State of Our Workforce

by National Fund for Workforce Solutions

Welcome to State of Our Workforce, where every month, National Fund director of learning and evaluation, Michelle Wilson, Ed.D., takes us on a journey into the heart of workforce innovation.

 

Join us for a deeper dive into the diverse, groundbreaking solutions our network employs to tackle local challenges nationwide. We're changing the very paradigm of workforce development, focusing on equity, empowerment ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Episode 31 - Pride at Work: Fostering LGBTQ+ Equity at Work feat. Janell Thomas (June 2024)

    Episode 31 - Pride at Work: Fostering LGBTQ+ Equity at Work feat. Janell Thomas (June 2024)

    On this episode of State of Our Workforce, we continue our series on the Anthropology of Work and celebrate Pride Month. We dig into how employers can create safe, equitable environments for LGBTQ+ employees and allow people to thrive authentically. We are excited to be joined by Janell Thomas, founder of My CoLab Partners, who shared her insights on building and sustaining inclusive workplaces. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to support LGBTQ+ workers and ensure your workplace is a space where everyone can thrive. Learn more about My CoLab Partners here: https://www.mycolabpartners.com/

  • Episode 30 - Micronesian Employment in Hawai'i's Melting Pot feat. Josie Howard (May 2024)

    Episode 30 - Micronesian Employment in Hawai'i's Melting Pot feat. Josie Howard (May 2024)

    We are excited to continue our conversation about the Anthropology of Work on State of Our Workforce. This month, in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are so excited to be joined by Josie Howard, CEO of We Are Oceania for a conversation about her organization's work to empower the Micronesian population in Hawai'i. Join us as we delve into the complexities of Micronesian employment in Hawai'i's diverse cultural landscape. Learn about some of the transformative initiatives spearheaded by We Are Oceania aimed at empowering Micronesian communities while preserving their rich heritage. Discover how these efforts are shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Micronesian migrants in the melting pot of cultures in the Aloha State. Learn more about We Are Oceania at their website: https://www.weareoceania.org/

  • Episode 29 - Language Justice feat. Andrea Valencia and Anabelle Garay (April 2024)

    Episode 29 - Language Justice feat. Andrea Valencia and Anabelle Garay (April 2024)

    We are excited to continue our conversation about the Anthropology of Work on State of Our Workforce. This month, special guest host Carrie Felton, director of worker success at the National Fund, will be joined by Andrea Valencia and Anabelle Garay from Linguaficient to explore the critical topic of language justice and its pivotal role in fostering equity within our workforce. From dismantling language barriers to empowering marginalized communities, we unpack the significance of linguistic inclusivity in shaping a fairer and more accessible professional landscape. Tune in as we explore the transformative power of language and its profound impact on building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Learn more about Linguaficient here: https://www.linguaficient.com/

  • Episode 28 - WIOA Reauthorization and Women feat. Katie Spiker (March 2024)

    Episode 28 - WIOA Reauthorization and Women feat. Katie Spiker (March 2024)

    We continue to explore the anthropology of work on State of Our Workforce. We're very excited to recognize Women's History Month and discuss the ongoing negotiations around the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in Congress. Discover how the WIOA reauthorization could reshape the landscape of workforce development and what it means for women across industries in an era of rapid change. Katie Spiker, the Managing Director of Government Affairs at the National Skills Coalition, will share her expert insights on policy advancements, skill-building opportunities, and strategies to enhance women's representation and success in the workforce. Read the NSC's report Unprecedented Opportunity: Meeting the Workforce Demands of New Clean Energy, Manufacturing, and Infrastructure Investments here: https://nationalskillscoalition.org/resource/publications/data-infrastructure-investments/

  • Episode 27 - The History of Research in Workforce Development feat. Dr. Angela Jackson and Dr. Rachel Watkins (February 2024)

    Episode 27 - The History of Research in Workforce Development feat. Dr. Angela Jackson and Dr. Rachel Watkins (February 2024)

    Welcome to the new season of State of Our Workforce! This year, our conversations will center on the Anthropology of Work. (Check out our mini-episode to learn more.) In recognizing Black History Month, we are joined by Dr. Angela Jackson, founder of Future Forward, and Dr. Rachel Watkins, professor of anthropology at American University, for a conversation about the history of research and the way it influences us now, with a specific look at its impact in the field of workforce development and how that has affected workers, especially Black workers. Follow the National Fund on LinkedIn to watch live recordings of State of Our Workforce every month.