The Forum Archives

Highlights from NAWB’s Forum 2024

Posted on March 28, 2024March 24, 2025 by Support

The Forum 2024: Forging Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

The Forum 2024, held March 23–26 in Washington DC, brought together 1,300 attendees, more than 200 speakers, over 60 breakout sessions, six general sessions, and five NAWB Awards presentations. This year marked the debut of NAWB’s new abbreviated logo and the introduction of our new President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, who served as MC during all general sessions.

Highlights from The Forum 2024

NAWBTown:

The event’s central hub for networking, NAWBTown, featured Sponsor Zones, the Member Zone, and the Town Square, which hosted the Welcome Reception, Jazz in the Park, headlined by DC’s beloved jazz band, Secret Society.

Day One:

NAWB Board Chair Lisanne McNew set the tone with an energetic entrance, dancing onto the stage to a live DJ. She introduced Brad Turner-Little, who shared his vision for NAWB and the workforce development community. Keynote speaker Eric Termuende, best-selling author and workforce trends expert, captivated the audience with insights on trust within teams and communities.

Local Business Sunday:

Attendees supported Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle businesses using $25 vouchers courtesy of NAWB, fostering connections with the local economy.

Day Two:

Inspiring remarks came from Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Kristen Christy, America’s Resilience Trainer. Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the SBA joined Lisanne McNew to announce a new partnership between NAWB and the SBA.

Federal Policy Updates:

The packed session covered FY24/25 budgets, WIOA reauthorization, short-term Pell reform, and National Apprenticeship Act (NAA) reauthorization.

DOL Day (Day Three):

DOL Regional Administrators and NAWB Regional Liaisons hosted discussions on workforce challenges in six US DOL regions. The day concluded with remarks from Deputy Assistant Secretary Lenita Jacobs-Simmons and White House Senior Advisor Tom Perez. Additional sessions, led by NSF and USDA, focused on job quality, innovation, and rural workforce development.

Breakout Sessions:

Topics included virtual reality in apprenticeships, workforce strategies for justice-involved individuals, clean technology, DEIAB, childcare’s role in workforce development, and demystifying AI.

For more highlights, check out #NAWBForum24 on X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Save the Date! Join us March 29–April 2, 2025, in Washington DC for the next Forum!

National Association of Workforce Boards Announces 2024 NAWB Award Winners

Posted on February 29, 2024March 24, 2025 by Support

2024 NAWB Award Winners Announced, Honorees will receive their awards this March at The Forum in Washington DC.

The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 NAWB Awards. These prestigious awards—W.O. Lawton, WIOA Trailblazer, and the Community College and Chamber of Commerce Partnership Awards—honor outstanding initiatives by workforce organizations and their collaborators.

2024 Award Recipients:

Workforce Solutions Capital Area (Austin/Travis County, TX)
WIOA Trailblazer Award
Recognized for its exceptional projects, strategic planning, and innovative labor and demand forecasting.
Pittsburgh International Airport
W.O. Lawton Award
Honored for its impactful contributions to the community through the PIT2Work program.
Hampton Roads Workforce Council
Excellence in Community College Partnership Award
Celebrated for integrating education and workforce services with the Community College Workforce Cooperative.
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
Excellence in Chamber of Commerce Partnership Award
Acknowledged for its collaborative work with the Dallas Regional Chamber.

Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of NAWB, remarked:

“Workforce boards and partners nationwide catalyze economic vitality. These award recipients are inspiring proof points, demonstrating just how much good the workforce system can achieve. We are thrilled to honor their work and dedication.”

“These recipients serve their communities with innovation and impact, providing a model for our workforce system. NAWB is privileged to elevate their efforts.”

The awards will be presented during The Forum 2024, a premier conference for workforce development leaders, businesses, and educators.

For more information about The Forum 2024, visit forum.nawb.org.

About the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB):

NAWB represents and advocates for more than 590 Workforce Development Boards across the nation. These boards work in coordination with education and economic development stakeholders to administer regional workforce programs tailored to the needs of job seekers, businesses, and communities.