WC Podcast

Lauri Perdue, National Workforce Director, at the University of Phoenix, joins the show to talk about her upbringing in Arizona then Las Vegas where she continued her education at the University of Nevada, Reno. Lauri discusses the theory developed by the University of Phoenix of becoming a career-centric university and how it will meet the needs of the workforce on a national level with what they...

Shaundell Newsome, founder of Sumu Marketing and Trustee for the Vegas Chamber, joins the show today to talk about his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, and started his entrepreneurial care in graphic design at the age of 13. He discusses his journey to Las Vegas through the Air Force and the start of his marketing firm, Sumu Marketing. Shaundell shares the core principles and values of Sumnu mark...

Jorge Cervantes, Las Vegas City Manager and Board of Director member with the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance joins the show today to discuss his upbringing in El Paso, Texas, and how a phone call brought him to Las Vegas.  Jorge shares the details that are involved with being a city manager and the value of city parks especially during the pandemic.  He talks about the development of the Civic...

Ricardo Villalobos, Chief Program Officer at Workforce Connections, welcomes Jasmine Gibson to the first Youth Podcast. Jasmine discusses how the iFoster program has had a big impact on her life. She talks about her experience working with Dr. Tiffany Tyler-Garner and Sean Tory from the City of Las Vegas, who mentored her and gave her insight on becoming a professional. She also shares her thought...

Janet Uthman, Vice President of Cox Las Vegas joins the show today to discuss her upbringing in upstate New York when her father’s dream was to move the family to California. Her collegiate career started in finance and accounting but decided to venture in a different direction which brought her to her current career in cable tv. Janet talks about the importance of broadband internet access and ho...

Frank Woodbeck, Executive Director of Grants and Special Projects with the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) joins the show today to talk about growing up in Buffalo, NY, and his career experiences that brought him to Las Vegas. He the multitude of projects that CSN is working on to elevate the community to increase the talent pool for businesses in Southern Nevada and the CSN centers that are bein...

Jan Jones, Blackhurst, a board of directors’ member for Caesar's Entertainment, joins the show today to talk about her upbringing in Southern California and what brought her to Las Vegas. She discusses her experience as the first female mayor of Las Vegas and the humbling experience of having a school named after her, Jan Jones Blackhurst Elementary. Jan shares her thoughts on how education s...

Paul Anderson, Senior Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs for Boyd Gaming, joins the show today to discuss his career journey from starting his first computer company to his current career role at Boyd Gaming. Paul talks about the challenges of attracting and retaining employees in the workforce industry, the effects of the aging population, and the future of automation in the workfo...

Joyce Smith, Managing Director with Bank of Nevada, joins the show today to discuss her upbringing in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. She discusses the current issues her business customers face, such as limited talent pool, capital, supply chain, and inflation. Joyce highlights the impact and importance of the partnership with Workforce Connections during the pandemic with the Layoff Aversion...

Bryant Thornton, Market Vice President for Republic Services as well as a board member for the Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA, joins the show today to talk about his upbringing in Orlando, Florida, and the start of his career in waste management as a driver and now, 26 years later, a Vice President. Bryant discusses working with CCSD and Workforce Connection to create the pipeline of Commercial Drive...

Special guest host Councilman Scott Black of North Las Vegas welcomes Ryann Juden, City Manager for North Las Vegas, to the show to talk about his upbringing on a farm in Mississippi, his experience working on “the Hill” after college, and how he juggles working for five different bosses. He highlights the natural partnership with Workforce Connections that provides workforce opportunities to the...

Ryan Woodward, CEO of National Technical Institute (NTI) and Trustee of the Vegas Chamber, joins the show today to talk about growing up in Utah and his career in banking which landed him with Chase Bank and brought him to Las Vegas. He discusses the uniqueness of NTI and the advisory board of contractors created to provide what skills are necessary and needed in the industry to produce successful...

Special guest host Councilman Scott Black of North Las Vegas welcomes North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown to talk about her upbringing in North Las Vegas and becoming the first black mayor in Nevada. She discusses her family’s legacy and her perseverance to provide employment opportunities for the community by partnering with Workforce Connection through EmployNV Career and Youth Hubs. She g...

M.J. Maynard, Chief Executive Officer for the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada and newest Workforce Connections Board Member, joins the show today to talk about growing up in California, her journey to Las Vegas starting her career in the hotel industry and being recruited to the RTC.  She discusses why mobility is key to workforce development by ensuring the community g...

Justin Jones, Clark County Commissioner, joins the show today to talk about the love story that brought him to Las Vegas, where he worked in construction while in college and as a lawyer for 20 years, to his current role as a community leader. He discusses his focus on affordable housing and behavioral health for the Clark County community. He highlights his passion for workforce development and w...

Gina Bongiovi, founder and managing partner of Bongiovi Law, joins the show to discuss growing up and staying in Las Vegas, where she has built a successful law practice. She talks about the “boutique” law firm she founded that helps small businesses connect the resources available in Nevada. She highlights what a consigliere is,  what it means to be one to business owners, and shares her advice f...

Kara Jenkins, Administrator for the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC), joins the show to discuss growing up in California and her career trajectory that brought her to Nevada and NERC. She talks about her passion for diversity and the no-cost training NERC provides to prevent workplace harassment. She shares her advice to young women not to be afraid to ask questions, create boundaries, and ta...

Nada  Nasserdeen, founder and CEO of Rise Up for You, talks about her career as a performer to her current role as CEO of Rise Up for You, a professional and personal growth coaching program. She discusses what every individual needs to reach their full potential and her passion for emotional intelligence in the workplace. She highlights the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the imp...

Tamara Atkinson, President and CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, joins the show to talk about her upbringing in North Texas and what lead her to a fulfilling career in workforce development for the last 20 years. She discusses the benefits of having childcare assistance funds in the American Job Centers supporting the community in getting back to work. She highlights her new role as preside...

Kevin Schiller, Clark County Manager, joins the show to talk about his journey to his current role as the County Manager. He discusses his passion for serving people and the innovation and evolution of workforce development. He highlights the myriad of job opportunities in various occupations available to the community in Clark County.  Clark County: Employment (clarkcountynv.gov)

Kerry Bubolz, President of the Golden Knights, joins the show today to discuss his career journey to Las Vegas in sports. He talks about the growth of professional sports in Las Vegas and how they are the “golden thread” that unites our community.  Las Vegas Golden Knights: Official Vegas Golden Knights Website | NHL.com  

John Cannito, President at The PENTA Building Group, joins the show today to share his journey in construction from Buffalo, New York, to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he calls home. He talks about his contributions to various organizations as a board member and how the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) is working to mitigate the labor shortages in the construction industry in the Las Vegas Va...

Mike Barton, Chief College, Career, and Equity Officer at Clark County School District, joins the show to discuss his journey from teacher to his current role.  Mr. Barton discusses his passions: spending time with family and friends, enjoying live music, and hunting for treasures at antique and second-hand stores.  He shares how the partnership and creative collaboration with Workforce Connection...

Mike Olson, President, of Olson Precast Company, and Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) Board member, joins the show to talk about the impact his father made with his business and bringing it to Las Vegas. He highlights his 24-year coaching passion for youth football and the impact he wants for the future of the Las Vegas Valley as a member of the LVGEA.   Olson Precast Company: Olson Prec...

Special guest host Ricardo Villalobos, Ph. D., Chief Program Officer at Workforce Connections, welcomes Manny Lamarre, Senior Advisor for the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Division. Mr. Lamarre talks about how his current role focuses on the resources surrounding registered apprenticeships at the national level. He also discusses how equity, job quality, partnerships, and awareness...