2024 Workforce Summit

Our session, Elevating Leadership: Unpacking Leadership Development Programs, Impact, Inventory, and Best Practices, explored the intricacies of local leadership development initiatives and their significant impact on the workforce ecosystem. Our guest speakers examined how these programs contribute to building diversity pipelines and shared valuable insights into effective practices for cultivating leadership potential within our organizations and communities. Thank you to Danielle Frazier, Janeen Bryant, LaShaun Carter, Elizabeth N. M., Harold Rice Jr, and Chrystal Joy for an inspiring session! https://lnkd.in/gZx8rwnh

Reflecting on our insightful session, True Career Growth and Development: Mentorship and Sponsorship in the Workplace, we delved into the vital distinctions between mentorship and sponsorship and their unique roles in career advancement. Deidra Parrish Williams, Jonathan Gardner, Brian Hall, John Martin, and Sydney Lash offered valuable insights on how to effectively facilitate and leverage these relationships for successful career outcomes. Let’s continue to prioritize mentorship and sponsorship as essential tools for empowering our workforce and fostering professional growth! https://lnkd.in/gkWHQjJr

Our session, Unlocking Potential: Exploring Internship and Apprenticeship Models for Inclusive Talent Development and Social Capital, offered valuable insights into effective models that cultivate talent and generate social capital. We explored best practices for tapping into untapped talent pools and discussed innovative strategies for organizations to develop a skilled workforce while fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in their talent pipelines. A heartfelt thank you to Nicole Busch, Edi Cardoza, Sherri Jones, and Maya C. Norvel for their expertise and contributions to this important discussion. Let’s continue to embrace these approaches as we work towards a more inclusive future! https://lnkd.in/guYN7Rwf

Thank you to Marcia Colson, Reginald Bean, MBA, Sherri Jones, Darren Ash, Dr. Lucille Joe, and Jennifer Dukes for driving the Empowering Access to Education for Employment Opportunities session, where they explored vital strategies for enhancing educational access. We discovered how collaboration with community partners can unveil hidden talent and discussed innovative ways to facilitate professional development, ultimately strengthening our workforce. It’s inspiring to see how we can work together to empower individuals and create more opportunities for success. Let’s continue to champion education as a pathway to employment! https://lnkd.in/g_TxQ_ND

Reflecting on our session, Bridging the Digital Divide: Addressing Digital Barriers to Employment, we gained valuable insights into how the digital divide affects both employers and employees. Exploring the digital barriers that hinder access to employment opportunities, guest speakers discussed innovative strategies and best practices companies can implement to overcome these challenges. By addressing these issues, we can enhance access to employment and foster better outcomes for all. Let’s continue to champion digital equity in the workplace! Thank you Bruce Clark, Natali Betancur, and Donald Michael. We deeply appreciate your commitment to driving meaningful conversations and inspiring positive change. https://lnkd.in/g56hxmvx

In the "Breaking Down Barriers: Strategies for Overcoming Employment Hurdles and Promoting Economic Mobility" session, we addressed the most common obstacles individuals encounter when seeking employment opportunities. Several months ago, we explored key challenges such as affordable childcare, access to education, transportation, healthcare, and housing, while examining innovative strategies and best practices to overcome them. Let’s continue collaborating to advance economic mobility and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Thank you Janet Singerman, Raquel Lynch, Cynthia Bailey, and Ralphine Caldwell, your contributions made the discussion truly impactful! https://lnkd.in/giqmKwfZ

The session, "Connecting the Dots: The Role of Community Partnerships," provided valuable insights into the impact of community, faith-based, and grassroots organizations in workforce development. It emphasized the importance of leveraging our collective strengths—such as networks, trust, and cultural competence—to build stronger partnerships that address the evolving needs of today's workforce and foster economic opportunities for all. Thank you to Sheena Ashley, Jeff Glenn, Noriela “Nori” Maldonado, Tiffany Capers for sharing your insights! See video: https://lnkd.in/gmXRq3v3

During the 'Navigating Tomorrow's Workforce: Employment Forecasting for Charlotte's Workforce Ecosystem' session, we took a deep dive into the data shaping the future of work. With AI projected to automate 30% of working hours by the end of the decade, we explored emerging trends and forward-thinking strategies to help businesses stay ahead. This eye-opening discussion provided actionable insights for navigating the evolving workforce landscape and crafting strategies that will drive success in tomorrow’s business environment. Revisit the session here: https://lnkd.in/eEgNPefW Thank you to Kevin Loux, Timothy Ewing, and Adrienne Hua for making it possible!

As we celebrate the power of workforce development, the 'Second Chance Hiring: Unlocking Potential Through Workforce Development for Justice-Involved Individuals' session offered invaluable insights. We explored how investing in skills training, employment support, and career advancement for justice-involved individuals can break down barriers, reduce recidivism, and build stronger, more inclusive communities. It was a truly inspiring discussion on how second chance hiring can create lasting, positive change for individuals and society. Thank you to our speakers that facilitated this wonderful discussion Erik Ortega, Patrice Funderburg, she.her, Henry Rock, Sonya Harper, and Chablis Dandridge! Watch the session video: https://lnkd.in/eZNx37PD

Happy Workforce Development Month! As we celebrate the critical contributions of workforce development to our growing national economy, we're reminded of the inspiring insights shared at the 2024 Workforce Summit. Laura Ullrich's keynote on the economy and the future of work was both thought-provoking and forward-looking. You can revisit her powerful speech and presentation through the links below. Revisit the speech: https://bit.ly/4dhpZf7 View the presentation: https://bit.ly/3zAChBu