About Working Together: Collaborating for a Future-Ready Workforce
Welcome to The Working Together Podcast, hosted by one of Oregon's local workforce development board directors, Ashley Espinoza, and powered by the Oregon Workforce Partnership. Every episode is thoughtfully curated to shine a light on the good work being done across Oregon's nine regions—from the mountains to the coast—showcasing workforce innovation, economic growth, and the complexities shaping our communities.
Stay inspired as we highlight powerful partnerships and transformative initiatives driving Oregon's future.
E16: Reflecting on a Career of Service: A Conversation with Andrew McGough
In this episode of the Working 2gether podcast, discover a thoughtful conversation with Andrew McGough, longtime workforce development leader and Executive Director of Worksystems, as he reflects on more than three decades of experience shaping Oregon's public workforce system. From the evolution of workforce boards and regional partnerships to the growing impact of artificial intelligence, remote work, and shifting federal policies, Andrew shares candid insights on the challenges and opportunities facing workforce development today. The conversation also explores innovative training models, collaboration across state lines, and the importance of building systems that truly connect job seekers, employers, education, and community resources in meaningful ways. As Andrew prepares for retirement, this episode offers both a reflection on the past and an honest look at the future of workforce development
26 Feb 2026
E15: From Community Roots to State Leadership: A Conversation with Oregon State Rep. Daniel Nguyen
In this episode of Working Together, we sit down with Oregon State Representative Daniel Nguyen to explore his journey from the child of refugees and small business owner to a leader in the Oregon Legislature. Drawing on his experience in entrepreneurship and public service, Representative Nguyen reflects on how representation shapes policymaking, why diversity strengthens economic outcomes, and how immigrant resilience informs his approach to leadership. The conversation also examines Oregon's economic future, and what it will take to position the state for long-term competitiveness and inclusive prosperity.
29 Apr 2025
E14: Clean Slate, Fresh Start: Transforming Lives After Incarceration
Discover how innovative expungement programs are transforming lives and strengthening communities in this episode of Working Together. You'll learn how Clean Slate Clackamas is breaking down barriers for individuals with criminal records, creating pathways to employment, housing, and self-sufficiency. Through partnerships between workforce boards, legal advocates, and community organizations, this conversation explores the power of second chances, the importance of access to justice, and why investing in these programs benefits not only individuals but entire communities. Tune in to hear real-world success stories and gain insight into how collaborative solutions are shaping a more inclusive future.
30 Mar 2025
E13: Collaboration and Innovation in Workforce Development: A Conversation with Jaime Cruz
In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Cruz, Executive Director of Workforce Connections, Southern Nevada's Local Workforce Development Board. Jaime shares his insights on the vital role collaboration plays in workforce development, discussing how partnerships between businesses, education, and community organizations drive effective solutions. He dives into the transformative potential of technology in upskilling workers, highlights the importance of soft skills, and explores the future of workforce development in a rapidly changing landscape. Tune in for a conversation full of practical strategies and inspiring ideas for shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
24 Feb 2025
E12: From Expert to Coach: Reimagining Workforce Development Services
Tune in for a conversation with Tiffany Grimes, founder of Empower Coaching and Training, as she discusses bringing coaching methodologies to workforce development. Tiffany, with 16 years of experience in the workforce sector, discusses how her organization helps workforce professionals and job seekers develop "soft skills" that account for 75% of job success. The discussion covers empowering clients through coaching rather than consulting or advising, the neuroscience behind behavior change, and how this approach prevents burnout among workforce professionals while creating employment outcomes for job seekers. Tiffany also shares her partnership with the Oregon Employment Training Association (OEDA) and her mission to "infiltrate workforce development with coaching" to create human-centered employment services.
24 Feb 2025
E11: Embracing AI and Automation: How the Rogue Workforce Partnership is Transforming Operations
In this episode, we are joined by Heather Stafford, the CEO and President of the Rogue Workforce Partnership. Heather shares her unique perspective, having come from a background in the private sector and startups. She discusses how the Rogue Workforce Partnership has embraced innovation and technology to transform their operations, from automating administrative tasks to leveraging real-time data analytics. She also delves into the evolving workforce landscape in the Rogue Valley, highlighting the region's shift from forestry to emerging sectors like healthcare, transportation, and small manufacturing. Additionally, she explores the potential impact of AI and automation on the future of work, and how the Rogue Workforce Partnership is preparing their community for these technological advancements.
