Shows
Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s TalentMeaningful climate action is higher ed’s responsibilityDiscover how higher education serves as a catalyst for climate solutions and societal progress in this live taping of Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Talent podcast from the 2025 SXSW Podcast Lounge. Leaders in academia, policy, and environmental advocacy will unpack the role learning beyond high school plays in driving innovation, creating climate resilient economies, and preparing the next generation of changemakers. From cutting-edge research to community engagement initiatives, this show explores how higher education leverages resources to tackle climate challenges, advances equity, and builds a more sustainable future. Gain insights into transformative projects and actionable strategies that demonstrate the soci...2025-07-171h 00
FutureMakers Talent TalkUnlocking Talent with Unique Abilities — Expanding Opportunities and Building Stronger Career PathwaysIn this episode, we speak with Christian Zimmerman, a national leader in education and workforce development, about how individuals with unique abilities are redefining talent in today’s job market. Drawing on his experience at the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and his work on national postsecondary transition programs, Christian shares real stories and actionable strategies for educators, employers, and training providers.
Discover why hiring people with diverse abilities is not only meaningful but also a smart move for any organization. Learn what sets Florida’s FPCTPs apart, how career and technical education programs are crea...2025-07-1041 minFutureMakers Talent TalkUnlocking Talent with Unique Abilities — Expanding Opportunities and Building Stronger Career PathwaysIn this episode, we speak with Christian Zimmerman, a national leader in education and workforce development, about how individuals with unique abilities are redefining talent in today’s job market. Drawing on his experience at the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and his work on national postsecondary transition programs, Christian shares real stories and actionable strategies for educators, employers, and training providers.
Discover why hiring people with diverse abilities is not only meaningful but also a smart move for any organization. Learn what sets Florida’s FPCTPs apart, how career and technical education programs are crea...2025-07-1041 minFutureMakers Talent TalkUnlocking Talent with Unique Abilities — Expanding Opportunities and Building Stronger Career PathwaysIn this episode, we speak with Christian Zimmerman, a national leader in education and workforce development, about how individuals with unique abilities are redefining talent in today’s job market. Drawing on his experience at the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and his work on national postsecondary transition programs, Christian shares real stories and actionable strategies for educators, employers, and training providers.Discover why hiring people with diverse abilities is not only meaningful but also a smart move for any organization. Learn what sets Florida’s FPCTPs apart, how career and technical education programs are crea...2025-07-1041 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkThe Future of Work: Resilience in Design, Construction, and CommunityIn this episode of Talent Talk, we sit down with Jeff Carney, Director of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER) at the University of Florida, to explore how the concepts of resilience are reshaping careers in design, construction, and planning. From shifting skill sets and cross-disciplinary collaboration to the growing importance of community-engaged learning, Jeff shares insights on what the workforce of the future needs to thrive in an era of increasing environmental and social challenges. Whether you’re a student, educator, or industry professional, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can build both st...2025-06-1649 minFutureMakers Talent TalkThe Future of Work: Resilience in Design, Construction, and CommunityIn this episode of Talent Talk, we sit down with Jeff Carney, Director of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER) at the University of Florida, to explore how the concepts of resilience are reshaping careers in design, construction, and planning. From shifting skill sets and cross-disciplinary collaboration to the growing importance of community-engaged learning, Jeff shares insights on what the workforce of the future needs to thrive in an era of increasing environmental and social challenges. Whether you’re a student, educator, or industry professional, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can build both st...2025-06-1649 minFutureMakers Talent TalkThe Future of Work: Resilience in Design, Construction, and CommunityIn this episode of Talent Talk, we sit down with Jeff Carney, Director of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER) at the University of Florida, to explore how the concepts of resilience are reshaping careers in design, construction, and planning. From shifting skill sets and cross-disciplinary collaboration to the growing importance of community-engaged learning, Jeff shares insights on what the workforce of the future needs to thrive in an era of increasing environmental and social challenges. Whether you're a student, educator, or industry professional, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can build both stronger...2025-06-1649 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkSecond Chances and New Foundations: Paul’s StoryIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul, a resilient entrepreneur and tradesman whose journey from addiction and incarceration to owning a growing plumbing and contracting business is nothing short of inspiring. Paul opens up about the struggles he faced, the turning point that changed everything, and how support from the Navigator program helped him rebuild—not just his career, but his life.
