Our Podcast
Build Momentum: Thought Leadership for Education Global Workforce Edition
Welcome to Season 4 of the Build Momentum podcast where exciting changes are on the horizon! Dr. Katie Lash, who recently transitioned from her role at the East Central Educational Service Center to become the Vice President of K-14 and Strategic Initiatives at Ivy Tech, is embarking on a new chapter in her career. We're incredibly excited for her and eagerly anticipate her return as a guest on the show!
While Dr. Lash moves into her new role, our strong Indiana connection continues. This season, we're thrilled to introduce Chad Bolser, Chancellor of Ivy Tech, as our new co-host. Chad's extensive experience working with Ivy Tech, the largest singly accredited community college in the country, and his collaborations with school districts across Indiana and beyond, make him an invaluable addition to our podcast.
Together with Chad, we're launching a workforce development series where we will engage with CTE directors, superintendents, and thought leaders, exploring the evolution of workforce development, strategies that are making an impact, and how these leaders are sharing these success stories within the broader education community. We'll uncover how these leaders are leveraging key partnerships, engaging community stakeholders while also leveraging media to authentically share their story and share their impact.
Tune in for new episodes every other Thursday, available on Spotify, iTunes, or your preferred listening platform as we explore the evolution of workforce development in K-12 education.
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Workforce Development in Washington State: Marina Parr & Stephanie Davidsmeyer
In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Marina Parr, Director for Workforce System Advancement at Washington’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and Stephanie Davidsmeyer, a Director of Communications for the Washington State Board of Education. Stephanie has 10 years of experience in nonprofit, corporate, and government outreach media relations.
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The Big Blur | Joel Vargas, Vice President, Jobs for the Future
In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Joel Vargas of Jobs for the Future, a nonprofit that focuses on strategies to transform education and workforce systems. Vargas is vice president of JFF’s Education practice, which supports systems change in the education ecosystem, influences policies that promote diverse pathways, and identifies and applies data-informed, learner-centered solutions. Before joining JFF, Vargas directed, initiated, and studied programs designed to help students from populations underrepresented in post-secondary education enter and complete college.
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Rural Innovation Series | Jessica Morrison, Executive Director, The Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative
In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Jessica Morrison, the Executive Director of Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative, one of the partners in the newly established Career Launch Southwest initiative, which serves as a vital link between employers and the workforce of the future. She was previously the Director of Career and College Counseling at Animas High School in Durango for six years. In June 2021, the school won the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) Award from the Colorado Department of Education for its Sophomore Inspire Week program.
Rural Innovation Series | Aaron Black, Superintendent, Randolph Eastern School Corporation
In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Aaron Black. He is currently the Superintendent at Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Union City, Indiana, and is spearheading the Rural Alliance Zone 32. Aaron was named a semifinalist for the Yass Innovation Prize 2023 from the Yass Center for Education (formerly the Center for Education Reform). The prize recognizes leaders in sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless education.
Rural Innovation Series | Lauren Marie Hall Riggens, Senior Manager, Empower Schools
In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Lauren Marie Hall Riggins, a senior manager at Empower Schools, a national nonprofit that partners with communities and educators to reimagine local education systems. Lauren is currently the Director of Youth Poet Laureate at VOICES Corporation, an organization offering culturally sustaining programs for young people, where she also serves as a board member and consultant. She is an experienced educator, researcher, and nonprofit leader with many notable achievements.
Rural Innovation Series | Mike Gonzalez, Executive Director, Rural Schools Innovation Zone
In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Michael Gonzalez, executive director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone out of Premont,Texas. He was also a former principal at Premont Collegiate High School. This is the first episode in a four-part series focusing on rural collaboratives that are developing opportunities for students in specialized career pathways.
Strategic Community Partnerships Drive Innovative Workforce Development at Tacoma Public Schools | Adam Kulaas
In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Adam Kulaas, the Director of Innovative Learning and Career and Technical Education for Tacoma Public Schools in Washington State. He also founded Jobs 253, which offers the district’s high school students the opportunity to earn credit toward graduation while gaining meaningful work experience.
K-12 to Career: How Community Colleges are Accelerating Workforce Development
In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by a new co-host, Chad Bolser, a Chancellor from Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. In previous roles, he served as vice president of Strategic Operations-Southern Campuses and Chancellor at the Richmond Campus. Chad was the athletic director at Richmond Community Schools for six years and the head coach for boys basketball for 10 years. We also bid farewell to Dr. Katie Lash as she embarks on a new chapter of her career as Ivy Tech’s Vice President for K-14 and Strategic Initiatives.
