CWDC Senior Consultant of Sector Partnerships & Industry Bobbie Wolfe spoke on a panel about catalyzing private sector leadership on quality jobs at the Horizons Summit in New Orleans on June 10-11, 2025.
The summit, convened by Jobs For The Future, brought together national partners to discuss workforce development and related topics. Wolfe participated in a panel discussion focused on employer engagement around job quality as an economic and workforce strategy. Panelists included REDF President and CEO Maria Kim; Widening Pathways to Work at the Society for Human Resources (SHRM) Program Director Isaac Agbeshie-Noye; JFF Director Molly Blankenship; and Families and Workers Fund Program Director Jenny Weissbourd.
Wolfe spotlighted actions that organizations can take to be an active partner alongside industry by listening to industry needs, providing a structure for collaboration, and being prepared to connect industry partners to relevant resources to drive implementation.
“Colorado has a rich history of industry-led regional sector partnerships, including South Central Health and Wellness, which leveraged funding through CWDC’s Strong Sectors, Good Jobs grant to better meet talent needs in their region,” says Wolfe. The sector partnership developed a registered apprenticeship program to support a clear and transparent path for upskilling into a certified addiction technician.
“Horizons fostered the opportunity to connect with like-minded social impact leaders around the country who are deeply invested in bridging siloed systems to improve outcomes for our communities. My hope is that attendees walked away with new ideas on how to co-create solutions with employers, especially in this fast-paced and shifting environment,” said Wolfe.
L-R: Jenny, Isaac, Bobbie, Maria, Molly
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