From navigating reentry and family responsibilities to chasing big dreams and staying grounded, Paul shares what keeps him motivated and how he hopes his story inspires others who are searching for a second ch...2025-05-2725 minFutureMakers Talent TalkSecond Chances and New Foundations: Paul’s StoryIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul, a resilient entrepreneur and tradesman whose journey from addiction and incarceration to owning a growing plumbing and contracting business is nothing short of inspiring. Paul opens up about the struggles he faced, the turning point that changed everything, and how support from the Navigator program helped him rebuild—not just his career, but his life.
From navigating reentry and family responsibilities to chasing big dreams and staying grounded, Paul shares what keeps him motivated and how he hopes his story inspires others who are searching for a second ch...2025-05-2725 minFutureMakers Talent TalkSecond Chances and New Foundations: Paul’s StoryIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul, a resilient entrepreneur and tradesman whose journey from addiction and incarceration to owning a growing plumbing and contracting business is nothing short of inspiring. Paul opens up about the struggles he faced, the turning point that changed everything, and how support from the Navigator program helped him rebuild—not just his career, but his life.From navigating reentry and family responsibilities to chasing big dreams and staying grounded, Paul shares what keeps him motivated and how he hopes his story inspires others who are searching for a second ch...2025-05-2725 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWeathering the Storm: Building Workforce Resilience and Community EmpathyWhen disaster strikes, it doesn’t just impact buildings — it shakes the very foundation of our communities and workplaces. In this episode, we sit down with Chapman Insurance Group to explore how organizations can foster employee resilience and strengthen community empathy in the face of storms and crises. We’ll discuss practical strategies to prepare teams ahead of disasters, ways to support employees and employers through business disruptions and job losses, and how collaboration can rebuild a stronger, more connected workforce after the storm has passed. Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about community recovery, this con...2025-05-0544 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWeathering the Storm: Building Workforce Resilience and Community EmpathyWhen disaster strikes, it doesn’t just impact buildings — it shakes the very foundation of our communities and workplaces. In this episode, we sit down with Chapman Insurance Group to explore how organizations can foster employee resilience and strengthen community empathy in the face of storms and crises. We’ll discuss practical strategies to prepare teams ahead of disasters, ways to support employees and employers through business disruptions and job losses, and how collaboration can rebuild a stronger, more connected workforce after the storm has passed. Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about community recovery, this con...2025-05-0544 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWeathering the Storm: Building Workforce Resilience and Community EmpathyWhen disaster strikes, it doesn’t just impact buildings — it shakes the very foundation of our communities and workplaces. In this episode, we sit down with Chapman Insurance Group to explore how organizations can foster employee resilience and strengthen community empathy in the face of storms and crises. We’ll discuss practical strategies to prepare teams ahead of disasters, ways to support employees and employers through business disruptions and job losses, and how collaboration can rebuild a stronger, more connected workforce after the storm has passed. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about community recovery, this conver...2025-05-0544 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Barriers to training don’t have to prevent you from starting a great careerApril Mesa and Africa Newby are Navigators within the FutureMakers Coalition. As Navigators, Mesa and Newby work with adults who want to gain new job skills and expand their career possibilities, assisting with everything from exploring options to completing degrees. On today’s episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the work of Navigators, the most common barriers they find people struggling with, and how they help individuals to overcome. We also share testimonies of the impactful work happening within this program. The post Workforce Development: Barriers to training don’t have to prevent you from starting a grea...2024-10-2500 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Barriers to training don’t have to prevent you from starting a great careerApril Mesa and Africa Newby are Navigators within the FutureMakers Coalition. As Navigators, Mesa and Newby work with adults who want to gain new job skills and expand their career possibilities, assisting with everything from exploring options to completing degrees. On today’s episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the work of Navigators, the most common barriers they find people struggling with, and how they help individuals to overcome. We also share testimonies of the impactful work happening within this program. The post Workforce Development: Barriers to training don’t have to prevent you from starting a grea...2024-10-2500 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Building rural learning systems in Hendry CountyMichael