Joining us for this episode is Rochele Burnette, Chief Consultant for Be Wellness Consulting, as she discusses the critical topic of mental health in the workplace. Rochele shares her extensive background in criminal justice and community mental health, and how she became involved in mental health first aid training. The conversation delves into the definition of mental health, the financial costs to businesses when employee mental health issues go untreated, and strategies for reducing the stigma surrounding mental health discussions at work. Rochele also offers practical tips for managers to support employees facing mental health challenges, coping with work-related stress, and promoting work-life harmony.

Tune in for another episode of KRA's The Hub as Derrick Colbert, Director of Strategic Partnerships at KRA, joins us. Derrick shares his background and journey into workforce development, stemming from a family dedicated to service. He discusses his role at KRA, focusing on growth strategies, client acquisition, and partnership development. Derrick emphasizes KRA's unique approach to workforce development, which involves understanding the specific needs of the communities they serve and helping individuals gain stackable credentials and occupational skills training. He also highlights some of his most impactful initiatives, including a comprehensive fatherhood program and KRA's work with TANF recipients in Louisiana. Finally, Derrick shares his excitement for the future of workforce development and offers advice for those interested in pursuing a career in the field.

Welcome back for part 2 of KRA's The Hub special series recorded live at the 2024 NAWB Forum in Washington, D.C. In this episode, host Jonathan Overall continues the engaging discussions started in part 1, sitting down with influential workforce development leaders. Guests include Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director at WorkSource Montgomery, Jaime Cruz, Executive Director for Workforce Connections in Southern Nevada, Mike Fazio, Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, and Melissa Robbins, CEO of NAWDP. Building on insights from the previous episode, they dive deeper into key takeaways from the conference around this year's theme of "Forging Tomorrow's Workforce Today", share strategies for proactively preparing for the future of work, and emphasize the crucial role of continuous innovation and professional development in the evolving workforce development landscape. Be sure to listen to part 1 if you missed it!

In this special two-part series from KRA's The Hub podcast, host Jonathan Overall sits down with influential leaders in the workforce development space at the 2024 NAWB Forum conference in Washington, D.C. Hear insightful conversations with George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook County Workforce Development Board, Drew Hubbard, Executive Director of the D.C. Workforce Investment Council, and Deb Giordano, NAWB Board Member. They discuss the conference theme of "Forging Tomorrow's Workforce Today", sharing their perspectives on embracing generational change, breaking down barriers through partnerships, and the importance of intentional skilling, credentialing, and inclusion initiatives. Tune in for thoughtful reflections on the challenges, innovative solutions, and future of workforce development.

Our special guest for this episode of KRA's The Hub is Kyla Guyette, Director of Strategic Partnerships at KRA. Kyla shares her journey in the workforce development field, from her early experiences helping Hurricane Katrina victims, to her current role at KRA and on the board of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). She discusses the challenges facing the workforce development sector, the importance of aligning ecosystems, and the need for organizations to adapt to the changing landscape. As a woman in leadership, Kyla reflects on the challenges she has faced throughout her career, and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in workforce development.

This episode features a conversation with John Helton, President and CEO of CareerRise, as John discusses the critical role of workforce intermediaries in driving economic mobility and equity. He also shares insights on how CareerRise serves as both a funder collaborative and convener to support workforce development in the Metro Atlanta region. Discover CareerRise's initiatives, including industry partnerships, capacity building, and racial equity priorities. John also offers advice for leaders looking to expand their focus and partnerships to drive greater impact in workforce development.

This episode features an interview with Terrance Bowens, Program Manager for KRA, as he discusses workforce development and customer-centered design. Terrence provides background on his experience in workforce development and what drew him to the field, as well as details on the Northern Nevada region where he currently works. He outlines KRA's role as a one-stop operator facilitating connections between job seekers and employment programs and services and reveals principles of customer-centered design that shape their approach. Terrence also touches on some future goals, like enhancing systems and focusing on the aesthetic experience for customers.

Tune in for a conversation with Dawn Karber, Director of SkillsFWD and Owner of Talent Growth Group, about driving innovation in workforce development. Dawn shares tips for embracing innovation, building strong partnerships, and overcoming common barriers like fear of failure, and skills-based hiring. She also offers insights from her extensive experience in equipping leaders to be proactive change agents to prepare their organizations for the future of work.

This episode of The Hub features a discussion with Knowlton Atterbeary, the Founder and President & CEO of KRA Corporation. Mr. Atterbeary traces the origin of the company, and reveals KRA's commitment to leadership development, both within the firm and more broadly in the workforce industry, highlighting prominent professionals who began their careers at KRA. He also shares insights on employment policies gained through serving on economic advisory boards, as well as his perspective on key workforce development trends, challenges, and preparation needed for the future of work over the next 5-10 years.