10 Jan 2025
E10: From Incarceration to Integration: Oregon's Collaborative Approach to Workforce Development
In this conversation, we explore an innovative partnership between the Oregon Department of Corrections, the Oregon Employment Department, and the Oregon Workforce Partnership. Hear from Amy Bertrand, the Reentry and Release Administrator for the Oregon Department of Corrections, as she shares the inspiring story of how these organizations came together to provide community-based workforce development services inside correctional facilities. Learn about the challenges overcome, the grant funding secured, and the ambitious plans to scale this program statewide. You'll also discover how this collaborative effort is transforming the reentry process, empowering incarcerated individuals, and strengthening communities across Oregon.
10 Jan 2025
E09: Redefining Workforce Development: Lessons from the Center for Workforce Excellence International
In this episode, host Ashley Espinoza interviews Walter Simmons, the founding CEO of Employ Prince George's and Principal Consultant of the Center for Workforce Excellence International. They discuss the critical role of workforce boards, the philosophy of workforce development as economic development, and Walter's forecasts for the future of the workforce system. Tune in to hear valuable insights and practical advice for workforce practitioners looking to maximize their impact and support their local communities.
11 Dec 2024
E08: Bold Solutions: Everyone Village's Innovative Approach to Homelessness
Pastor Gabe shares Everyone Village's innovative approach to homelessness, demonstrating how dignity-focused relationships and unique partnerships can create positive outcomes for both residents and the broader community.
11 Dec 2024
E07: Data with Purpose: How Numbers Drive Community Change
Dr. Christopher Laney shares how data analysis drives community change by revealing workforce shortages and challenges, empowering workforce boards to proactively address local needs.
28 Oct 2024
E06: Building Digital Bridges: How Grouptrail is Connecting Oregon's Students to Work
In this episode of Working Together, host Ashley Espinoza sits down with Justin Yuen, Founder and CEO of Grouptrail, to discuss how technology is helping connect students with workforce opportunities across Oregon. From its beginnings with Portland Public Schools in 2017 to its current state-wide impact, Grouptrail has evolved into a comprehensive platform that helps track work-based learning experiences, matches students with career opportunities, and bridges the gap between education and employment. Justin shares insights about the importance of accessible technology solutions, particularly for rural communities, and discusses innovative approaches like text-messaging engagement and employer e-learning programs.
22 Oct 2024
E05: Collaboration for a Cause: Innovative Approaches to Workforce Development
Tune in for a conversation with Tamar Jackson, Senior Community Engagement Director with WorkForce Central in Washington state, about authentic leadership in workforce development, the evolution of DEAI initiatives, and Tamar's innovative "Collaboration for a Cause" events. Tamar shares insights from his journey in the trades to workforce development, emphasizing the need for genuine community engagement and understanding. Discover strategies for effective outreach, the importance of listening to community needs, and how leaders can make meaningful changes in workforce development.
22 Oct 2024
E04: Building Community Awareness: The Role of Media in Workforce Development
This episode features a conversation with Jennifer Richardson, owner of Richardson Media as she discusses storytelling and media engagement in promoting workforce development initiatives. Jennifer, a former journalist turned media company owner, shares experiences collaborating with workforce boards and educational institutions to highlight programs like Team Oregon Build and Nurturely. The conversation covers the challenges and benefits of marketing publicly funded programs, visual storytelling, and strategies for organizations to share their stories with the community.
2 Oct 2024
E03: The Future of Workforce Development: Insights from NAWB CEO Brad Turner-Little
Tune in as Working Together podcast host Ashley Espinoza sits down with Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). Brad discusses the changing landscape of work, including the impact of technology and remote work on talent acquisition and business competition. He also highlights NAWB's efforts to support workforce boards through leadership development, creating affinity groups, and building products to help local boards. Lastly, Brad shares his vision for NAWB as a catalyst for a movement that transforms communities through the power of work.
2 Oct 2024
E02: Breaking Barriers in Child Care: From Early Learning Hub to Statewide Sector Strategy
In this episode, we explore Oregon's approach to the childcare crisis. Host Ashley Espinoza interviews Holly Mar-Conte, Child Care Sector Strategist, about efforts to apply sector strategy to child care. Holly discusses how the pandemic sparked collaboration between workforce boards, employers, and organizations. She shares information on employer toolkits, apprenticeship programs for early childhood educators, and strategies to address child care deserts. Discover how Oregon is viewing child care as part of economic development and community well-being.
2 Oct 2024
E01: Driving Change: Innovations in Transportation Workforce Development
This episode features a conversation with Andy Owens, CEO of A&M Transport. Andy discusses the importance of sector partnerships in the transportation industry, focusing on how collaboration between businesses, workforce boards, and educational institutions can address challenges like driver shortages. He also shares his journey of getting involved with workforce boards and the impact of sector partnerships on solving industry-wide issues. The conversation also touches on the significance of the Good Jobs Challenge grant and its role in supporting CDL training and wraparound services for aspiring truck drivers.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
42
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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