Degan Mercado Leopold’s Post

A multigenerational workforce is like getting the best of all worlds. You mix the fresh, tech-savvy ideas of younger folks with the seasoned wisdom of experienced workers. Plus, you get a broader range of perspectives, which helps in tackling challenges from all angles.

"Donta Green spares no words when describing the root cause of the workforce gap that exists in the region between communities of different races. “I feel like our region has adopted a system that was built by white men to put (first) the best interests of white men,” Green said during the Bridge to Equity: Workforce Development panel discussion on Thursday morning. “What that did was, it's not the generational wealth of the Black man and not just talking about money, but talking about access. Kids can only aspire to be what they see. So if all they're seeing is entry-level positions, then that's all they aspire to be. So I think this is deeply rooted. I think it's far beyond workforce development.” " -------------------------------------------- "“It isn't just being employed, but really about that job quality," said Felicity Williams, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Ed Gainey and one of the panelists. "Having a good job with benefits, being able to maintain that job. I think that's one thing that we have to look at in this region.” Williams, along with panel moderator Rob Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work, are serving as leaders to coordinate these efforts across the region by developing frameworks under the region’s federal Workforce Hub designation. One of these frameworks is the Pittsburgh Good Jobs Principles, which Williams explained are a set of standards that have been developed that stakeholders and employers across the region are being asked to commit to and adopt in their practices. These principles include prioritizing and tracking progress in training, hiring and retaining disadvantaged workers, offering support services, diversifying procurement and more. She said that currently, over 60 local organizations have signed on to implement these principles and report their progress. “We have to know that the people we're working with are committed to the same core values to be able to actually move this region forward in this way,” Williams said." Read more here:https://ow.ly/NTIp50RauPP

In the session "The Conjunctures of Race, Skill, and Technology: From Cast in a Racial Mould to Recasting Workers’ Power," Bridget Kenny takes us on a journey through the historical intersections of race and skill, and how they continue to shape today’s workforce. Kenny explores how advancements in technology are altering power dynamics within workplaces, revealing both challenges and opportunities for worker empowerment. By critically examining the lasting impacts of racial and skill-based divisions, she offers insights into how we might confront these legacies to foster more equitable and inclusive work environments. This thought-provoking session invites us to reimagine worker empowerment in ways that acknowledge and transform past divisions, paving the way toward a more just future.

As boundaries between our workplaces and society at large continue to blur, the need for organizations to reflect and act on global challenges is crucial. Why? The impact of social issues within our organizations demands our attention. From discussions on DEI to the impact of workplace environments on employee health, our collective future depends on our ability to integrate social impact into the operations of our organizational cultures. "If It's Happening in the World, It's Happening at Work: The Intersection of Workplace Culture and Social Impact," takes place on day two of the Culture Impact Lab. This panel will be moderated by Payal Beri and feature Geoffrey M. Roche, Kai Stowers, MA, PCC, Laura Louise Green, and Ben Frank. We’ll explore how today's most pressing social issues intersect with workplace culture, including: — The backlash around DEI and major issues impacting the rights of marginalized populations. — Toxic cultures as a public health issue around mental health and industry specific-challenges. — Healthcare + education and the workforce and how this impacts patient care, student experience, health inequities, and education inequities.  — Social issues like prison reform and the impact on our workforce. Together, we’re redefining the future of work, one conversation at a time. We can’t wait to see all of our participants at the Culture Impact Lab, happening tomorrow and Thursday in Chicago! https://lnkd.in/gJfT_ffx

Let’s choose to invest workforce development dollars in programs with an evidence base of success.

A big thank you to Working Families for helping shape our latest thought leadership report 'representation matters: how diversity solves the talent shortage.' Working parents make up a significant part of the UK workforce, but they're often overlooked when it comes to benefits and career opportunities. Read Working Families' full contribution below! #thoughtleadership #workingparents #representation #diversity

September is Workforce Development Month! It's a time to spotlight the importance of investing in our workforce and the power of skill development in driving economic growth and personal success. Workforce development isn't just about individuals and companies – it's about communities. In a world of constant evolution, workforce development isn't just an option – it's essential. It is time to invest in upskilling, fostering innovation, and building stronger communities together by fully funding the workforce system. As the One-Stop Operator for Chicago and suburban Cook County, and with a team of Career Pathways Navigators on the ground, we see the importance of equitable access to workforce development. Let's work together to support career growth and create opportunities for everyone. Here's to fostering a future where skills and passion lead to success! #WorkforceDevelopmentMonth

A must read! This piece highlights the importance of a workforce development innovation fund and how it will strengthen the workforce system while helping people attain economic mobility.

💬 We need to be better at preparing young people for the world of work and continuously upskilling and reskilling our adult workforce for success in a rapidly changing workplace says Baroness McGregor-Smith Here's a new report on 'People and Work' from British Chambers of Commerce which emphasise a need for "long-term thinking and a coherent, stable industrial strategy"👇 https://lnkd.in/eVP_38wb

Bridging the Skill Gap: Preparing New York's Workforce for Tomorrow Read More: https://lnkd.in/eTAPhndS In the city that never sleeps, the pace of industry and innovation is relentless. New York's economy, a bustling hub for finance, technology...