WC Podcast

Chef Jeff Henderson, the founder of the Chef Jeff Project, discusses his journey from incarceration to his career as a successful chef and mentor. He also talks about his passion project, The Chef Jeff Project, which has positively influenced system-impacted youth in the Las Vegas Valley.  Chef Jeff Project: HOME | Chefjeffproject (thechefjeffproject.org)

Robbie DeBuff and Malik M.L. Williams, Project Coordinators at Workforce Connections, discuss their journey into workforce development.  They highlight the new Industry Sector Partnerships in Southern Nevada and the upcoming job fairs designed around them.   Employ NV Business Hub: https://employnvbusinesshub.org/  

Marchele Sneed, Employment Security Division Manager, and Ben Daseler, Program Specialist with Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR), talk about the new EmployNV Business Hub and the five locations across Clark County valley. They are designed to serve small or large businesses as their one-stop shop for employment needs at no cost.   EmployNV Business Hub: Employ NV...

Elisa Cafferata, Director of Nevada’s Department of Training, Employment, and Rehabilitation (DETR) discusses talks about the partnership with Workforce Connections and the growing collaboration with the EmployNV Business Hub located at Sahara West Library, focused on assisting employers and people with disabilities in the southern Nevada region, as well as with the Clark County School District (C...

Special guest host Ricardo Villalobos, PhD., Chief Programming Officer with Workforce Connections, welcomes his guest, Mike Yoder, Workforce Development Manager with the Department of Health, and Human Services (DHSS), Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS). Mike talks about his growth with DWSS and his passion for assisting people to reach their goals. He also discusses the significan...

Dale Erquiaga, Acting Chancellor of the Nevada System for Higher Education, talks about the fascinating career history in education and government that has led him to his new role. He also discusses his passion for making education available to Nevadans in all modalities.    Nevada System for Higher Education (NSHE): NSHE (nevada.edu)  Dale Erquiaga’s Contact Information: chancellor@nevada.edu  

Derek Parent from Movement Mortgage discusses his journey to Las Vegas and his podcast career. He also talks about Movement Mortgage's contribution to the Las Vegas Community through various business and philanthropic ventures and the Vegas Chamber DC Fly-In Event.  Movement Fitness https://movementfitnesslv.com/  Movement Mortgage https://movement.com/ Derek Parent’s Contact Information: Hom...

Special guest host Malik Williams welcomes his guests, Yvette Bayless, Project Director for the One-Stop Career Center, and Joe McClintock, Business Services Manager for the Employ NV Business Hub. They discuss their transition to Las Vegas from New Mexico. They highlight their journey and passion for workforce development and all of the services available to the community and businesses in Southe...

Lisa Levine, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation (GOWIN) discusses her career trajectory to her current role as executive director. The innovative partnerships with Workforce Connections, CSN, and other community partners for the SANDI Grant, a federal grant from the Department of Education, provide opportunities for training in specific occupations for the Southern...

Dave and Monica Pappas are the founders and owners of Fingerprinting Express. They discuss the concept of "Culture to Care" and the services they provide in their locations in Northern and Southern Nevada. They also discuss the importance of upskilling their employees.  Fingerprinting Express:   https://www.fingerprintingexpress.com/ For more information on how to upskill your employees,...

Bo Bernhard, PhD., talks about the Harry Reid Tech Research and Technology Park, which houses the innovative Black Fire Innovation Centre. It is designed to convene multiple partners to drive, foster, and execute technologies that are making the hospitality sector better, like the Purlin Bed Sheets that do not use water to be cleaned. Dr. Bernhard also discusses the Fun Economy being contributed b...

Lisa Patt McDaniel, CEO of the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio visits Workforce Connections. She shares her perspectives on high-performing workforce boards across the country and the labor market post-pandemic. Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio: Workforce Development (wdbco.org)

Guest host, Shawonda Nance, Program Manager at Workforce Connections welcomes Neosha Smith, Program Director, and John Kirtley, Program Coordinator/Trainer WIOA Program from Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP). They discuss their work with justice-involved youth, including the model’s success and recidivism rate.  Youth Advocate Program. Inc. (YAP): YAP Home (yapinc.org)  

Guest host Robbie DeBuff, Project Coordinator at Workforce Connections welcomes Forrest Lewis, Director of the North Las Vegas Library District. They discuss the partnership between both agencies and the positive impact for jobseekers and businesses through increased access to American Job Centers in North Las Vegas.  North Las Vegas Library: http://www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/library/...

Dr. Lonnie Wright shares his journey through UNLV basketball, higher education, and his passion for helping the re-entry population reach their potential. His Hospitality International Training (HIT) school has added a new workforce development initiative with the Jim Marsh Automotive Group. It aims to grow the pipeline of skilled mechanics in Southern Nevada.  Hospitality International Training:...

Marcel Schaerer, Deputy Director of Nevada’s Department of Business and Industry, talks about “The Roadmap”, a resource tool on his agency’s website, which contains information on how to start a business in Nevada. Hear about the Small Business Resource Center, developed to coordinate efforts among partners that will provide counseling, training, and workshops to businesses.    Nevada Department o...

Guest host Jeannie Kuennen, Program Manager at Workforce Connections, welcomes Stacy Smith, Executive Director of Nye Communities Coalition. They discuss the 20-year impact of workforce development programs offered through Nye Communities Coalition. Hear about initiatives helping communities thrive in Nye and Esmeralda counties. Nye Communities Coalition:   Nye Communities Coalition | NyECC | Pahr...

Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President of Nevada State College discusses the new, exciting, and rapid growth of Nevada State College. This includes the new Glenn and Andy Christensen Education Building, which houses education programs. She highlights the importance of convening the talent development ecosystem and aligning it to our economic development efforts.  Nevada State College: Home | Nevada State...

 Keith Whitfield, President of the University of Nevada Las Vegas shares his professional journey in higher education and his vision for a sustainable workforce development pipeline in Southern Nevada. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV): University of Nevada, Las Vegas (unlv.edu)

Hugh Anderson, Managing Director at Hightower Las Vegas and member of the Workforce Connections Board and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, discusses the importance of aligning state and local talent development. Hightower Las Vegas: Financial Advisors in Las Vegas, NV | Hightower Las Vegas

Guest host Mary Beth Sewald, Workforce Connections Board Member and President & CEO of the Vegas Chamber is joined by Michael Feder, Chair of the Vegas Chamber. They discuss the upcoming DC Fly-In, an exciting annual event in partnership with the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. Vegas Chamber: Vegas Chamber - Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance: LVGEA - Las Vega...

Special guests, Adam and Felicia from the new Employ NV Youth Hub at the West Charleston discuss the grand opening happening on August 4th. They highlight resources available in the hub and share info on the multiple access points available for Youth to connect with resources and discover career pathways  Employ NV Youth Hub: Employ NV Youth Hub | Website

Special guest host,  John “Jack” Martin, Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice Services, welcomes Dr. Tiffany Tyler-Garner, Executive Director at the Children’s Advocacy Alliance, to talk about her journey from childhood in a rural small town in Louisiana to growing up in South Central Los Angeles, California; how her role model pushed her to focus on her education and the impact that mot...