Swindle is the Superintendent of Hendry County Schools, a rural school district serving over 13,000 students. On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the areas Swindell is working to grow in Hendry County, namely early learning, graduation rates, transportation and housing. We discuss HCSD’s workforce development initiatives and ways the district helps students make informed decisions about their future careers by incorporating career exploration and guidance into the K-12 curriculum. The post Workforce Development: Building rural learning systems in Hendry County first appeared on FutureMakers Coalition.2024-10-2542 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Building rural learning systems in Hendry CountyMichael Swindle is the Superintendent of Hendry County Schools, a rural school district serving over 13,000 students. On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the areas Swindell is working to grow in Hendry County, namely early learning, graduation rates, transportation and housing. We discuss HCSD’s workforce development initiatives and ways the district helps students make informed decisions about their future careers by incorporating career exploration and guidance into the K-12 curriculum. The post Workforce Development: Building rural learning systems in Hendry County first appeared on FutureMakers Coalition.2024-10-2542 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Building rural learning systems in Hendry CountyMichael Swindle is the Superintendent of Hendry County Schools, a rural school district serving over 13,000 students. On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the areas Swindell is working to grow in Hendry County, namely early learning, graduation rates, transportation and housing. We discuss HCSD’s workforce development initiatives and ways the district helps students make informed decisions about their future careers by incorporating career exploration and guidance into the K-12 curriculum. 2024-10-2542 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Barriers to training don't have to prevent you from starting a great careerApril Mesa and Africa Newby are Navigators within the FutureMakers Coalition. As Navigators, Mesa and Newby work with adults who want to gain new job skills and expand their career possibilities, assisting with everything from exploring options to completing degrees. On today’s episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the work of Navigators, the most common barriers they find people struggling with, and how they help individuals to overcome. We also share testimonies of the impactful work happening within this program. 2024-10-2500 minFutureMakers Talent TalkStudent Voices: Reconnecting with education to achieve a dream24-year-old Junson Francois is a first-generation Haitian American who was born in Miami, Florida and raised in Lee County. Junson, who worked with a FutureMakers Navigator to reconnect with education to get into the career of his dreams, is currently a probationary firefighter with North Fort Myers Fire Department. On this episode of Talent Talk we discuss Junson’s story, the challenges he faced growing up and what advice he has for others facing similar things, as well as what led him to begin serving as a firefighter. The post Student Voices: Reconnecting with education to achieve a...2024-10-2521 minFutureMakers Talent TalkStudent Voices: Reconnecting with education to achieve a dream24-year-old Junson Francois is a first-generation Haitian American who was born in Miami, Florida and raised in Lee County. Junson, who worked with a FutureMakers Navigator to reconnect with education to get into the career of his dreams, is currently a probationary firefighter with North Fort Myers Fire Department. On this episode of Talent Talk we discuss Junson’s story, the challenges he faced growing up and what advice he has for others facing similar things, as well as what led him to begin serving as a firefighter. The post Student Voices: Reconnecting with education to achieve a...2024-10-2521 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Giving second chancers an opportunity to succeedNeil Volz is the Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC). On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the importance of helping individuals who have been previously incarcerated to find meaningful careers and to help educate employers on the benefits and practical implications of Second Chance hiring. Neil has more than 25 years of experience working as a public servant and community advocate. He recently helped lead the passage of Amendment 4, ending the lifetime ban on voting for people with past convictions in the state of Florida and restoring voting eligibility for 1.4 million people, representing the largest...2024-10-2543 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Giving second chancers an opportunity to succeedNeil Volz is the Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC). On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the importance of helping individuals who have been previously incarcerated to find meaningful careers and to help educate employers on the benefits and practical implications of Second Chance hiring. Neil has more than 25 years of experience working as a public servant and community advocate. He recently helped lead the passage of Amendment 4, ending the lifetime ban on voting for people with past convictions in the state of Florida and restoring voting eligibility for 1.4 million people, representing the largest...2024-10-2543 minFutureMakers Talent TalkStudent Voices: Using second changes to help the next