In this episode, Jonathan Overall, Senior Director, Workforce Operations, provides an inside look at his own career journey and the experiences that led him to his current role overseeing workforce-services programs across the country. Discover KRA's 40+ years’ culture of developing leaders from within the organization, and the value that KRA places on innovation and people. Jonathan also shares about his favorite parts of hosting the podcast and reveals what you can expect from KRA's The Hub in 2024!

This episode features a conversation with Merry Campbell, Chair of Employment and Labor at Shulman Rogers law firm, as she discusses current and upcoming legal considerations in recruiting and hiring. Touching on issues around AI, demographic data, diversity, equity and inclusion goals, and more, Merry provides perspective on ensuring hiring practices align with emerging regulations while still moving towards creating an ethical and effective recruitment process. Tune in for practical insights about successfully navigating today’s shifting landscape of hiring technologies and requirements.

This episode features a conversation with Kevin Williams from the Spokane Workforce Council about the opportunities and challenges facing workforce development today. Topics covered include adopting a customer-centered approach, the need to diversify funding sources, childcare as a workforce issue, and advice for navigating turbulent times. Tune in for an insightful discussion about workforce trends and innovative solutions being implemented in the Spokane region and beyond.

This episode features a conversation with Ed Hidalgo, founder of Ed Hidalgo Consulting, as he discusses integrating career development and advising into K-12 education. Ed provides an inside look at how schools can foster career readiness and exploration starting at an early age by helping students understand their strengths, interests, and values. He also offers tangible tips for how workforce boards can engage with superintendents, CTE program directors, and other K-12 stakeholders to reinforce career awareness across the entire student lifecycle.

This episode features a conversation with Stephanie Deese, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards (NCAWDB), as Stephanie provides an overview of her career journey and reveals the most pressing workforce issues facing her region today. Discover how the pandemic accelerated innovation like virtual services in local career centers, and key strategies for building partnerships between workforce boards, economic developers, and education providers. Stephanie also shares advice to developing leaders on making boards more strategic, ensuring inclusive approaches, and being part of critical conversations.

This episode features a conversation with Jade Gingerich, Director of Employment Policy at the Maryland Department of Disabilities, for an insightful discussion on disability employment. Jade provides background on her agency's mission to improve coordination of services and promote equal opportunity for people with disabilities. She outlines key state initiatives including eliminating subminimum wages. Jade stresses the importance of changing expectations around disability and work, customized employment approaches, and improved systems coordination. She also shares valuable perspectives on trends like work incentives counseling and inclusive, integrated employment.

This episode of The Hub features a conversation with Jim McShane, executive director of CareerSource Capital Region, discussing the Workforce Alliance, a collaboration of workforce boards across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Jim explains how the alliance allows for coordination across state lines to share best practices, partner with businesses regionally, and leverage training providers approved in neighboring states. Discover the importance of partnerships between workforce boards and economic development to provide talent that attracts businesses.

Walter Simmons, founding President & CEO of Employ Prince George’s and Executive Director of the Prince George’s County Workforce Development Board, joins the program to share his insights about how the workforce system can innovate to meet current and future challenges. Walter reveals the most significant changes needed in the public workforce system that will increase its relevancy over the next decade, particularly to the benefit of the nation's employers and marginalized communities. He also discusses how he has used unrestricted funds to modernize service delivery in Prince George's County.

This episode features a conversation with Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, as she provides an overview of her organization and discusses how Career Path Services is committed to serving underserved communities, including refugees, immigrants, underemployed individuals, and unhoused populations. Cami emphasizes the importance of recognizing who's already serving these communities and partnering with them to provide resources and support, as well as hiring from the communities they serve. She also shares takeaways for any organization looking for innovative ways to engage underserved communities.

Jane Oates, President of WorkingNation, and former U.S. Department of Labor official, joins the program to share her reflections on the recent U.S. DOL Employment and Training Administration Vision 2030 Workforce Convening.  Jane covers topics including the need to focus on equity, career pathways to quality jobs, and building a strong care economy. She also reveals a shift in how workforce boards are approaching their work and the importance of sector partnerships.

This episode features a conversation with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) expert Jeri Perkins as she talks about the importance of DEI efforts for organizations. Jeri talks about how workforce organizations can keep a focus on DEI year-round and how to move beyond "check the box" inclusion. Discover how to create a work environment where all employees feel valued.