Working Together: Collaborating for a Future-Ready Workforce

In this episode of the Working 2gether podcast, discover a thoughtful conversation with Andrew McGough, longtime workforce development leader and Executive Director of Worksystems, as he reflects on more than three decades of experience shaping Oregon's public workforce system. From the evolution of workforce boards and regional partnerships to the growing impact of artificial intelligence, remote...

In this episode of  Working Together , we sit down with Oregon State Representative Daniel Nguyen to explore his journey from the child of refugees and small business owner to a leader in the Oregon Legislature. Drawing on his experience in entrepreneurship and public service, Representative Nguyen reflects on how representation shapes policymaking, why diversity strengthens economic outcomes, and...

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, thi...

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 techno...

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 clie...

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...

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 develop...

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 insight...

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 pa...

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 kee...

In this episode of Working Together, host Ashley Espinoza sits down with Justin Yuen, Founder and CEO of Grouptrail, to discuss how technology is helping connect students with workforce opportunities across Oregon. From its beginnings with Portland Public Schools in 2017 to its current state-wide impact, Grouptrail has evolved into a comprehensive platform that helps track work-based learning expe...

Tune in for a conversation with Tamar Jackson, Senior Community Engagement Director with WorkForce Central in Washington state, about authentic leadership in workforce development, the evolution of DEAI initiatives, and Tamar's innovative "Collaboration for a Cause" events. Tamar shares insights from his journey in the trades to workforce development, emphasizing the need for genuine community eng...

This episode features a conversation with Jennifer Richardson, owner of Richardson Media as she discusses storytelling and media engagement in promoting workforce development initiatives. Jennifer, a former journalist turned media company owner, shares experiences collaborating with workforce boards and educational institutions to highlight programs like Team Oregon Build and Nurturely. The conver...

Tune in as Working Together podcast host Ashley Espinoza sits down with Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). Brad discusses the changing landscape of work, including the impact of technology and remote work on talent acquisition and business competition. He also highlights NAWB's efforts to support workforce boards through leadership develop...

In this episode, we explore Oregon's approach to the childcare crisis. Host Ashley Espinoza interviews Holly Mar-Conte, Child Care Sector Strategist, about efforts to apply sector strategy to child care. Holly discusses how the pandemic sparked collaboration between workforce boards, employers, and organizations. She shares information on employer toolkits, apprenticeship programs for early childh...

This episode features a conversation with Andy Owens, CEO of A&M Transport. Andy discusses the importance of sector partnerships in the transportation industry, focusing on how collaboration between businesses, workforce boards, and educational institutions can address challenges like driver shortages. He also shares his journey of getting involved with workforce boards and the impact of sector pa...