Southeast Texas Works!

In Part 1 of Southeast Texas Works conversation with Hardin County Commissioner Chris Kirkendall, we discuss economic development, commerce, and how Silsbee ISD Career and Technical Education is helping prepare the workforce of the future for in-demand and promising career opportunities.

Dr. Janeal White from Southeast Texas Coalition for the Homeless joins the show to talk about the issue of homelessness in our area. Dr. White's organization, a community services division of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission, connects community organizations that provide services and aid for the homeless and collects local data on the homeless population, which can be a difficult t...

Raquel Ochoa and Erika Banda Meza of the Hispanic Business Association of Southeast Texas join the show to talk about the needs and accomplishments of Hispanic businesses in our area. Their organization strives to uplift Spanish-speaking employers and entrepreneurs, educate them, and provide tools for growth. The two sisters also share their personal stories of how they became successful entrepren...

Justin Cooper and Trey Berryman of the Southeast Texas Building and Construction Trades Council join the show to talk about apprenticeship programs in the skilled trades. With more than $54 billion in current projects and long-term investments, skilled workers are in-demand in Southeast Texas and apprenticeship programs can be the pathway to a rewarding career. For more information, visit  https:/...

Texas Department of Public Safety Sgts. Grant Belvin and Shana Clark join the show to talk about careers in law enforcement, including what it takes to become a Texas State Trooper. Forensic science and other careers at DPS are also discussed. For more information about careers at Texas DPS visit https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/human-resource-operations/texas-department-public-safety-careers

Texas Workforce Commission Economist William Lutz joins the show to give an economic overview and jobs forecast for the Southeast Texas area. Mr. Lutz also discusses the effect of COVID and the Southeast Texas industry mix on the unemployment rate and how youth can use labor market information to help them make a career choice. For more information about the Labor Market and Career Information fro...

In this episode of Southeast Texas Works! we're joined by a panel of three special guests from TotalEnergies, Medical Center of Southeast Texas, and the Port of Port Arthur. Their companies participated in the Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Teacher Externship Program in June 2022. The goal of the weeklong program is to educate teachers about in-demand jobs in these industries. For more inform...

LaCharlee Kelly, Welding Instructor at Beaumont Independent School District, joins the show to discuss women in welding, an industry that has historically been male-dominated. As a female welding instructor, Kelly serves as a role model for young women at BISD by encouraging them to consider the skilled trades as a career. Kelly also discusses pathways to become a welder, why she decided to enter...

Deborah Tomov, Executive Director of Family Services of Southeast Texas, joins the show to discuss how domestic abuse can act as a barrier to employment. Deborah discusses the services that her non-profit provides to combat the issue. For more information about FSSETX, visit  https://westrengthenfamilies.org . If you are a victim of domestic abuse, call the 24-Hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Ass...

In Part 2 of Southeast Texas Works interview with Nakisha Burns, Public and Government Affairs Manager at ExxonMobil, Nakisha shares her path to success, which she describes as a "nontraditional journey." Nakisha's powerful story details how she overcame poverty as a child growing up in Houston, the death of her mother, and how her education and faith helped her emerge as a key leader in the petro...

Nakisha Burns, Public and Government Affairs Manager for ExxonMobil, joins the show to talk about the Beaumont refinery's BLADE expansion project and various community outreach efforts the company hosts including its 409 Energy Scholars and Introduce a Girl to Engineering programs as well as supporting Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Youth Career Expo and Teacher Externship initiatives. For mo...

Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg, Southeast Texas Workforce Development Board Chair and Vice President of Get Recovery, joins the show to talk about youth services – including our Youth Career Expo, Education Outreach Program, Teacher Externship Program and more. For more information visit  https://youth.setworks.org/  

Lamar University President Dr. Jaime Taylor joins the show to talk about his vision as the 16th president of LU. Dr. Taylor discusses plans to renovate the Mary & John Gray Library, the new vision for the university's CICE building, how the university intends to grow its nursing program to support an increased need for registered nurses in Southeast Texas, among other topics. For more information...

