Washington Workforce Association

Celebrating resilience and community in Yakima Valley! The small business revival in this vibrant region is a testament to the strength and determination of local entrepreneurs. With vital support from the South Central Workforce , businesses are not only bouncing back but thriving, creating opportunities and fostering growth in the community. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gMjAYZ8D #SmallBusiness #WorkforceDevelopment #YakimaValley #EconomicGrowth #localworkforceworks

Check out the latest Community Reinvestment Project Monthly Newsletter from the Washington State Department of Commerce! This month’s edition highlights impactful initiatives, updates, and success stories driving equity and opportunity across Washington. Dive in to see how the Community Reinvestment Project is making a difference in underserved communities. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gBFyJwjz #CommunityReinvestment #EquityInAction #WorkforceDevelopment #localworkforceworks

That’s a wrap on the 2024 WWA Fall Conference! The last few days were filled with inspiring keynotes, insightful panels, and powerful discussions on building a resilient, inclusive, and innovative workforce across Washington. Workforce development leaders, employers, education partners, and agencies came together to explore new solutions for economic inclusion, digital equity, clean energy jobs, and navigating workforce transitions, among other topics. A huge thank you to all speakers, attendees, and partners for making this event a success. Here’s to the incredible work ahead to empower Washington’s workforce! #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #CommunityImpact #localworkforceworks #wwaevents #wwaconnects

Valuable insights from the Transition: A Look at How Layoffs and Closures Impact Workers, Businesses, and Communities session. Emmanuel Flores and Chelsea Mason-Placek, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and Donna Mack, Employment Security Department, shared practical strategies for navigating layoffs and closures using the William Bridges transition model. The session emphasized the importance of meeting workers where they are and building resilience in our workforce and communities. #WorkforceSupport #Resilience #TransitionManagement #localworkforceworks #wwaevents #wwaconnects

Such a great panel on Bridging the Digital Divide. Shelan Aldridge and Marisol Tapia Hopper, Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, Sabrina Roach, Washington State Office of Equity, and Annastasia Workman, Casa Latina, shared how partnerships are expanding digital skills and access for over 3,160 people, focusing on BIPOC and multilingual communities. Inspiring steps toward digital equity for all! #DigitalEquity #CommunityPartnerships #localworkforceworks #wwaconnects #wwaevents

Insightful session today on Leveraging AI for Workforce Development. Jolenta Coleman, Microsoft, moderated a panel featuring Ritu Bahl, Computing For All, Liz Butowicz, Black Dog Black Cat, and Becca LaNasa, Seattle Jobs Initiative, highlighting how AI tools like Microsoft CoPilot are helping career navigators offer personalized job matching for jobseekers. This innovative approach is improving accuracy and efficiency in career guidance, with exciting potential for broader workforce programs. Thanks to all panelists for sharing these game-changing strategies! #FutureOfWork #AIInWorkforce #localworkforceworks #wwaevents #wwaconnects

Powerful panel this morning on Collaborating with Business to Bring Clean Energy, Technology, and Industry Workforce Development to Washington. Ilene Munk, Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board, led an insightful discussion with experts Wade Larson, Optimal Talent Dynamics, Mark Mattke, Spokane Workforce Council, Lisa Romine, SkillSource Regional Workforce Board, and Laura Ruderman, Technology Alliance, on actionable steps to build and manage regional coalitions that drive economic growth. They shared tools to create quality jobs, build business partnerships, and anticipate workforce needs across Washington’s diverse regions. This session highlighted how effective public-private collaboration is key to supporting clean energy, technology, and industry workforce development. Thank you to all panelists for sharing valuable strategies to strengthen our local economies! #CleanEnergy #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #localworkforceworks #wwaevents #wwaconnects

Eric Termuende shared that predicting the future of work is a lot harder than we think — “who knew Taylor Swift would be the NFL’s biggest star this year?” Instead of trying to predict, Eric encouraged us to focus on how we can thrive in any future. Eric highlighted the importance of trust and removing friction within our teams and communities, sharing inspiring stories on building stronger connections. His takeaway? Small, 1° shifts — like improving communication or taking time to connect — can lead to big, lasting change. In a rapidly changing world, Eric reminded us to slow down, build trust, and make small adjustments that add up to meaningful impact. Thank you, Eric, for a thought-provoking and fun start! #FutureOfWork #TrustBuilding #Leadership #wwaevents

Mike Fong, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving equitable economic growth across Washington. He outlined key focus areas, including: 1?? Community Reinvestment – Strategic investments to uplift under-served communities. 2?? Affordable Housing – Aiming to tackle the housing crisis with historic funding proposals. 3?? Broadband Expansion – Investing $1.2 billion to ensure statewide digital access and opportunity. 4?? Childcare Access – Building and expanding quality childcare options to support working families. Mike urged workforce and community leaders to think creatively, break down silos, and leverage resources to build a resilient, inclusive economy. Thank you, Mike, for sharing a powerful vision and call to action for Washington’s future! #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityReinvestment #localworkforceworks #wwaevents #wwaconnects

Congratulations to Mike McBride, Spokane Workforce Council, the 2024 WWA Workforce Professional of the Year! Mike’s dedication to workforce development is all about bringing everyone along. In a region with high employment but constrained resources, his goal is to empower people with skills that help them support themselves and their families. A highlight of Mike’s work is Career Explorer Northwest, a tool created in partnership with KSPS PBS that showcases local jobs and career paths—introducing students and community members to real opportunities right here in Spokane. Thank you, Mike, for your inspiring leadership and commitment to building a brighter future! Watch: https://lnkd.in/gD5YFEAr #WWAAwards #CareerExplorerNW #WorkforceDevelopment