WC Podcast

Lisa Burkhead, President of Cristo Rey St. Viator, and student Daniella discuss how the school’s Corporate Work Study Program gives students hands-on experience, mentorship, and essential career skills. Learn how local businesses can help empower students and strengthen Southern Nevada’s future workforce. Cristo Rey St. Viator: Official Website Corporate Work Study Program:  Learn More Explore Cor...

Adrian Rowe, general manager of Corporate Talent Development for Empire Caterpillar, and Doug Bross, training manager for Empire Machinery, share how an innovative workforce partnership is transforming the future of skilled trades. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, they reveal how the Think Big and Go Big programs are connecting K-12 education, community college, and industry t...

Olivia Diaz, Mayor Pro Tem and Ward 3 Councilwoman for the City of Las Vegas, returns to the Workforce Connections Podcast to share her journey from the classroom to public service and the vision shaping Southern Nevada's future. In this episode, Olivia discusses expanding access to education and workforce training, creating pathways to high-wage careers, and investing in opportunities that e...

 Molly Hamrick, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty and Coldwell Banker Commercial Premier, shares the inspiring journey that took her from a Las Vegas native with big dreams to one of Southern Nevada's most respected business leaders. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Molly reveals how leadership, mentorship, and a passion for helping o...

Tom Burns, executive director of Nevada's Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), and Dr. Dorian Stonebarger, deputy director of GOED, share the bold vision driving Nevada's next era of economic growth and innovation. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, they reveal how workforce development, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and strategic partner...

Christine Maddela, founder and chief executive officer of Storyville RD, shares the inspiring journey that took her from award-winning journalist to building one of the nation's leading video production companies. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Christine reveals how the power of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and workforce development are helping businesses, brands, an...

Brian Knudsen, Ward 1 Councilman for the City of Las Vegas, shares the experiences that shaped his journey into public service and the bold vision helping transform Southern Nevada's future. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Brian discusses strengthening the healthcare workforce, advancing biotechnology, fostering regional partnerships, and creating opportunities that will...

Dale Erquiaga and Caleb Cage return to the Workforce Connections Podcast for a fascinating conversation about the stories that shaped their books, the life experiences that inspired them, and the deeply personal moments that found their way onto the page. From Nevada history and Basque family legacies to military service, leadership, and the healing power of storytelling, this episode offers a rar...

Peter Guzman, president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, shares the remarkable journey that took him from humble beginnings in Las Vegas to becoming one of Southern Nevada's most influential business and community leaders. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Peter reveals how entrepreneurship, mentorship, and a passion for serving others are helping strengthen small busines...

Hector Fernandez, chief executive officer of IGT, returns to the Workforce Connections Podcast to share the remarkable journey of leading one of the gaming industry's most iconic companies. In this episode, Hector reveals how betting on yourself, embracing innovation, and building a culture of excellence are helping shape the future of IGT and the gaming industry, while also sharing his passi...

Dr. Bobbi Damrow, chief executive officer of the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, shares the remarkable journey that brought her from the manufacturing floor to the role of leading Southern Nevada’s most transformative workforce training organization. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, she reveals how hands-on training, industry partnerships, and life-changing career opportunities...

Victor Wakefield, Nevada State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Nevada Department of Education, shares the inspiring journey that took him from teaching middle school students to leading Nevada’s education system. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, he reflects on the power of education to change lives and the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy. From wo...

Leo Bletnitsky, president of Healthy Technology Solutions and longtime Workforce Connections board member, shares an incredible journey from immigrating to the United States from Ukraine to building a successful technology company in Las Vegas. From an unexpected career in IT and a near-miss with the FBI to the rise of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of work, Leo offers a fa...

Mitch Cloward, region president of Intermountain Health, shares a powerful story of leadership, compassion, and purpose in this inspiring episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast. From starting his healthcare journey as a hospital housekeeper to leading one of the region’s largest healthcare systems and helping bring Nevada’s first standalone children’s hospital to Las Vegas, Mitch reveals how...

 Scott Muelrath, president and CEO of the Henderson Chamber, shares the story behind Henderson’s explosive growth and the vision helping shape Southern Nevada’s future in this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast. From the arrival of Haas Automation and major development projects to workforce challenges, small business growth, and the rapid transformation of Henderson, Scott gives an insid...

From transforming office spaces into inspiring experiences to surviving stage four colon cancer, Karey Spransy, Vice President of Sales at Felt Right, shares a powerful story of resilience, creativity, and purpose in this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast. Through her work with Felt Right, Karey reveals how design, sustainability, and human connection can transform the way people feel i...

It starts in motion with airports, early mornings, and a relentless pursuit of purpose as Doug Cotter shares in this episode how his journey from the U.S. Army to leading a national workforce organization became a mission to change lives at scale. He reminds us that success comes down to belief, consistent action, and the power of helping people find dignity through work. Equus Workforce Solutions...

From combat zones to the heart of Nevada’s future, Caleb Cage shares a story shaped by service, leadership, and relentless purpose. In this episode, he opens up about his journey from West Point and Iraq to leading statewide initiatives and building Arc Dome Strategies, while helping drive Nevada’s lithium loop and economic transformation. It’s a powerful reminder that meaningful work, humility, a...

Two paths, one mission, and a system quietly transforming lives across Nevada. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Nevada Labor Commissioner Brett Harris and Apprenticeship Council Director Toni Giddens reveal how registered apprenticeships are opening doors to high-paying careers without debt. It’s a powerful look at how earning while learning is reshaping the future of work.  A...

Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, interim president of Nevada State University, leads a powerful story shaped by service, education, and a defining moment for Nevada’s future. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, she shares how her journey through public service, labor, and higher education led her to one of Southern Nevada’s fastest-growing institutions. She highlights efforts to expand a...

A cowboy detour, a career built from the ground up, and a leader behind one of Southern Nevada’s growing environmental consulting firms. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Kirk Stowers of Broadbent & Associates shares how an unexpected path led him to a 30-year career helping clean up and protect the environment while growing a company from a small team to more than 170 empl...

 A Las Vegas upbringing, a historic first, and a leader shaping the future of the NFL.  In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Sandra Douglass Morgan, president of the Las Vegas Raiders, shares how growing up on the east side of Las Vegas, a deep commitment to education, and the courage to bet on herself led to one of the most influential roles in professional sports. From public se...

A bold leap, a coffee shop competition, and a diner built on heart. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Mallory Gott, co-owner and CEO of Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner, shares how an unexpected career turn and a leap of faith with her chef husband led to one of downtown Las Vegas’ most beloved scratch kitchens. From winning the Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway to buildi...

Las Vegas Aces President Nikki Fargas shares the powerful journey that took her from a small town in Tennessee to the helm of one of the most successful franchises in women’s professional sports. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, she reflects on leadership, resilience, and the championship culture helping shape the future of sports in Las Vegas. Her message is simple and powerf...

From a Reno native with a business degree to Director of Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR), Christopher Sewell shares the real story behind Nevada’s workforce transformation. In this dynamic episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, he unpacks how partnership, innovation, and bold leadership transformed a once-fractured system into a nationally recognized m...