasks to leveraging real-time data analytics. She also delves into the evolving workforce landscape in the Rogue Valley, highlighting the region's shift from forestry to emerging sectors like healthcare, transportation, and small manufacturing. Additionally, she explores the potential impact of AI and automation on the future of work, and how the Rogue Workforce Partnership is preparing their community for these technological advancements.

    23 min

  5. JAN 10

    E10: From Incarceration to Integration: Oregon's Collaborative Approach to Workforce Development

    In this conversation, we explore an innovative partnership between the Oregon Department of Corrections, the Oregon Employment Department, and the Oregon Workforce Partnership. Hear from Amy Bertrand, the Reentry and Release Administrator for the Oregon Department of Corrections, as she shares the inspiring story of how these organizations came together to provide community-based workforce development services inside correctional facilities. Learn about the challenges overcome, the grant funding secured, and the ambitious plans to scale this program statewide. You'll also discover how this collaborative effort is transforming the reentry process, empowering incarcerated individuals, and strengthening communities across Oregon.

    18 min

  6. JAN 10

    E09: Redefining Workforce Development: Lessons from the Center for Workforce Excellence International

    In this episode, host Ashley Espinoza interviews Walter Simmons, the founding CEO of Employ Prince George's and Principal Consultant of the Center for Workforce Excellence International. They discuss the critical role of workforce boards, the philosophy of workforce development as economic development,  and Walter's forecasts for the future of the workforce system. Tune in to hear valuable insights and practical advice for workforce practitioners looking to maximize their impact and support their local communities.

    31 min

  7. 12/11/2024

    E08: Bold Solutions: Everyone Village's Innovative Approach to Homelessness

    In this episode we are joined by Pastor Gabe, founder of Everyone Village, an innovative emergency shelter in Eugene, Oregon, who shares his remarkable journey from professional logger to homeless services advocate. Pastor Gabe describes how he transformed 4 acres of donated land into a thriving community of 70 tiny homes, highlighting Everyone Village's relationship-focused approach and unique partnerships, including a successful program with high school students building shelters. The conversation explores how treating unhoused individuals with dignity - from providing marble showers to offering meaningful workforce development opportunities - has created positive outcomes for both residents and the broader community.

    27 min

  8. 12/11/2024

    E07: Data with Purpose: How Numbers Drive Community Change

    Join us for a conversation with Dr. Christopher Laney, Vice President of Government Affairs and Partnerships at Lightcast. Dr. Laney reveals how data shapes workforce development as he shares insights on analyzing workforce shortages, substance abuse, incarceration, and housing challenges. You'll also discover how workforce boards can use data to move from reactive to proactive planning, while keeping community partnerships at the heart of local solutions.

    26 min
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About

Welcome to The Working Together Podcast, hosted by one of Oregon's local workforce development board directors, Ashley Espinoza, and powered by the Oregon Workforce Partnership. Every episode is thoughtfully curated to shine a light on the good work being done across Oregon's nine regions—from the mountains to the coast—showcasing workforce innovation, economic growth, and the complexities shaping our communities. Stay inspired as we highlight powerful partnerships and transformative initiatives driving Oregon's future.

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