generationWilliam Stewart is the owner of Stewart & Sons Electric, an all-inclusive electrical contracting company. A Southwest Florida native, William graduated from the Tri-County Apprenticeship Program after being formerly incarcerated. He went on to start his own business and now serves as the third-year teacher at Tri-County, educating the next generation of electricians. On this episode of Talent Talk, we talk about what employers can do to create opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as what makes a great employee and lifelong learner. William is building a business and family legacy that will last for generations, and we discuss...2024-10-2537 minFutureMakers Talent TalkStudent Voices: Using second changes to help the next generationWilliam Stewart is the owner of Stewart & Sons Electric, an all-inclusive electrical contracting company. A Southwest Florida native, William graduated from the Tri-County Apprenticeship Program after being formerly incarcerated. He went on to start his own business and now serves as the third-year teacher at Tri-County, educating the next generation of electricians. On this episode of Talent Talk, we talk about what employers can do to create opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as what makes a great employee and lifelong learner. William is building a business and family legacy that will last for generations, and we discuss...2024-10-2537 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Rural work and thoughts on why developing expertise in rural communities is importantDakota Pawlicki is the Director of Talent Hubs with CivicLab. Talent Hubs are designated exemplars that stand out for their efforts to ensure that residents of all backgrounds receive education and training after high school. On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss rural work, the importance of developing expertise in rural communities, and the future of Talent Hubs. In his role as Director, Dakota brings expertise in postsecondary education, collective impact, stakeholder engagement, and change management to a network of nearly 100 cross-sector partnerships, supporting their efforts to improve the human condition. He also hosts Lumina Foundation’s podcast To...2024-10-2546 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Rural work and thoughts on why developing expertise in rural communities is importantDakota Pawlicki is the Director of Talent Hubs with CivicLab. Talent Hubs are designated exemplars that stand out for their efforts to ensure that residents of all backgrounds receive education and training after high school. On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss rural work, the importance of developing expertise in rural communities, and the future of Talent Hubs. In his role as Director, Dakota brings expertise in postsecondary education, collective impact, stakeholder engagement, and change management to a network of nearly 100 cross-sector partnerships, supporting their efforts to improve the human condition. He also hosts Lumina Foundation’s podcast To...2024-10-2546 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Giving second chancers an opportunity to succeedNeil Volz is the Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC). On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the importance of helping individuals who have been previously incarcerated to find meaningful careers and to help educate employers on the benefits and practical implications of Second Chance hiring. Neil has more than 25 years of experience working as a public servant and community advocate. He recently helped lead the passage of Amendment 4, ending the lifetime ban on voting for people with past convictions in the state of Florida and restoring voting eligibility for 1.4 million people, representing the largest...2024-10-2543 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Rural work and thoughts on why developing expertise in rural communities is importantDakota Pawlicki is the Director of Talent Hubs with CivicLab. Talent Hubs are designated exemplars that stand out for their efforts to ensure that residents of all backgrounds receive education and training after high school. On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss rural work, the importance of developing expertise in rural communities, and the future of Talent Hubs. In his role as Director, Dakota brings expertise in postsecondary education, collective impact, stakeholder engagement, and change management to a network of nearly 100 cross-sector partnerships, supporting their efforts to improve the human condition. He also hosts Lumina Foundation's podcast Today's...2024-10-2546 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkStudent Voices: Using second changes to help the next generationWilliam Stewart is the owner of Stewart & Sons Electric, an all-inclusive electrical contracting company. A Southwest Florida native, William graduated from the Tri-County Apprenticeship Program after being formerly incarcerated. He went on to start his own business and now serves as the third-year teacher at Tri-County, educating the next generation of electricians. On this episode of Talent Talk, we talk about what employers can do to create opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as what makes a great employee and lifelong learner. William is building a business and family legacy that will last for generations, and we discuss...2024-10-2537 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkStudent Voices: Reconnecting with education to achieve a dream24-year-old Junson Francois is a first-generation Haitian American who was born in Miami, Florida and raised in Lee County. Junson, who worked with a FutureMakers Navigator to reconnect with education to get into the career of his dreams, is currently a probationary firefighter with North Fort Myers Fire Department. On this episode of Talent Talk we discuss Junson’s story, the challenges he faced growing up and what advice he has for others facing similar things, as well as what led him to begin serving as a firefighter. 