Agency Connections in Action
August 1, 2025 –Big Bend Community College welcomed workforce professionals from across the region for the annual Grant-Adams Workforce Collaboration Summit. Over coffee and conversation, partners came together with a shared goal: to strengthen agency relationships and improve service coordination—so more people in our communities can access the support they need to thrive.
Aaron Parrott, SkillSource’s Performance & Programs Manager, opened the day with energy and purpose, setting the tone for what was more than just a meeting—it was a recommitment to collaboration. Keynote speaker Stu Freed followed, encouraging us to lead with empathy, especially in uncertain times. His call to truly listen—even when it’s hard—resonated deeply, and invited each of us to reflect on one action we’d take forward.
Breakout sessions highlighted practical tools and local resources for youth services, training, and employment pathways, while sparking new ways to align across programs. Chelsey Michel from Employment Security Department emphasized in the lunch hour keynote presentation that wellness and leadership go hand in hand. Through honest storytelling, she shared how self-compassion can strengthen both resilience and impact: “The stories we tell ourselves can increase our wellness, our resilience, and impact the people around us.”
The day ended with renewed connection and a shared belief in what’s possible when we work together. Thank you to Big Bend Community College for hosting, and to every agency that showed up ready to listen, learn, and lead.
