E101: Elevating America’s Workforce- With Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik from New York’s 21st District in the House of Representatives, joins the program to discuss her advocacy for Fort Drum and the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created at the U.S.- Canadian border. She also discusses Elevating America’s Workforce Act, legislation that establishes personal reemployment accounts (PRAs) to help displaced workers obtain the training and skills necessary for sustained employment.

Ronnie Bryant, Founder of Ronnie L. Bryant, LLC and former CEO of the Charlotte Regional Partnership, joins the program to share tips for how leaders can survive and succeed in tumultuous times. Discover the first questions that leaders need to ask, the characteristics of effective leaders, and the metrics by which leaders are measured.

Dr. Paul David Spradley, CEO of Care Based Leadership, LLC, joins the program to discuss the work that his company does collaboratively designing specific solutions around improving organizational climate and equitable and inclusive outcomes. Discover the power of mentoring, how to engage young African-American men, and how to create a culture of care.

Dr. Paul Harrington, Professor and Director of the Center for Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University, joins the program to discuss the impact of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on young people and the emerging workforce. Dr. Harrington also shares his thoughts on the impact that the current disruption may have on the education system, and the decisions that students make regarding pursuing college and careers.

In this episode, you’ll learn about Operation Next, and the work that they are doing preparing military personnel careers in advanced manufacturing. Launched as a pilot at Fort Campbell, Kentucky in early 2018, Operation Next is an innovative, manufacturing-focused training and credentialing initiative. Operation Next provides a blended learning program to soldiers within their last six months of service, but while still on active duty, resulting in the individual earning one or more nationally portable, standards-based, industry recognized credentials.

Dr. Jerry Paytas, Economic Development Pracademic, Vice President of Analytics at the Fourth Economy, joins the program to share his perspective on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. economy. Discover what workforce boards need to keep in mind when it comes to economic development, and what we can learn from the response from other countries.

Leo Reddy, CEO of the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, joins the program to discuss the importance of a strong national industrial base and the emerging technologies that are impacting the industry. Discover the changing perception and reality about modern manufacturing and the innovation that occurring in the manufacturing sector.

Dr. Alexandrea Ravenelle, author of Hustle and Gig: Struggling and Surviving in the Sharing Economy, joins the program to discuss the costs, benefits and social impact of freelance work and the gig economy. Discover the economic forces that have led to an increase in freelance work, and why some freelance workers do well in the gig economy while others struggle. Dr. Ravenelle also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gig workers.
To get a copy of Hustle and Gig, visit: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520300569/hustle-and-gig