Advertise on podcast: Engaged, Empowered, Employed

Workforce readiness doesn't start at graduation—it begins the moment a young person discovers confidence, curiosity, and leadership potential. In this episode of Engaged, Empowered, Employed, Charlotte Works Communications Manager Shameika Rhymes sits down with Tayuanee Dewberry from the Girl Scouts Hornets' Nest Council and Eric Summerour from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to explore how Charlotte is planting the seeds of success in our youth workforce ecosystem. Together, they discuss how early exposure to STEM, robotics, and foundational "durable skills"—like problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience—sparks long-term impact for our region's future talent. Discover how public schools, community organizations, and regional workforce programs like Charlotte Works' NextGen initiative collaborate to bridge the opportunity gap, ensure ZIP code doesn't determine access, and prepare local youth to step into the careers of tomorrow.

Layoffs are up, AI is on the rise, and the job market is shifting fast. DeVry University executives Dave Barnett and Scarlett Howery join us to break down their latest study on workforce readiness. We tackle the crucial question: Do employees have the necessary skills to stay employed for the next five years? We dig into why workers are prioritizing AI proficiency while employers are demanding self-leadership and accountability and how to close that gap today.

In this Professional Excellence spotlight episode of Engaged, Empowered, Employed, we highlight Ayanna Collins Roberts, a standout participant in Charlotte Works' NextGen program. After facing post-grad uncertainty, Ayanna found new direction through training and hands-on experience that helped launch her career in digital marketing. Recognized for her growth, consistency, and impact, Ayanna's journey shows what's possible when young talent is empowered with the right tools and support. Tune in to hear how she turned a career crossroads into a role she thrives in.

What's the best route to a career in the booming fields of IT, electric vehicles, and other emerging industries? Find out in this episode of the Engaged, Empowered, Employed Podcast with Charlotte Works experts, Senior Economic Analyst Akofa Dossou, and Chief Impact Officer Kevin Loux. They'll break down workforce development strategies, training options, and the push for greater accessibility in these high-growth sectors.

In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte Works staff members, Senior Economic Analyst, Akofa Dossou, and Chief Impact Officer Kevin Loux, to discuss some of the most exciting, yet lesser-known career opportunities in emerging industries. From IT to electric vehicles and beyond, we'll uncover the roles that are shaping the future of work, many of which job seekers may not even realize are available. Whether you're looking to transition into a new field or future-proof your career, this episode will give you the insights you need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing job market.

In this episode, Charlotte Works Community Engagement Manager Tashara Brown chats with Atrium Health's HR Manager Cynthia Bailey and HR Consultant Grace Croft. They discuss the partnership between Charlotte Works and Atrium Health called the Healthcare Career Pathways program and the critical job positions it helps to fill.

Charlotte Works Senior Business Engagement Manager Andrew Davila chats with RJ Leeper Construction's Director of Workforce Development and Strategic Solutions Ben Hutchins about the Coalition for Construction Careers (C3), how Charlotte Works has helped RJ Leeper with Upskilling employees, and how to address the labor shortage.

Charlotte Works' Chief Impact Officer Kevin Loux is joined by Catapult's HR Advisor and Compensation Lead, Becky Drozdz to discuss how companies are responding to today's challenges with talent attraction and retention. This episode also explores some best practices that companies can implement today even when facing budgetary constraints.

Charlotte Works Communications Manager Shameika Rhymes chats with Charlotte Works Program Support Manager Chris Miller about her experience as a job seeker at the NCWorks Career Centers, what she does in her role at Charlotte Works, and how employers can acquire funding to train their employees by applying for Upskill Training Grants.

Charlotte Works' Chief Impact Officer Kevin Loux is joined by Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont's Manager of Partnerships and Impact Mandy Couch to take a deep dive into the context around the Charlotte Talent Survey results. This episode explores the future of remote work, if the great resignation and talent shortage is real, and what employers are doing in response to the current environment.

Charlotte Works Business Engagement Manager Erika Shorty chats with our partner MeckEd about their learning lab and how it's helping high school students on their career pathways.

Charlotte Works Business Engagement Manger Erika Shorty talks with MeckEd student Efuru Cole-Brewer about how she's handling the pressure of navigating through her senior year with virtual learning at Harding University High School during a pandemic, launching her own business, and her goals for 2021.

In this episode we highlight structural inequities and how racial disparities manifest in the workplace. Our Chief Impact Officer, Kevin Loux, talks with Fernando Little, Chief Diversity Officer at Atrium Health and  Sherri Chisholm, Director at Leading on Opportunity, to get practical advice on what we can do to be a part of the solution.

Charlotte Works Business Engagement Manager Erika Shorty talks with a job seeker about how Charlotte Works and NCWorks helped him find a position in the midst of a pandemic and what employers can do to ensure work from home success. Listen to hear this job seeker's inspirational words for others in the job market.

Charlotte Works Business Engagement Manager Erika Shorty talks with Lotticia Shefferson from Discovery Place about preparing youth for STEM careers during COVID-19 and how Discovery Place is promoting diversity in STEM, and what area employers can do to help.