2024-10-2521 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Helping the future workforce reach their potentialJamaree Jones and Quay Longs are co-founders of Strive Hall, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering under-resourced youth. On this episode of Talent Talk, Jamaree (President) and Quay (CEO) share about their work as it relates to building the local workforce. Recent graduates of FGCU’s Master of Entrepreneurship program and driven by a passion for transformative experiences, these leaders have created an opportunity for under-resourced youth to immerse themselves in university life for a full weekend, experiencing the excitement and value of college firsthand. Strive Hall exposes students to new opportunities and instills in them the belief that th...2024-10-2532 min
Stories to Create Podcast"Transforming Futures: Tessa LeSage on Workforce Innovation and Philanthropic Impact"Send us a textIn season four, episode 11 of the "Stories to Create" Podcast, Cornell Bunting sits down with Tessa LeSage, the architect and director of the FutureMakers Coalition, Southwest Florida’s premier regional collective impact initiative at Collaboratory. Tessa shared her journey, from being born in Texas to feeling like a Floridian as she grew up in Southwest Florida. She reminisced about being a straight-A student throughout school until college, driven by a desire for something different and grappling with her identity. She started working at the age of 14 and discussed her role with the FutureMakers Co...2024-06-1652 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Scaling TalentIn this episode we hear from Dakota Pawlicki, the Director of Talent Hubs at Civic Lab. He was also our guest in Season 2. Dakota believes that the greatest change happens at the local and regional level. This is significant when it comes to systems change for students who are disadvantaged. He discusses the launch of Talent Hubs at Civic Lab as a way of expanding civic collaboration with support to regions and cross-sector partnerships. The Talent Hub designation continues to strengthen collective work that is focused on educational attainment beyond high school. Dakota also shares his perspective on the val...2021-12-0158 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Educating Future DevelopersJoe Bonora is the founder and president of Catalyst Asset Management and Catalyst Community Capital, Inc. The nonprofit works to provide investment for small businesses and project development with a concentration on multifamily properties. This includes mentorship, coaching, and technical assistance for developers to operate independently. He explains how he acquired knowledge through his entrepreneurial upbringing as a self-learner, despite not receiving a formal education beyond high school. Joe also elaborates on educating more people of color to the development business. He emphasizes that people living within communities are more aware of their residents and neighbors than an outside develo...2021-12-0155 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Strengthening Rural CommunitiesMichael Swindle was our first guest in the first season of Talent Talk. He discusses his vision as the current Superintendent of Hendry County Schools with a workforce-oriented approach. Mike started his position during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented several unique challenges going forward. He shares the focus of closing the achievement gaps, building capacity, and creating sustainable efforts for educational attainment within Hendry County. This includes increasing third grade reading proficiency and working to increase graduation rates. It’s somewhat of a challenge working within a rural community with limited resources. He also shares progress from wor...2021-11-1735 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Translating Liberal Arts EducationDr. Glenn Whitehouse is the Associate Dean of College of Arts & Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Director of the PAGES program. Glenn earned his Philosophy degree at the New College of Florida. He worked over the summer at a tech firm and completed a research report for the company to receive grant funding. He explains how his experience as a liberal arts student offered skills that translated into an entry level job. As Liberal Arts majors, students have many choices when it comes to choosing career pathways. The PAGES program at FGCU is designed to help stu...2021-11-1737 minFutureMakers Talent TalkAdult learners: Stopping Out Is Not Dropping OutIn this episode of Talent Talk, we hear from Jason Powella on his experience as an adult learner that returned to the classroom after stopping out. Many students in his situation were only a few credits short of earning their credential but faced uncontrollable life circumstances. Jason is the Senior Special Event Planner for the Lee Health Foundation and a member of Southwest Florida’s Talent Hub Advisory Board. He has worked in the healthcare industry for 15 years and is working currently working in fundraising. Jason earned his bachelor’s degree through the FGCU Complete program, which caters to students...2021-11-1741 minFutureMakers Talent