Orange County Judge John Gothia joins the show to talk about new construction projects and jobs in the county. Judge Gothia also discusses hurricane season and the levee project, the school bus driver shortage, and fun things to do in Orange County. For more Orange County news and events visit  https://sliceoforangecountytx.com/

Beaumont ISD Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen joins the show to talk about how BISD works to prepare Beaumont youth for college and careers in the workforce. She also discusses BISD's new maritime program, how she became a superintendent, how the school district dealt with COVID, and the Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Youth Career Expo, among other topics. For more information about Beaumont...

Claire Jackson, Social Responsibility and Community Affairs Manager at Motiva and Industry of Southeast Texas (ISET) representative, talks about how ISET works with education and workforce partners to introduce petrochemical careers and pathways to area students. Claire also talks about the Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Youth Career Expo and ISET's Women in Industry initiative. For more info...

Beaumont Mayor Robin Mouton joins the show to talk about city development along the Neches River and her vision for downtown to become the Crown Jewel of Southeast Texas and a magnet for attracting new residents. She also discusses recreational improvements in the city and her grandmother's impact on her life. website:  https://beaumonttexas.gov/

Katie Celli, from Industrial Safety Training Council, talks about how ISTC continues to act as a crucial gateway to the petrochemical industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Katie  also talks about her new role as executive director of the Golden Triangle Business Roundtable and her side gig as singer for local band 3CG. Contact Information:     katie .celli@istc.net ; katie.celli@gtbr.org; website...

Lauren Bebeau, from SETX Foodies and Favor Delivery, talks about needs, inclusion and diversity, trends, and exciting upcoming events related to the restaurant industry. Contact Information:  Lauren@passionprgroup.com   website:  www.facebook.com/SETXfoodies  For more information about tickets to Taste of the Triangle, visit  www.sara-tra.com

Texas Workforce Commissioner Aaron Demerson joins the show to talk about TWC programs available to help employers train and attract skilled workers. The Governor's Cup award and Texas's resurging economy are also discussed.  Contact Information: TWC Employer Hotline (800) 832-9394 website:  https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/efte/especially-for-texas-employers.html

Jessica Hill, Executive Director of the Orange County Economic Development Corporation, joins the show to talk about new construction projects in the Orange County area and the jobs they are expected to create. Youth retention in the Southeast Texas workforce is also discussed. Contact Information: Orange County EDC (409) 883-7770, website:  https://orangecountyedc.com/

Rachel Grove, Assistant US Attorney with the Department of Justice Eastern District of Texas, joins the show to talk about programs available through the Jefferson County Bar Association and Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas that give re-entrants a second chance to earn a living. Contact Information: Jefferson County Bar Association (409) 835-8647, website:  https://www.jcba.org/

Greater  Port   Arthur   Chamber  President/CEO Pat Avery joins the show to talk about the millions of dollars in construction projects and plant expansions and their impact on the  Port   Arthur  economy and labor force. She also discusses the Soft Skills Gap that employers are facing when bringing in new workers. Contact Information: Greater  Port   Arthur   Chamber  of Commerce (409) 963-1107,...

Sharita Gardner from the  Port   of   Port   Arthur  joins the show to talk about how the  Port   of   Port   Arthur  drives economic activity in Southeast Texas, how the  port 's Camp Seaport program introduces area youth to the maritime industry, and the  port 's expansion. Contact Information:  Port   of   Port   Arthur  (409) 983-2011, website:  https:// port pa.com/

Jo Ikard, District Supervisor - Gulf Coast, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), joins this SPECIAL EPISODE for VETERANS, ahead of Veterans Day.  Ms. Ikard, a USMC vet, talks about how the TVC helps veterans transition from military to civilian life. Contact information: contact: Harold Green – (409) 761-0192; Website:  www.tvc.texas.gov