National Workforce Development Month: Celebrating the People Behind Florida’s Workforce Success

As we mark National Workforce Development Month this September, it’s my honor to recognize and thank the dedicated professionals who play a crucial role in shaping our workforce. Florida’s economic strength and vibrant communities are positively impacted by the dedication of workforce professionals who go above and beyond every day to ensure individuals have access to meaningful employment and businesses can obtain the talent they need to thrive. ?

Workforce development professionals are the link between those who are hiring and those who are looking for work. They serve not only as recruiters but often as counselors and mentors, especially to individuals facing significant barriers to employment. Whether it’s helping a veteran transition back into civilian employment, supporting individuals with disabilities, or guiding a young person toward their first job, workforce development professionals are more than just service providers – their work is foundational to expanding opportunity and fostering resilience across Florida’s communities. ?

In an evolving labor market, these professionals are also the vital link between businesses and educational institutions, ensuring that Florida’s future workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to meet current and future industry demands. As our population grows, diversifying our economy, it is Florida’s workforce development professionals who ensure our educational programs and training initiatives remain in sync with the fast-changing needs of our employers.?

The recognition of Florida’s workforce success wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the personal stories and achievements of some of these professionals who are making a real difference. We recently honored several of them at the Workforce Professional Development Summit in Orlando:?

? Melanie Rebottini, Director of Innovation for CareerSource Palm Beach County and the recipient of the Barbara K. Griffin Workforce Excellence Award has helped address large-scale projects, coordinated with partners and led several significant initiatives, including Human-Centered Design driven improvements and regional planning for her board and CareerSource Research Coast.?

? Amulyasai Bangaru, an SQL Data Analyst for CareerSource Central Florida, was honored with the 2024 Florida Workforce Chairs Alliance (FWCA) Lighthouse Award for developing the Hope Florida query and dashboard, which received high-profile recognition and praise from Florida Commerce, and spearheaded the overhaul of the organizational scorecard, significantly improving the accuracy and relevance of performance metrics.?

? Tim Ryan, Founder of FMB Strong and winner of the 2024 Workforce Partner Award, exemplifies community leadership. After Hurricane Ian, Tim turned his business warehouse into a hub for donations, partnering with food pantries and nonprofits to provide much-needed support to those affected.?

? Maria Martinez-DeLeon, Workforce Services Representative II at CareerSource Northeast Florida and the 2024 Workforce Advocate recipient has provided guidance, encouragement, and support to her customers, including refugees, English language learners, and youth. She has helped countless individuals develop vital skills like resume building and interview preparation, while also providing housing and education resources.??

? Kimberly Kitterman, Professional Services Specialist at CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia is the 2024 Goodwill Emissary. Kimberly’s deep knowledge of the local job market and her compassionate approach have helped 71 individuals re-enter the workforce, providing them with the tools they need for long-term success.???

? Katrina Johnson, Apprenticeship Navigator at CareerSource Capital Region was named the 2024 Service Innovator for her work in reestablishing apprenticeship programs in her region. Before she joined the team, no new apprenticeship had been developed in five years. Within 18 months on the job, she referred seven employers to the Department of Education to create a registered apprenticeship for their organizations and referred five additional employers to existing programs — and she has more programs in the works.?

? Marc Varner, Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist at CareerSource North Central Florida was honored as the 2024 Leadership Ambassador. Marc has been a significant figurehead in advocating for and supporting veterans, actively engaging with them to understand their barriers, and providing valuable resources to help them overcome challenges.?

The impact of these efforts extends far beyond these individual success stories. During our 2022-2023 program year, 18,362 individuals served by the CareerSource Florida network are no longer dependent on public assistance. Of adults served by the WIOA Dislocated Worker program, 76.7% obtained an industry-recognized credential. ?

As we celebrate National Workforce Development Month, I’m proud to recognize these invaluable colleagues who are at the heart of our state’s prosperity. These dedicated individuals not only help Floridians secure meaningful employment but also ensure that businesses continue to thrive in a competitive and dynamic marketplace. ?

We appreciate all of Florida’s workforce champions for the dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment each exhibits daily to building the economic prosperity of our fellow Floridians. Together, Florida’s workforce network is not just filling jobs – we are changing lives.