TalkHigher Education: Prioritizing Returning StudentsShasta College is a community college that serves the three counties of Shasta, Tehama, and Trinity in Northern California. In this episode of Talent Talk, Kate Mahar discusses the significant role the college has had on the surrounding rural community it serves. Kate is the Dean of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives and explains her role in scaling best practices for degree seeking students. As a Talent Hub, Shasta College provides a notable example of the benefits of long-standing efforts to better-serve adults learners. Kate explains the piloting of the ACE (Accelerated College Education) and Credit for Prior Learning as two pr...2021-11-1757 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Accelerating College ReadinessRoberto Sanchez is the Director of Secondary Education in Hendry County Schools and serves a diverse school district. He was born in Mexico and immigrated with his family to the United States at the early age of two. Roberto grew up in Arcadia, FL and moved to Hendry County in 2005. He touches on how his father was the driving force in developing his work ethic and desire to gain an education as a pathway to a better life. He served as a teacher and principal during his tenure at Clewiston High School. Roberto talks about how many students in...2021-11-1744 minFutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Building TrustGrowing up in Immokalee, home to many agricultural workers and their families, presents many challenges as students juggle life outside of the classroom. Noemi Perez is the President & CEO of the Immokalee Foundation and speaks on these circumstances. She discusses her personal journey growing up within a hard-working community that is built on trust, which inspired her to continue this work. The Immokalee Foundation is celebrating 30 years of operation and works to guide students towards academic and career success within a community that is driven by agriculture. The town of Immokalee is in Collier County and approximately 35 miles from Naple...2021-11-1742 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkStudent Voices: Prioritizing your needsOur guest this episode is Carlos Mendez, a first-generation college student in his third year at Florida Gulf Coast University. Carlos is a full-time student majoring in Anthropology, but he is also working full-time as a Graphic Designer. He shares with us what it is like to work full-time while attending college as well as his experience with online school and why he enjoys it. Carlos also explains the importance of employment flexibility for people who are attending school and how that has played a significant role in his journey to completing a degree. Listen to this Talent Talk episode to hear ...2021-03-2400 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: It starts before KindergartenFrom New York to Florida, Susan Block has always known she has had a passion for early childhood education. Susan is our guest on this episode of Talent Talk, and she is the CEO of Early Learning Coalition here in Southwest Florida. She shares her work history and the journey that led her to her current position at the Early Learning Coalition. She explains what this organization is and goes into detail about quality childcare and what it entails. Susan also shares with us why early childhood education is important, as well as how it affects peoples’ involvement in the workforce and t...2021-03-2400 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkWorkforce Development: Career in a yearIn this episode of Talent Talk we hear all about career and technical education from Yolanda Flores. Yolanda currently works at Lorenzo Walker Technical College as the Administrative Director. She explains to us what exactly technical colleges are and the benefits they have for students in the Southwest Florida community, and why it is important for students to pursue a career in the technical pathways. Yolanda also shares with us some of the most popular programs at Lorenzo Walker, both in and out of the health science field. Although technical colleges do offer a variety of opportunities and benefits for students...2021-03-2400 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkHigher Education: Being a student allyOur guest this episode is Jenna Rytlewski, a student success advisor at Florida Southwestern State College. Jenna tells us all about FSW and some of the programs this regionally accredited institution is currently offering. She also shares with us the journey that led her to her current career, and what her job at FSW entails, including how she helps students meet their goals and is dedicated to being a student ally. Jenna also tells us some of the most common barriers students face that her and other advisors are more than willing to help them with, and some of her recomm...2021-03-2400 min
FutureMakers Talent TalkHigher Education: Finish what you startedIn this episode of Talent Talk we hear from Whitney Rhyne, the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Florida Southwestern State College. Whitney begins by telling us about FSW and the diverse and unique student population they serve in Southwest Florida’s five-county region, ranging from students who just graduated high school and full-time professionals looking to attend night classes to further their career, to military veterans. Whitney also goes into detail about the newly developed Second Look Initiative, a program aiming to connect with students who were previously enrolled at FSW who were unable to complete their degrees, and what the process is like...2021-03-2400 min