OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE
November 12 – 14, 2024 – Connection and innovation were common themes of the Washington Workforce Association’s annual fall conference in Tacoma, WA. Keynote speakers Charlene Li and Eric Termuende set the tone, challenging attendees to lean in to explore and embrace AI innovation, and to foster a foundation of trust in order to weather the future of work, no matter what it looks like. Tacoma’s own Christian Paige, award-winning poet and equity advocate, returned to the podium for a second year, inspiring attendees and reminding everyone that “Hope is not a strategy. We’ve got work to do.”
SkillSource staff members attended from throughout our service area in North Central Washington, attending workshops and presentations to bring back fresh ideas, perspectives, and solutions to support our communities. As one team member noted, it was a true refresher on the importance of the work we do, and an opportunity to strengthen connections so that we can serve people even better.
Several employees and board members also led presentations, sharing their own expertise with other workforce professionals. Programs Manager, Aaron Parrott participated in a panel discussion on internal monitoring, Managing Director, Susan Adams shared insights in adult education in workforce development, and CEO, Lisa Romine presented on collaborating with business to bring clean energy, technology, and industry careers to Washington.
Success comes from these strong partnerships, which was powerfully expressed on stage by Kenneth Sutton, a job seeker who never got a first chance. And now, in his mid-50s, doors are opening for him. He’s learning new skills, and has new quality job opportunities available to him. The doors are opening for Kenneth and so many others because the partnerships ensure that there is no wrong door. Kenneth didn’t know the name of the agency that helped him, all he knew was that people were helping him. That’s the superpower of our state’s workforce development system. When we work together, we thrive together. And that partnership, like Kenneth’s story, deserves a standing ovation.
Thank you to the Washington Workforce Association, Employment Security, and Washington State Department of Commerce and to all the organizers, staff, and volunteers who made the fall conference a success!
