We’re thrilled to mark the milestone of the 10th anniversary of the Partnership’s workforce development initiative with a memorable 2024 UpSkill Houston Summit. 

Join us for a dynamic event as we celebrate a decade of UpSkill Houston's impact on talent-driven economic development. Reflect on past successes, explore the evolving landscape of work, and envision a future of enhanced workforce mobility. Engage with UpSkill Houston's industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to drive collective action, foster social connections, strengthen educational systems, and unlock pathways to economic prosperity. Gain insights from the latest Burning Glass Institute study to drive actionable strategies for workforce advancement.

Summit Overview:

Opening Plenary

• Moderator: Stuart Andreason, Executive Director of Programs, The Burning Glass Institute 
• Anne Bartlett, VP, Brazosport College
• Eric Goodie, EVP, Houston Area Urban League
• Jermaine Monroe, Vice President, Human Resources, Texas Children's
• Michael Webster, Interim President, Houston Community College Southwest

Luncheon Keynote

• Matt Sigelman, President, The Burning Glass Institute

Luncheon Fireside Chat

• Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor, San Jacinto College
• Amanda McMillian, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston
• Matt Sigelman, President, The Burning Glass Institute

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Session #1: Community-Powered Apprenticeships
Learn how Brazosport and San Jacinto Colleges partner with industries to meet workforce needs through shared apprenticeship programs. This panel will discuss collaboration between colleges and companies, highlighting best practices and meeting Department of Labor requirements.

• Anne Bartlett, Vice President, Industry & Community Resources, Brazosport College
• Sarah Currie-Harrell, Apprenticeship Navigator, Brazosport College
• Sallie Kay Janes, Associate Vice Chancellor, San Jacinto College

Session #2: Messaging that Works: New Ways Employers Can Engage the Next Generation
This session explores how employers can connect with Gen Z by adapting hiring practices to focus on transferable skills, certifications, and on-the-job learning. Discover strategies for building effective employer-education partnerships and insights into Gen Z's career expectations.

• Stacy Putman, Olefins & Polymers USA, Manager, Advocacy, Leadership & Workforce Development, Strategic Projects, INEOS
•  Victoria Chen, Co-Founder and Executive Director, BridgeYear
•  Antonio Rios, CTE Work-Based Learning Specialist, Channelview ISD
•  Helen Martinez-Mitcham, Workforce Development Manager, Gulf States Toyota
•  Thomas Luby, Director, Texas Medical Center (TMC) Innovation
•  Lori Colson, Director of Workforce Development Programs, Memorial Hermann Health Systems

Session #3: Fulfilling the Potential: What We Do and Don’t Know About Short-Term Credentials
This session explores the Dallas Fed's research on short-term credentials, focusing on employer demand, wage rewards for certain candidates, and industry trends. It offers valuable insights into the growing interest in these credentials among job seekers, employers, and talent developers. 

• Emily Perlmeter, Senior Advisor, Community Development, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
• Carla Thompson, Workforce Development Manager – Western Region, Turner Industries Group
• Katherine Kiernan, Program Manager, Burning Glass Institute
• Dr. Stacy Ebert, VP of Strategic Initiatives, Alvin Community College
• Leia Miller, Associate Director CTE, Goose Creek CISD