Workforce on the Mic: Presented by NAWDP

Tune in for a conversation with Lindsay Lucas, Deputy Program Director at the Council of State Governments, to discover how state and local governments can build stronger talent pipelines for the next generation of public servants. Lindsay reveals the growing need to replace retiring workers, preserve institutional knowledge, and introduce job seekers to the wide range of meaningful careers available in public service. She also highlights apprenticeships, internships, paid learning opportunities, skills-based hiring, and the essential communication and problem-solving skills needed to succeed, while offering practical advice for workforce professionals seeking to build stronger partnerships with local government.

Tune in to discover how Skilltrade is helping reshape the connection between education, workforce development, and employment opportunity through short-term, skills-based training programs designed for today's rapidly evolving workforce. In this episode of Workforce on the Mic, Alexis Franks sits down with Jason Aubrey for a conversation about employer partnerships, healthcare and skilled trades training, community engagement, and building accessible pathways into high-demand careers. With more than a decade of experience in workforce development and education, Jason shares insights into how workforce systems, educators, employers, and community organizations can work together to create meaningful employment opportunities and stronger training outcomes.

In this episode, we sit down with Crystal Odom-McKinney, longtime board member and former Region Five Director for NAWDP, to explore how the organization has evolved to meet the changing needs of workforce professionals and the communities they serve. Recorded live at NAWDP's 41st annual conference, Crystal shares her personal journey from case manager to leader, the importance of intentional growth that preserves quality and connection, and why staying "uncomfortable" is essential for driving real change. She also offers powerful advice on building your professional toolbox, mentoring job seekers to break generational cycles, and keeping NAWDP at the center of your success.

In this episode of Workforce on the Mic, we sit down with Greg Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition, to explore how local workforce systems can drive real impact through relentless advocacy, strategic partnerships, and powerful storytelling. Greg shares insights from over two decades in the field, offering a candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing workforce professionals today. You'll hear how organizations can reduce barriers, align community resources, and elevate job seekers—especially those in historically underserved neighborhoods—into meaningful, sustainable careers. Whether you're on the front lines or shaping policy, this conversation will remind you why your work matters and how to stay the course.

In this episode, we are joined by Larry Robbin, Executive Director of Robbin and Associates, who shares his inspiring journey into workforce development. You'll hear how Larry's grandfather's experience as an immigrant shaped his perspective on hiring practices, and gain valuable insights on how the field has evolved to address increasingly complex barriers to employment. Larry challenges traditional career frameworks and advocates for a strength-based "discovery" approach that uncovers hidden talents in job seekers. Whether you're new to workforce development or a seasoned professional, you'll appreciate his practical advice on building meaningful business relationships and finding fulfillment in this dynamic and rewarding field.

Discover how two innovative leaders are transforming workforce development and community health in this episode of "Workforce on the Mic." Join host Alexis Franks as she speaks with Esther Lewis, CEO of Holistic Evolution Inc., who developed the Barbershop Talks program to address mental health and substance abuse prevention for young men of color, and Soyica White, CEO of The Soyica Experience, who combines barbering with career coaching to help individuals discover their purpose and build confidence. These visionaries share how they identified community needs, developed creative solutions, and are making lasting impacts through their unique approaches to personal and professional development.

In this episode of "Workforce on the Mic," we are joined by B.J. Paige, Executive Director of Youth Guidance DC and an expert in youth workforce development. Speaking from the 2024 Youth Symposium in Phoenix, B.J. shares his personal journey from being a "hard to serve youth" to becoming a leader in workforce development. He discusses the critical importance of apprenticeship programs for young people who may not choose traditional college paths, drawing from his experience with the Baltimore DC Building Trades Council. The conversation highlights innovative solutions for youth workforce development and the importance of maintaining energy and enthusiasm in the field.

Are you a workforce development professional? The answer might surprise you. In this inaugural episode of Workforce on the Mic, presented by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), host Alexis Franks explores the diverse and often unexpected roles that contribute to workforce development. Join us as we speak with Jeanette Jones from the Greater Memphis Chamber and Representative Napoleon Bracy from Alabama to uncover how professionals in economic development, education, and government play crucial roles in shaping our workforce landscape. From innovative industry tours for educators to apprenticeship programs bridging the gap between education and career opportunities, we'll discover how relationship-building and community engagement are at the heart of effective workforce development.